This week is officially all about rest and relaxation – let the post Stampede cleanse begin!

There are plenty of opportunities to get your workout regime back in order or simply enjoy some low key entertainment as you take in some of Calgary’s best talent! For those looking to get outdoors there are lots of exciting activities happening down by the river or a short drive away in the Rockies.

See also

• 'Kill yourself': Canadian cyclist shares intense road rage video
• Awesome Alberta: Take a summer dip at Quarry Lake Park
• This Calgary spot is making a Stampede Breakfast Milkshake

If the Stampede buzz is still in your system there are a few exciting festivals happening during the weekend that will transport you back into the party.

We have gathered 24 of the best things to do this week in Calgary that will keep you busy while enjoying some much-needed downtime in the city!

Monday, July 16

Cyclepalooza 2018

What: 10 days of biking fun — are you ready? From bike tours (which may include ice cream) to camping trips, you’ll enjoy this bike festival this summer, so get ready to use those two wheels like you’ve never used them before.

When: July 13 to 22

Time: Varies per event

Where: Varies per event

Admission: Varies per event

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 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

Tuesday, July 17

YYC Free Market 

What: Give and take (leaving no trace) is the theme of this fun yearly summer market!

When: Tuesday, July 17

Time: 6 to 9 pm

Where: Container Site in Sunnyside – 1010 2nd Avenue NW

Admission: FREE

Les Miserables

What:  Follow along as this timeless classic comes to life on stage, featuring well-known tunes, “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” and more! Prepared to be dazzled as this epic, uplifting Broadway show goes through the social injustices of 19th-century France, the historical effects of the French Revolution, and the importance of love and compassion, just how Victor Hugo originally wanted.

When: July 17 to 22

Time: Varies by performance

Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW

Admission: Ticketmaster, $45 to $201

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, July 17

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW

Admission: FREE

Macaron 101 

What: Ever wondered how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop, Ollia, hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lessons on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create a variety of flavours. Bon appetite!

When: Tuesday, July 17

Time: 6 pm

Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW

Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

Wednesday, July 18

Macaron 101 

What: Another chance to try your hand at making your very own macarons!

When: Wednesday, July 18

Time: 6 pm

Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW

Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

YYC Girl Gang Presents: Working with Influencers 

What: Join local blogger and Influencer Sam from Sugar and Sam and learn how to build an influencer strategy the fits your brand. Come ready to network with local boss babes as you enjoy a sit down plated meal and awesome swag bags — as usual!

When: Wednesday, July 18

Time: 6:30 to 9 pm

Where: Trolley 5 Brewpub – 728 17th Avenue SW

Tickets: Online, $55

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, July 19

The Loft Speaker Series Presents: Debunking Health & Wellness Trends

What: Join NeuroTrition CEO Orsha Magyar, Sleep Specialist Amy Bender, and Natural Beauty Specialist Allison Cullen as they guide you through the facts when it comes to the world of health and wellness. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta.

When: Thursday, July 19

Time: 5:30 pm

Where: The Loft–  405 11th Avenue SE

Tickets: Minimum donation of $10, email [email protected]amandahamiltondesign.com

NOtaBLE Hour 

What: Head to one of Calgary’s favourite eateries for some after-work libation for only $8 a glass. This deal includes the Moscow Mule Grilled Grapefruit Swizzle, a pint of Village Brewery No Bull beer, or a glass of wine. They will also be offering a chicken dinner for two for only $30, which includes half a wood-fired rotisserie Happy Chicken, with NOtaBLE signature salad and bottomless fries on the side – sign us up!

When: Tuesday to Thursday

Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Where: 4611 Bowness Road NW

Friday, July 20

Fiestaval Latin Festival

What: Celebrate Latin American Culture in this vibrant street festival! Enjoy live entertainment all weekend long, snack on delicious bites authentic to Latin culture, shop for local gems at the Artisan Market, and grab a brew at the beer gardens, overlooking the plaza. Did someone say tacos and guac?

When: July 20 to 22

Time: 11 am to 11 pm

Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8th Avenue SE

Admission: Free

Summer Yoga and Movie Night on the Rooftop

What: They’re back! Sweat it out in a rooftop yoga sesh with instructor Jilaine Beddoe and Sportcheck and then curl up as you watch a classic film on the big screen! Bring your mat along with a cozy blanket and pillow — just in case it cools down throughout the evening.

When: Friday, July 20

Time: 7:30 to 11 pm

Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9th Avenue SE

Cost: $20 drop-in fee

Saturday, July 21

Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders 

What: Grab your jersey and head down to McMahon Stadium for a tailgate and a chance to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders!

When: Saturday, July 21 vs. The Montreal Alouettes

Time: 7 pm

Where: McMahon Stadium

Tickets: Ticketmaster

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!

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

Sunday, July 22

Outdoor HIIT with Movement U

What: Get a tan while you work on your fitness! Spend an hour outdoors as two Movement U instructors team up to take your summer workout to the next level at Murdoch Park in Bridgeland. Plus the view of Downtown is incredible — it’s a win-win!

When: Sunday, July 22 with Cory and Janine

Time: Noon

Where: Murdoch Park –  9th Street & Centre Avenue NE

Admission: Online, regular drop-in $23

Sunday Brunch

What: Enjoy your benny surrounded by history at the Officers Mess at Fort Calgary, just as they did back in the day. Brunch includes complimentary access to the museum, so you can make a whole day of it!

When: Every Sunday

Time:  10 am to 1 pm

Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Phone 403-290-1875 for reservations, $30 per person

Any day of the week

Check out the newly opened Lamphouse Hotel

What: Formerly the Bow Valley Motel, this space has gone through an entire transformation. Now a blend of retro-chic and rustic contemporary style, this 25-room boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Be sure to add this spot to your bucket list this summer for a true mountain adventure in the heart of Canmore!

Where: 610 8th Street Canmore

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

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

Take the Leap at WinSport

What: WinSport’s latest adrenaline-filled adventure is now open – Free Fall. 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

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

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

Check out one of the many exhibitions happening 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 9tth Avenue SE

Cost: Regular admission to the museum

See also

• 'Kill yourself': Canadian cyclist shares intense road rage video
• Awesome Alberta: Take a summer dip at Quarry Lake Park
• This Calgary spot is making a Stampede Breakfast Milkshake