20 things to do in Calgary this long weekend: August 31 to September 3

Calgary skyline (Whitroy/Instagram)

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Finally, the weekend is here. And, to make things even better, it is a long one at that!

Spend all three days of his glorious weekend out and about enjoying all the festivals, shows, and events taking place as we head into a new month.

Friday, August 31

Fiesta Filipino 2018

What: Kick it Filipino style! A fiesta is meant to be a special time with friends with delicious food, fellowship and various activities. Join them for their fourth consecutive year and be a part of one of the largest fiestas in Alberta.

Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8th Avenue SE

When: August 31 to September 2

Cost: Free admission

Honens Festival

What: Watch emerging pianists compete throughout a heavy piano competition, along with a variety of other events including a reading of ‘The Hockey Sweater’ set to live piano music. The festival will end with an afternoon musical concert in the middle of the Beltline in Central Memorial Park.

When: August 30 to September 8

Time: Ranges per event

Where: Locations vary around the city

Tickets: Online, $10 to $97

Shop the East Village 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.

When: May 18 to September 3

Where: 430 8th Avenue SE

Admission: Free

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

Calgary Night Market

What: Check out the Calgary Night Market to send August out with a bang this Friday right by the Bridgeland Station. Shop vendors and find that perfect gift for a loved one!

When: Friday, August 31, 2018

Time: 5 to 11 pm

Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association — 917 Centre Avenue NE

Admission: Free!

Saturday, September 1

Calgary Highland Games

What: The Highland Games are coming back to Calgary this month, where attendees will be able to enjoy Scottish drink, dancing, feats of athleticism, and a serious beer garden.

When: Saturday, September 1, 2018

Time: Starts at 9 am

Where: Calgary Rugby Union – 9025 Shepard Road SE

Admission: Available online, $20

Tickets: Online, $10 to $97

Canmore Highland Games

Highland games/Shutterstock

What: That’s right, our region get not one, but two Highland games. Take part in the Scottish festivities a little closer to the Rocky Mountains at the Canmore Highland Games. From ‘Taste of the Highlands” to “The Ceilidh,” this weekend-long celebration will be one for the history books. Celebrate the rich Scottish history of the area, dating back to 1884 when Donald A Smith named the town after King Malcolm Canmore III of Scotland.

When: Saturday, September 1 to Sunday, September 2, 2018

Time: 5 to 9 pm on Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday

Where: Centennial Park — Canmore

Admission: Available online, $60 for two-day pass

BBQ on the Bow

What: Featuring many teams of BBQ Competitors, along with cooking demonstrations, kids activities, a local marketplace, beer gardens and live music from many of Calgary’s top local bands.

When: September 1 and 2

Time: 11 am to 8 pm

Where: Montgomery Community Centre – 50003 16th Avenue NW

Cost: Free for all ages

Take the Leap at WinSport

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

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

BUMP Alley Party

Natalie Lehlawi (Jennie Price)

What: If you’ve seen the recent street art beginning to appear downtown, it’s probably a result of the ‘Beltline Urban Murals Project” aka BUMP. They’re hosting an exciting alley party featuring live music, food trucks, brews from Last Best Brewing and hands-on painting with contemporary Calgary. Don’t forget to check out all of the new and beautiful murals that adorn the Beltline of YYC.

When: Saturday, September 1

Time: 2 to 10 pm

Where: Beside the BUMP warehouse site – 1235 10th Avenue SW

Admission: FREE

Go Hiking in the Rockies

What: The view is worth the climb.

Where: Here are some of the most picturesque hiking spots in and around Banff to check out this summer.

Check out a happy hour on one of YYC’s awesome 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.

Sunday, September 2

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 June 32 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

Get lost in a Corn Maze

@_dalene/Instagram

What: There is no better way to welcome fall then heading out to one of Calgary’s many corn mazes and enjoying a fun-filled farm adventure. You can’t miss the “Outback Adventure” design at Cobbs Adventure park, along with the Kangaroo Petting Zoo, tractor rides, ropes course and more!

Where: Cobb’s Adventure Park and Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm

Mastodon

What: Get ready to do some head banging. This American heavy metal band is here to rock the stage. We hear they are goofs on stage and that there might be a country album in their future!

When: Sunday, September 2

Time: 6:30 pm

Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW

Admission: Ticketmaster, $67 to $122

Hit up the King Eddy

What: The highly-anticipated King Eddy is finally (and permanently) re-opened. The revitalized King Edward Hotel was built way back in 1905, so to say this spot is legendary would be an understatement. Patrons can expect a regular lineup of talented musicians at this spot, along with a menu of killer grub and drinks. Don’t forget about their incredible rooftop.

When:

Monday to Wednesday: 11 am to 10 pm

Thursday and Friday: 11 am to 2 am

Saturday: 9 am to 2 am

Sunday: 9 am to 10 pm

Where: 438 9th Avenue SE

Monday, September 3

Soak and sleep at Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Artistic rendering of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa (Delta Hotels by Marriott Kananaskis Lodge/Facebook)

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. For the month of September, prepare for a deep slumber by hitting up the spa after an adventure-packed day in K-Country. Until September 30, when you stay at the new Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge, you can enjoy full access to the spa from 7 to 9 pm for only $35 per person. No pre-appointment necessary.

When: September 1 to 30

Time: 7 to 9 pm

Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis

Cost: $35

Mystery Town Tours

What: Looking for a way to switch up date night or a new activity to keep the family busy? Check out Mystery Town Tours and enjoy an exciting clue-filled adventure. Instantly accessible via clues to your smartphone, each Mystery Towns adventure combines the fun of a scavenger hunt, the puzzles of an escape room, and the challenge of an Amazing Race. This is the perfect way to discover a new city or hidden gems you never knew of in your own hometown. Good luck!

Where: Currently available in both Calgary, Canmore, and Edmonton (as of September 2018) and soon to be available in Banff.

Register: Online, $49 to $99

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.