23 things to do in Calgary this week: July 2 to 8

Jun 30 2018, 6:33 am

It’s the first week of July, you know what that means? YEEHAW!

Not only does the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth start this week, but there are so many events happening non-country related as well — if two-stepping and line-dancing aren’t your thing, that is.

You can enjoy an inaugural Mexican festival, head out on a 4×4 truck called ‘Handsome Andy,’ or see one of the MANY live shows and concerts happening all throughout the city.

…Or you could choose to drop from an eight-story platform (with safety harness, of course). Up to you!

We have gathered together 23 of the best things happening in and around the city that you just have to check out. Happy Stampeding!

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Monday, July 2

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

Hang out on one of Calgary’s best patios

July 2

Colourful cocktails/Shutterstock

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!

Tuesday, July 3

Marianas Trench 

What: any 2000s babies out there ? You’ll surely be “Crossing your Heart” at this blast from the past!

When: Tuesday, July 3

Time: 8 pm to 2 am

Where: Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall – 9615 Macleod Trail S

Tickets: Online, $49 to $59

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 3

Time: 6 pm

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

Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

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

Wednesday, July 4

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

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

Thursday, July 5

STMPDR + YYCNow Present: Sneak A Peek 

July 2

Dancing at the Calgary Stampede (Calgary Stampede/Facebook)

What: Do a little pre-Stampede to get you in the mood for the real deal as you help raise money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation — a more than worthy cause! Enjoy live entertainment by Steel and Timber, Fireside Music, and DJ Chris Brennan, along with a live art show, door prizes, promotional giveaways, and both live and silent auctions with killer items that you’ll definitely want to get your hands on.

When: Thursday, July 5

Time: 5:30 to 9:30 pm

Where: National on 17th – 550 17th Avenue SW

Tickets: Online, $30

Free First Thursday

What: Explore the Glenbow at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. They are launching some neat new exhibitions this month that you won’t want to miss out on!

When: Thursday, July 5

Time: 5 pm to close

Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE

Admission: FREE

Friday, July 6

MexiFest

What: Celebrate all of the very best in Mexican culture at the very first Mexifest! You can expect to eat tacos upon tacos, be entertained by a salsa competition, watch a wrestling match between real Mexican luchadores, and so much more!

When: July 6 and 7

Time: 11 am to 11 pm

Where: Eau Claire Plaza – 3rd Street nd Riverfront Avenue

Admission: FREE

Hit up the Calgary Stampede 

What: It’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth — need we say more?

When: July 6 to 15

Where: Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SW

Admission: Online, $9 to $18

Saturday, July 7

Stampede on 17th 

What: Take a break from the grounds and head over to 17th for some #YYC country fun! Enjoy a stampede breakfast for the first 500 people, live entertainment, games, dancing, a mechanical bull, and so much more!

When: Saturday, July 7

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Tomkins Park

Admission: FREE

East Village Junction Pop-Up Retail Park 

July 2

East Village Junction cargo container pop-up market (East Village/Facebook)

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

Sunday, July 8

Kygo

What: You know he’s going to get you up on the dance floor — don’t even try to deny it!

When: Sunday, July 8

Time: 6 pm to 2 am

Where: Cowboys Music Festival –421 12th Avenue SE

Tickets: Online, $79 to $161

Hip Hop Brunch 

What: Is there really any better combo?

When: Sunday, July 8

Time: 11 am to 3 pm

Where: MARKET Calgary – 718 17th Avenue SW

Tickets: Make your reservation here

Blue Rodeo with Colter Wall, Whitehorse, Lindi Ortega, and Mike Plume

What: If you missed Blue Rodeo at last year’s Folk Fest, you’ve got another chance!

When: Sunday. July 8

Time: 3:30 pm

Where: Big Four Roadhouse –1801 Big Four Trail SE

Tickets: Online, $92

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

Any other day of the week

Check out one of the many exhibitions happening at the Glenbow

July 2

Image: Glenbow Museum / Facebook

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

Check out 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 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

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!

Take a float down the Bow River

July 2

Boating on the Bow River (thepaddlestation/Instagram)

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

Union Athletica Members try Movement U Classes for FREE

What: Yes, you read that correctly! All you have to do is create an account, provide proof of remaining sessions and you will receive a FREE introductory pass to Movement U to try out all their services. This is the perfect way to get a jump on that summer bod, if you haven’t already!

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Kristy ArchibaldKristy Archibald

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