We’ve made it to yet another weekend…. Congratulations!

This weekend marks your last chance to check out this year’s Calgary Stampede — but don’t worry, there’s plenty of non-Stampede related events on the list for those of you who have already had your fix!

Friday, July 13

Brad Paisley

What: He’s a country classic and he’s been visiting Calgary since the very start of his career! Spend an evening with the one-and-only Brad Paisley and get a true taste of country both new and old. Plus, he’s an unreal guitar player — you’re in for a treat!

When: Friday, July 13

Time: 7:30 pm

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE

Tickets: Online, $74 to $252

The Oxford Stomp 

What: Come celebrate 30 years of the Oxford Stomp! See the Skydiggers, Barney Bentall, John Fogerty, and Melissa Etheridge.

When: Friday, July 13

Time: 3 pm

Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Online, $99

Grab a “Bats in the Belfry” from The Nash 

What: For the length of Stampede The Nash will be featuring this very special cocktail called the “Bats in the Belfry.” It features chocolate marshmallows, banana beignets, and cold brew — is this a dessert or a drink? This is the perfect energizer to get you pumped up and ready to hit the grounds!

When: July 6 to 15

Where: The Nash – 926 11th Street SE

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

Inglewood Night Market 

What: Calgary’s favourite night market is back! Check out the second market of the summer on July 13 and enjoy live entertainment on both the Main Stage and the Variety Show Stage. Eat from delicious food trucks, all while shopping from some of Calgary’s best local makers and artists. New to the market this year is a licensed area in collaboration with Village Brewery. Be sure to grab a brew and enjoy the line-up of incredible local talent!

When: Friday, July 13

Time: 5 pm

Where: Between 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE

Admission: FREE

Summer Market Presented by Southcentre and Curated 

What: Southcentre Mall and Curated market have partnered up together to bring four uniquely curated artisan markets to YYC this summer. You can look forward to shopping from many talented makers and artists, treating yourself to delicious foods from YYC Food Trucks, and enjoying live entertainment, all in the south parking lot of Southcentre Mall!

When: July 13, 14, 27, and 28

Time: 5 to 10 pm

Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE

Admission: FREE

Cyclepalooza 2018

What: 10 days of biking fun — are you ready? From bike tours (which may include ice cream) to camping trips, you’ll enjoy this bike festival this summer, so get ready to use those two wheels like you’ve never used them before.

When: July 13 to 22

Time: Varies per event

Where: Varies per event

Admission: Varies per event

Calaway Comicfest for Kids

What: Calling all mighty superheroes! Come dressed in your superhero costume, which includes superheroines, princesses, princes, and of course sidekicks. Shop the artist market for locally made goods, stop by the Photo Op Zone to be transported to a world far far away, or try your hand at the Superhero in Training course!

When: July 13 to 15

Time: 10 am to 7 pm

Where: Calaway Park – 245033 Range Road 33

Admission: Regular admission to the park

Alberta Brewery Concerts Presents: Origami Army at Common Crown

What: Local craft beer and live entertainment — is there any better combination?

When: Friday, July 13

Time: 7 to 9 pm

Where: 943 28th Street NE

Admission: Free, RSVP your spot here

Saturday, July 14

Luke Bryan 

What: Come shake-it with the man that shakes it the best!

When: Saturday, July 14

Time: 7:30 pm

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE

Tickets: Online, $115 to $352

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 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

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 14

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Tomkins Park

Admission: FREE

Chimney Dog Eating Contest

What: Join in on the first ever Chimney Dog Eating Contest and you could win $100, plus free chimney dogs for a year from UTCA Chimney Cakes.

When: Wednesday, July 14

Time: 6 pm

Where: Utca Chimney Cakes – Coffee House – 207 13th Avenue SE

Tickets: Online, $10 registration

10th Annual Chili Cook-Off 

What: It’s time to put your taste buds to the test and determine who rightfully deserves to win the 2018 Chili Championship. Come down to the Calgary Farmers’ Market, make a donation in support of the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank’s, support the Boots to Hunger Campaign, and try out the six competing chillis prepared by local vendors and restaurants!

When: July 13 to 14

Time: 11 am to 3 pm

Where: The Calgary Farmers’ Market – 510 77th Avenue SE

Admission: Free with donation

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

Sunday, July 15

Billy Talent

What: Calling all 2000s kids — get ready as your favourite Canadian Rock Band closes out the Stampede with a bang!

When: Sunday, July 15

Time: 7 to 11 pm

Where: Coca-Cola Stage – 1410 Olympic Way SE

Tickets: FREE

MARSHMELLO

What: The famous white marshmallow, aka Christopher Comstock, is hitting the Cowboys Music Festival for a night electronic, house, trap. The dance floor will surely be lit!

When: Sunday, July 15

Time: 6 pm to 2 am

Where: Cowboys Music Festival –421 12th Avenue SE

Tickets: Online, $65 to $79

Sunday Brunch

What: Enjoy your benny surrounded by history at the Officers Mess at Fort Calgary, just as they did back in the day. Brunch includes complimentary access to the museum, so you can make a whole day of it!

When: Every Sunday

Time:  10 am to 1 pm

Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Phone 403-290-1875 for reservations, $30 per person

Your last chance to hit up the Calgary Stampede 

What: It’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth — and today’s the last day to check it out!

When: July 6 to 15

Where: Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SW

Admission: Online, $9 to $18

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

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

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 more.

Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE