The summer hype has begun!
We love how alive Calgary gets in the summer. Trust us, the hectic, fun-filled days have only just begun. This week is filled with hilarious festivals, local night markets, rowdy concerts, exciting workshops, and so much more.
We also highly recommend getting outdoors, taking a drive up to the mountains, or simply enjoying exciting activities along the river. Don’t forget to have your sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray on hand – you won’t regret it!
Get the family together or plan an exciting date night. Here are 38 things happening in and around Calgary to fill your calendar with this week!
See also
- Last month was the warmest May that Calgary has ever seen
- Bret 'The Hitman' Hart receives honorary degree from Mount Royal University
- Sweet Jesus doppelganger Sweet Haven Ice Cream is open in Calgary
Monday, June 4
FunnyFest – Calgary Comedy Festival
- What: Get ready to laugh until you cry at the 17th annual Calgary Comedy Festival! It features, 11 days, nine venues, 70 performers, 11 themes, and over 11,000 punch lines that will put a smile on even the grumpiest of humans. This is a great way to switch up date night or to have a hilarious night out with friends!
- Where: Various locations around Calgary
- When: June 1 to 11
- Tickets: Online, $15 to $390
Happy Mondays
- What: We all know that the struggle is truly real on Mondays! Luckily, National wants to make them a bit better with 25 cent Happy Hour offered all day long. Yes, you read that correctly! Grab a drink and make Mondays your new favourite day of the week.
- When: Mondays
- Time: 11 am to close
- Where: National on 17 – 550 17th Avenue SW
Check out 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
Tuesday, June 5
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, June 5
- Time: 6 pm
- Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100
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, June 5
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm
- Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW
- Admission: FREE
Marry Poppins
- What: Tap your toes and enjoy this timeless classic as it is reimagined with unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, astonishing stagecraft, and more!
- When: May 18 to July 15
- Time: Various times — two hours long
- Where: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre — 375 Bermuda Drive NW
- Tickets: Online, $30
Wednesday, June 6
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: Wednesday, June 6
- Time: 6 pm
- Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100
Ocean Alley
- What: This Australian rock band is coming to Calgary light up the stage!
- When: Wednesday, June 6
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: The Gateway – 1301 16th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Online, $12.50
The SUNCOR Stage One Festival of New Work
- What: Come and celebrate the 31 anniversary of the SUNCOR Stage 1 this June! Lunchbox Theatre has gone on to create hundreds of new Canadian one-act plays throughout the years. Celebrate this amazing achievement, along with the 30-year partnership with SUNCOR energy which has made all of these things possible.
- When: May 25 to June 9
- Time:
- Friday to Saturday: 12 pm
- Friday: 6 pm
- Where: Lunchbox Theatre – 160 115 9th Avenue SE
- Cost: FREE
Thursday, June 7
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, June 7
- Time: 5 pm to close
- Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
- Admission: FREE
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.
- When: May 18 to September 3
- Where: 430 8th Avenue SE
- Admission: FREE
Blues and Brew at the Calgary Zoo
- What: Grab a passport and navigate the Canadian Wilds as you fill it up with interactive activities, beer tastings, and food vendors. Fill up your passport to be entered for some amazing prizes as you have a fun night out at the zoo!
- When: Thursday, June 7
- Time: 6 to 9 pm
- Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. Georges Drive NE
- Tickets: Online, $47
Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem
- What: When Annie Oakley’s brother goes missing there is only one pair of detectives right for the job. Follow along as Sherlock and Watson work to solve the mystery and end up in some unplanned situations involving inventions, robbery, and murder.
- When: May 12 to June 10
- Time: Varies per day
- Where: Vertigo Theatre – 161, 115 9th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Contact the ticket office at 403-221-3708
Friday, June 8
Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour
- What: Be prepared to laugh until you cry when Kevin Hart takes the stage! Anything is possible on this tour.
- When: Friday, June 8
- Time: 7 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Online, $35 to $129
Mother Mother
- What: Enjoy an evening set to Mother Mother, as they get your grooving to all their hits.
- When: June 8, 9 and 10
- Time: 7 pm
- Where: The Gateway – 1301 16th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Ticketmaster
Inglewood Night Market
- What: Calgary’s favourite night market is back! Check out the first market of the summer on June 8 and enjoy tons of live entertainment and delicious food truck eats, while shopping some of Calgary’s best local makers and artists. Be sure to join them in the fun on the second Friday of every month this summer!
- When: Friday, June 8
- Time: 5 pm
- Where: Between 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE
- Admission: FREE
KIDCHELLA: Kids Yoga Party Night
- What: Parents, this is your opportunity to take a night off and enjoy the Inglewood Night Market while your kids have blast at the Kidchella Yoga Party. Their night will include dancing, kombucha, healthy snacks, a flower crown making workshop, face painting, games, and so much more. Your kids will be in good hands and both of you will have an amazing night. Win-win!
- When: Friday, June 8
- Time: 5:30 to 7 pm
- Where: Underneath Junction 9 Yoga Studio – #50, 919 9th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Online, $25 (Ages 4 to 6)
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
Saturday, June 9
Paquita & Other Works
- What: Enjoy a performance by the Alberta Ballet’s Professional Divio students as they perform Paquita, the story of a Spaniard who saves the life of Lucien — before learning that her past isn’t quite what it seems. This piece was originally choreographed by Joseph Mazilier and later by Marius Petipa in Russia. This ballet’s rich history has entertained many generations and will surely have you amazed as you witness it first hand!
- When: Saturday, June 9
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $30 to $38
Bryan Adams: The Ultimate Tour
- What: It’s time to party like it’s the Summer of ’69! Get ready to welcome this legend to the dome and enjoy a night filled with all the classics.
