It’s Saturday, it’s sunny, and it’s summer — which means that you absolutely cannot let this gem of a day go to waste.
Round up the crew, hop in the car, and head out to any one (or two, or five) of these stellar events.
We’re not kidding. GO!
See also
- Canadian pizza chain teases tiny patio furniture on top of pizzas
- Here's your full schedule for this year's Calgary Folk Music Festival
- Canada’s first craft brewery arcade is opening in Calgary next week
Shakespeare by the Bow
What: Your favourite outdoor theatre is back for yet another summer of dramatic and comedic performances. Watch as they perform a light-hearted take on the tumultuous friendship between Proteus and Valentine in Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona.”
When: June 29 to August 19
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 7 pm; Sunday, 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Admission: Pay what you can
Calgary Folk Music Festival
What: The Calgary Folk Fest is back for another year and bigger than ever. They are bringing some big names to the city, such as Passenger, Lee Ann Womack, Scott Cook and the Second Chances, Wallis Bird, and more.
When: July 26 to 29
Time: Thursday, 4 to 11 pm; Friday, 4 to 11 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10:30 am to 10 pm
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Tickets: Online, $25 to $75
Summer Market Presented by Southcentre + Curated
What: Southcentre Mall and Curated market have partnered up together to bring four unique artisan markets to YYC this summer. You can look forward to shopping from many talented makers and artists, treating yourself to delicious foods from YYC Food Trucks, and enjoying live entertainment, all in the south parking lot of Southcentre Mall.
When: July 27 and 28
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE
Admission: FREE
Hang out on one of Calgary’s best patios
What: Take a break from the heat and have an ice-cold bevy on one of Calgary’s best patios. From rooftops to hidden gardens, there are plenty of spots to choose from that will have the vibe and ambiance you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here.
Chestermere Water Festival
What: Celebrate summer on the lake with this fun, family-friendly festival.
When: Saturday, July 28
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: John Peak Park – 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere
Cost: FREE
Pet-A-Palooza Calgary
What: A festival all about pets. There will be a puppy stampede, Bulldog Races, Wiener Dog races, free swag, a puppy water park, and more. Woof!
When: July 28 and 29
Time 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Cost: Free Admission
Hang out with the Pandas
What: The long wait is finally over. The Calgary Zoo has officially welcomed four pandas, two adults and two cubs, into their newly built habitat, The Panda Passage. These furry black and white friends are charming and have a ton to teach us in the five years that they will be with us before returning to China.
Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. Georges Drive NE
Admission: Regular admission to the zoo
Check out Phase 2 of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
What: Looking for a quick escape from the everyday grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies. Opened in March, the spa has taken the last month off to add some exciting new additions to its facilities for summer. Come out for a relaxing experience and the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis
Have a Museum Day
What: Come out to see some seriously awesome works of art at one of Calgary’s favourite cultural centres.
Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master – June 16 to September 9
One New Work Gwenessa Lam: Who Magic – June 16 to September 9
Recent Acquisitions 2018 – June 30 to December 9
The Artist’s Mirror: Self Portraits – March 10 to January 2019
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9tth Avenue SE
Cost: Regular admission to the museum
Tour de Calgary
What: Celebrate all things French right here in YYC and experience the city by bike as you make your way through this hunt. Your first step is you pick up your ‘ticket’ at any of the participating businesses (Truve Wines, Suzette Bistro (either location), Ollia Macarons, and Tea or Velo Cafe).
Visit each location to try a sample, receive a discount, and fill in your ticket. Don’t forget to photograph your journey and post your photos on social media and tag them with #TOURDECALGARY to be entered to win some exciting prizes from each of the businesses.
When: July 16 to 29
Where: See a map of the participating businesses here
Cost: free to participate
Take the Leap at WinSport
What: WinSport’s latest adrenaline-filled adventure, Free Fall, is now open. Climb up an eight-story platform, secure yourself in a bungee harness, and jump off the platform feeling a sensation similar to that of leaping out of an airplane. Any adrenaline junkies out there?
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Admission: One jump: $25, two jumps: $35
Take a float down the Bow River
What: This is a tradition most of us Calgarians look forward to doing at least once during the summer. Plus, it’s the ultimate refresher in the midst of a Prairie heat wave.
Tips: Make sure that you have enough life jackets for your entire group, book your raft ahead of time, park a vehicle at the beginning and the end of your route, and check weather advisories before heading out.
Where: Lazy Day Raft Rentals, Sports Rent, The Paddle Station and the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary
Hit up the King Eddy
What: The highly-anticipated King Eddy is finally (and permanently) re-opened. The revitalized King Edward Hotel was built way back in 1905, so to say this spot is legendary would be an understatement. Patrons can expect a regular lineup of talented musicians at this spot, along with a menu of killer grub and drinks. Don’t forget about their incredible rooftop.
When:
Monday to Wednesday: 11 am to 10 pm
Thursday and Friday: 11 am to 2 am
Saturday: 9 am to 2 am
Sunday: 9 am to 10 pm
Where: 438 9th Avenue SE
East Village Junction Pop-Up Retail Park
What: In only one year, this colourful container lot has turned into a popular Calgary mainstay. Located behind the King Edward Hotel, this is a unique destination that features local retail shops, workshops, music, art, and, of course, YYC Food Trucks. You won’t want to miss out on the fun summer festivities that they have planned at this hip community gathering space this summer.
When: May 18 to September 3
Where: 430 8th Avenue SE
Admission: FREE
Shop Local at Southcentre Mall
What: From the creators that organize the Curated market, there is now a Curated Shop. Shop over 50 of your favourite local artists, makers and handmade businesses, such as Salt Water Tea, RC + Smith, Jennifer Joan Skincare, Bark YYC, Simply Love, and so many more.
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE