We don’t know if it was the smoke or what, but that week felt like it dragged on far longer than usual.
Now that’s just one more reason to celebrate making it to those sweet, sweet days off this weekend, and what better way to do that than by heading out into the city and checking out some great events?
Here’s what Calgary has in store for you this weekend — make it count!
See also
- WestJet is cutting back on flights across Canada as it reduces capacity
- Breathing Calgary air right now equal to smoking more than 7 cigarettes
- Calgary to change up several bus routes next month
Friday, August 24
Jill Paddock Art Gala Opening
What: You might recognize her colourful works from the walls of many local Calgary businesses. This Friday Jill Paddock will be kicking off her very first solo art show. You’ll be able to purchase unframed art, notebooks, t-shirts, and even a few minimal nude art pieces that she’s so well known for. Come down and celebrate her as she kicks off this incredible milestone in her artistic career! The exhibition will run from August 22 to October 1.
When: Friday, August 24
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 2207 4th Street SW
Admission: FREE
UnEarthed Music featuring Ellen Froese
What: Venture into the Rats Nest Cave Grand Gallery for an unforgettable 45-minute concert by Ellen Froese and a few very special guests. The cave has so many stories to tell and Ellen’s hip-swinger-folk tunes will bring the space to life in a way that you could simply never imagine. This is an experience that you’ll never be able to replicate, we can guarantee it.
When: Friday, August 24
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: 129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore
Tickets: Online, $129
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.
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
The Second Annual Rosè Bebe
What: Did someone say Rosè? We’re so there.
When: Friday, August 24
Time: 4 to 11 pm
Where: Royale – 730 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $75
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
Calgary Pride
What: It’s the most colourful celebration of the year. Enjoy a week of festivities as you celebrate LOVE, equality, and happiness in YYC.
When: August 24 to September 3
Time: Varies per event
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Vary per event. See full event listings here
Saturday, August 25
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
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
Country Kickback
What: Learn what the West was like back in the old days. From tractor races to barn dances, you’ll be fully transported to the way things once were, long long ago.
When: August 25 and 26
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Cost: Park admission
Watch the Calgary Stampeders play The Winnipeg Blue Bombers
What: Grab your jersey and head down to McMahon Stadium for a tailgate and a chance to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders.
When: Saturday, August 25
Time: 1:30 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium — 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Joe Rogan: Strange Times 2018 Tour
What: “That’s my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make sure everyone has a good time and works hard.” … and that he does. We can’t wait to see Rogan take to the stage as he gives Calgary the true “Joe Rogan Experience.”
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $76 to $87
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
Sunday, August 26
Calcutta Cricket Club X Tribe of Lambs Fundraiser
What: Enjoy a colourful patio party on 17th Avenue as you help to support Tribe of Lambs, a local jewellery maker whose focus is to help out with the care, education, and rights of HIV children living in India. This will be an interactive event, featuring delicious snacks from Calcutta Cricket Club, party favours from Philips Brewing Co. and Secret Barrel Distillery, drinks from Sugarwater Pop-up bar, henna, a Polaroid raffle and more! #keeptribealive
When: Sunday, August 26
Time: 12 to 8 pm
Where: Calcutta Cricket Club – 340 17th Avenue SW
Admission: FREE
Outdoor HIIT with Movement U
What: Get a tan while you work on your fitness. Spend an hour outdoors as two Movement U instructors, Luke and Corey, team up to take your summer workout to the next level at Murdoch Park in Bridgeland.
When: Sunday, August 26
Time: 12 pm
Where: Murdoch Park
Admission: Online, regular drop-in $23
Tea on the Verandah
What: Pinkies up. Enjoy high tea and assorted baked goods on the front porch of Heritage Park’s newest exhibit the “Famous 5″ Centre for Women.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from now to September 2
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Cost: Call (403) 268-8500 to reserve, Adults – $22.95 +GST, Child (Under 12) – $15.95 +GST
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
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