The weekend has come around once again.
Make the most of your big days off by getting out into the city and checking out any one (or two, or five) of these wonderful events.
See also
- Local campaign wants Calgarians to say 'Yes' to the 2026 Olympics
- Toys 'R' Us Canada is hiring someone to play with toys all day long
- Meet Lilo: An Alberta corgi who goes on some serious adventures (PHOTOS)
Friday, July 20
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
Check out Phase 2 of the 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
Les Miserables
What: Follow along as this timeless classic comes to life on stage, featuring well-known tunes, “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” and more. Prepared to be dazzled as this epic, uplifting Broadway show goes through the social injustices of 19th-century France, the historical effects of the French Revolution, and the importance of love and compassion, just how Victor Hugo originally wanted.
When: July 17 to 22
Time: Varies by performance
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Admission: Ticketmaster, $45 to $201
Fiestaval Latin Festival
What: Celebrate Latin American Culture in this vibrant street festival. Enjoy live entertainment all weekend long, snack on delicious bites authentic to Latin culture, shop for local gems at the Artisan Market, and grab a brew at the beer gardens, overlooking the plaza. Did someone say tacos and guac?
When: July 20 to 22
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Summer Yoga and Movie Night on the Rooftop
What: They’re back. Sweat it out in a rooftop yoga sesh with instructor Jilaine Beddoe and Sportcheck and then curl up as you watch a classic film on the big screen! Bring your mat along with a cozy blanket and pillow — just in case it cools down throughout the evening.
When: Friday, July 20
Time: 7:30 to 11 pm
Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9th Avenue SE
Cost: $20 drop-in fee
Saturday, July 21
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
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.
When: Saturday, July 21 vs. The Montreal Alouettes
Time: 7 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
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!
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
Check out one of the many exhibitions happening 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 9tth Avenue SE
Cost: Regular admission to the museum
Sunday, July 22
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. Plus the view of Downtown is incredible — it’s a win-win.
When: Sunday, July 22 with Cory and Janine
Time: Noon
Where: Murdoch Park – 9th Street & Centre Avenue NE
Admission: Online, regular drop-in $23
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
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
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
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 this summer.
When: May 18 to September 3
Where: 430 8th Avenue SE
Admission: FREE
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 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