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It has sure been a smokey one in YYC recently, but we hope that hasn’t put a damper on your summer fun!
In typical Calgary fashion this week features both the summer heat and cold rainy days, so you’d better take advantage of the sun while it’s still kicking around.
Attend a festival, get out to the mountains, head down the Bow, or just take a bike ride around the city — the heat won’t be here forever so soak it in while you can.
We’ve gathered 28 things happening around Calgary this week for you to check out and enjoy. Have fun!
See also
- A&W restaurants have already run out of the newly launched Beyond Meat Burger
- Saks OFF 5th opening huge new store at Calgary's Market Mall
- Calgary's Batmen work together to give young boy a special birthday
Monday, August 20
GlobalFest
What: Celebrate a variety of international cultures that represent Calgary’s cultural diversity and arts excellence, with a multicultural marketplace, live entertainment, and a spectacular firework show put on by a different country each night.
When: August 16 to 25
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68th Street SE
Cost: Online, $20
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite
What: Have you heard their collaborative album, “No Mercy in this Land?” If not, you’re going to want to check it out. This show will be one for the storybooks.
When: Monday, August 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $40 to $156
Grab a cocktail on one of Calgary’s incredible 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 ambience you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here.
Tuesday, August 21
The Market on Stephen Avenue
What: Shop up to 60 vendors offering fresh food, spices, sauces, treats, art, fashion, and more. Enjoy shopping the walk.
When: Tuesday, August 21
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW
Admission: FREE
Check out Flower and Wolf
What: Take a ride with an Old Fashioned with a twist featuring Old London, Old Oaxaca, and Old Cuba at this new restaurant situated in the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. This eclectic foodie wonderland is both globally inspired and classically rooted in a sophisticated social space aimed to unite locals and travellers alike.
Where: 255 Barclay Parade SW
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat
What: This colourful story aims to inspire and amaze. Be sure to grab a delicious meal from the buffet before the show begins. This is the perfect night out for the whole family.
When: June 1 to September 1
Time: 11 am or 5 pm
Where: Rosebud Theatre Opera House – 106 Martin Avenue, Rosebud Alberta
Tickets: Online, $54 to $84
Wednesday, August 22
A Paranormal Evening with Alice Cooper
What: He’s an American classic, and he’s hitting the stage with that familiar raspy voice we all know and love! How much do you wanna bet that he brings out a snake?
When: Wednesday, August 22
Time: 8 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $47 to $196
Grab some fresh produce at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers’ market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW
Admission: FREE
Music in the Plaza
What: From folk to funk to Country to Celtic, enjoy weekly live entertainment in the Heritage Town Square every Wednesday. Each performance begins with an up-and-coming star from the Stampede Talent Search, followed by some of the best performers in the city. Come for the music, stay for dinner! See full artist lineup here.
When Wednesday evenings from July 4 to August 29
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
Admission: Free with park admission
Thursday, August 23
The Food Realm
What: Join Market Collective and Blank Page Studio every Thursday for an evening filled with good food from YYC Food Trucks, live music and a glimpse into the inner workings of Blank Page Studio. This week you can look forward to trying Waffles and Chix, Hearts Choices, Canadian Bear Balls and more.
When: Thursday, August 23
Time: 5 pm
Where: Blank Page Studio – 1221 B Kensington Road NW
Admission: FREE
Taber Cornfest
What: Enjoy a corn parade, fun run, chilli cookout, exciting entertainment, live music, a show and shine, and more as you celebrate this famous Taber vegetable. The night will end off with a huge fireworks show. Find out why Taber corn really is a big ol’ deal.
When: August 23 to 25
Time: Varies per event
Where: Confederation Park – 50th Avenue and 50th Street, Taber
Admission: FREE
Hang out at the Junction
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. We hear BassBus might even be making an appearance tomorrow night!
When: May 18 to September 3
Where: 430 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Any other day of the week
Find serenity at the new 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 new exciting 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
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 when stuck in 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
Rent a bike and go on a river adventure
What: Grab your squad, get yourself some wheels, and put those bike paths to good use — all while seeing the city from a different perspective.
Where: Rent bikes at these locations: Rath Bicycle and Bike and Brew
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
Take a ride in Handsome Andy with Moose Trail Overland
What: Join local experts and firefighters Mike and Ryan as they show you all their favourite spots in the area and take you on a thrilling adventure in Handsome Andy, a 4×4 Ford E350. Don’t expect your typical cookie cutter tour, as these two are keen to take you off the beaten path and bring your dream of adventure to life.
Price: Varies per tour – book online
Spend an afternoon at the Glenbow
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 9th Avenue SE
Cost: Regular admission to the museum