14 things to do in Calgary this weekend: September 7 to 9

It may have been a short work week, but that’s no reason not to celebrate making it all the way back to the weekend once more.

Take your friends out for a big day (or night) out on the town by heading to any one of these awesome events.

See also

• The ultimate guide to Instagram-worthy spots around Calgary
• It's nearing the perfect time to visit Larch Valley's colourful trees
• International Hot Air Balloon festival floats back to High River this month

Friday, September 7

Go on a Clue Solving Adventure with Mystery Towns

What: Looking for a way to switch up date night or a new activity to keep the family busy? Check out Mystery Towns and enjoy an exciting mystery-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

Jill Paddock Art Exhibition

What: You might recognize her colourful works from the walls of many local Calgary businesses. On Friday, August 24 Jill Paddock kicked off her very first solo art show. Throughout the month 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 all month long as she kicks off this incredible milestone in her artistic career.

When: August 22 to October 1

Time: 6:30 am to 9 pm

Where: Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 2207 4th Street SW

Admission: FREE

Summer Yoga and Movie Night on the Rooftop

What: They’re back. Sweat it out in a rooftop yoga sesh with instructor Stacey Irvine and The Livery
 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, September 7

Time: 7:30 to 11 pm

Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9th Avenue SE

Cost: $20 drop-in fee

The Prairie Girls Vintage Market

What: Shop your favourite local makers and artists (over 50) in a quaint antique farmhouse in the heart of Cochrane, featuring food trucks and exciting live entertainment.

When: September 7 and 8

Time:

Friday: 4 to 8 pm

Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm

Where: Cochrane AG Society Barn – the NW corner of the junction of Highways 1A and 22

Admission: $4 for a single day pass and $6 for a two-day pass (a portion of the proceeds will go towards Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane)

Saturday, September 8

Circle – The Travelling Food, Beer & Music Carnival

What: Join the BassBus, YYCFoodTrucks, and Village Brewery for the fifth year of Calgary’s favourite travelling carnival. Celebrate the best things in life as you indulge with fine food, chilled bevys, music on the stereo and a 30,000 ball ball-pit (yes, adults are allowed in) with all your closest friends and family. There will also be a Fast ‘n’ The Furriest Wiener Dog Race that you certainly won’t want to miss.

When: Saturday, September 8

Time: 11 am to 11 pm

Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Online $41

The Smashing Pumpkins: Shiny and Oh So Bright Tour

When: Saturday, September 8

Time: 7 pm

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE

Tickets: Ticketmaster, $47 to $282

The Sweat Series: Yoga + Spin

What: Join Parts + Labour founder, Jennifer Mehlko as she collaborates with various fitness studios around the city to bring you a sweaty, soul-filled workout series. Movement, health, wellness, and fashion from the inside-out — there is no better way to spend your Saturday!

When: Saturday, September 8

Time: 12 to 1:30 pm

Where: Movement U – 16 4 Street NE

Register: through your MindBody account, $20

Calgary Food Fest 2018

What: Eat for a good cause — sounds simple enough to us! This year’s third annual Food Fest will be supporting The Calgary Food Bank and Calgary’s Sonshine Community Services with plans to increase the event’s impact and continue to work towards making the world a better place. Last year over 2,800 people attended this delicious and worthy festival, let’s aim to double that this time around, Calgary.

When: Saturday, September 8

Time: 11 am to 3:30 pm

Where: 11400 27th Street SE

Cost: FREE

Halloweekends at Calaway Park 

What: Halloween is beginning early at Calaway Park. Will you take a stroll down Hallo-Street? We dare you.

When: September 8 to October 8

Time: Regular park hours

Where: Calaway Park – 24033 Range Road 33

Admission: regular park admission

Sunday, September 9

Soak up the last rays of summer on a patio

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.

Soak and sleep at 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. 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 Mountain 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

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

Get lost in a corn maze

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

Play a Round at Alberta’s Golf Course

What: After five long years following the 2013 flood, Kananaskis Country Golf Course has officially re-opened and back to a full 36-hole facility. Their first season is well underway, and there is merely a month left to check out this world-class course. Play a round on either Mt. Lorette or Mt. Kidd, or simply check out the view from their patio after a day of adventuring in K-Country. The views certainly won’t disappoint!

Where: #1 Lorette Drive, Kananaskis Alberta