- When: Saturday, June 9
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $44 to $238
Transform Conference
- What: Hear stories, ask questions, and learn first-hand how transformational strategies are instrumental in an organization’s success. Hear from an impressive panel including names like:
- Doug Lacombe, president and founder of Communicatto Inc.
-
Alex Kenjeev, president of O’Leary Ventures and investor on CNBC’s “Make Me a Millionaire Investor”
-
Amol Gill, director of sales at ThoughtFarmer
-
Robin Parsons, Parsons Consulting
-
Dan Gold, Director of Digital Strategy at Martin Charlton Communications
- When: Saturday, June 9
- Time: 9 am to 4 pm
- Where: cSPACE – 1721 29th Street SW
- Tickets: Online, $150
Succulents by Nature Terrarium Building Workshop
- What: Build your very own terrarium with Succulent by Nature to bring home and add some greenery to your house!
- When: Saturday, June 9
- Time: 2 to 4 pm
- Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Online, $56
Pride and Prejudice Ball
- What: Jump into the world of Jane Austin, with ball gowns, dancing, live music and more, set in the Alberta Ballroom of the historic Palliser Hotel. You don’t need to come with a dance partner, as this is an English Country Dance. Plus, you never know who you might meet there!
- When: Saturday, June 9
- Time: 6 to 11 pm
- Where: Fairmont Palliser – 133 9th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Online, $98
Dust off your road bike
- It’s the perfect time to get out your road bike and head down to the river for some beautiful views and a great afternoon of adventures, exploring Calgary’s bike paths.
Sunday, June 10
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.
- When:
- Sunday, June 10 with Cory and Alex
- Time: 12 pm
- Where: Murdoch Park
- Admission: Online, regular drop-in $23
Reggaefest Afternoon-Jam Pop Up Event
- What: An afternoon of Reggae? Yes please!
- When: Sunday, June 10
- Time: 1 to 5 pm
- Where: Village Brewery Taproom – 5000, 12A Street SE
- Tickets: Online, $20
Asparagus Festival
- What: Due to extreme hail and other contributing factors this festival had to be put on hold for a few years — but it’s back and larger than ever! Visit this real working asparagus farm, experience their story firsthand, enjoy a fully narrated wagon ride, watch the harvest in action, and even get the opportunity to pick some asparagus for yourselves. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop their Country Store and the artisan market village while saying hello to all the farm animals and joining in on the many festivities happening throughout the day!
- When: Sunday, June 10
- Time: 10 am to 4 pm
- Where: 1465 Twp. Road 352
- Admission: $5, kids 5 and under are free
Mountain Top Yoga
- What: Join a Lululemon ambassador for a one-hour Ashtanga yoga session at the top of the new Banff Gondola Summit. Talk about yoga with a view!
- When: every Sunday until September 2
- Time: 9 to 10 am
- Where: Citizenship Pavilion, level 4 of the new Banff Gondola summit
- Cost: $62 (Gondola Admission)
Any day of the week
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!
Go on a spring hike!
- What: Now that most of the snow has cleared away, grab your hiking shoes and head up to the Rockies for some fresh mountain air and stunning scenic views – just don’t forget your camera! Try Grassi Lakes, Johnston Canyon, or Grotto Canyon if you’re looking for an adventure a bit shorter in length, but doesn’t compromise the quality of the view. If you’re a thrill seeker and up for the challenge try out Ha Ling Peak, Crypt Lake, or Aylmer Lookout, because the end view will take your breath away – literally! Find more hikes to do around Alberta here!
- Where: The Canadian Rocky Mountains
Bike the Banff Legacy Trail
- What: Take your bike out for a cruise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that this 22.3 km trail has to offer! The trail links the Town of Banff and Canmore through an additional 4.5 km of pathway outside of Banff National Park boundaries, from the Banff Park East Gate to the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre.
- Where: Banff Park East Gate to the Bow Valley Parkway
Go on a road trip
- What: Head out for a day trip and explore one of the many amazing spots that surround Calgary! Our city is positioned perfectly between the badlands, prairies, foothills, and the Rockies, which leaves a ton of options for a quick day trip that is no more than a two-hour drive away. Check out some ideal spots here!
Take a cruise around Maligne Lake
- What: Take a cruise around the largest glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll be inspired by the beauty of the vibrant blue waters around you as you sail to the iconic Spirit Island (only accessible by boat) on this 90-minute interpretive tour of this magical area.
- Where: Maligne Lake Road, Improvement District No. 12
- Tickets: Online, $67 (adults), $34 (Ages 6-15)
Go on a Helicopter Tour
- What: If you’re looking for an experience of a lifetime, then it’s time you see the Alberta landscape from a completely different view – the air! Grab a few friends and take a ride in a state-of-the-art helicopter for incredible views of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
- Where: Takes off from the Springbank Airport or Drumheller Airport – 402 Otter Bay
- When: Year-round
- Cost: Between $400 to $1,6000, rate for up to three passengers
Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola
- What: Head to the summit for a beautiful view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
- Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
- Tickets: Adult $62, child $31
Head to 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. This spa is meant to provide relaxation and the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
- Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis
Whales Tohora
- What: Coming all the way from the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, this exciting exhibition has been traveling North America for the last 10 years and Calgary marks its final destination. Excite your senses with this unique cultural experience that will show you everything you need to know about the king of the ocean; the whale. The exhibit shows everything from life-size whale skeletons to the evolution of these creatures and understanding how they communicate. There is so much to know about these beautiful beings.
- When: January 20 to June 20
- Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
- Tickets: Online, $26