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!
See also
- Movie Under The Stars rescheduled (again) due to weather
- Search crews looking for Calgary plane missing in BC
- Win tickets to this wild whiskey party at the 2018 Calgary Stampede
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
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
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
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
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
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!
See also
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