11 awesome things to do in Calgary this weekend: July 3 to 5
It’s the first full weekend of July, and Calgary is full of things to do. From the one and only Calgary Stampede to walking tours and festivals, there is something for everyone to check out.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or just something chill to do, here are 11 awesome things to do in Calgary this weekend.
The Calgary Stampede
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What: The Calgary Stampede kicks off this Friday! Head on down to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth to check out the rodeo, enjoy a ton of concerts, pancake breakfasts, and more. It’s Calgary’s annual celebration, and it’s going to be a good one!
When: July 3 to 12, 2026
Where: Stampede Park – 650 25th Ave. SE
Cost: Prices vary
Superheroes Weekend + The ‘North American’ Tournament
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What: Superheroes Weekend at Spruce Meadows during the ‘North American’ Tournament brings action, entertainment, and real-life heroes together for a packed weekend across the grounds. Look to the sky for the SkyHawks parachute drops, experience Canadian Armed Forces tributes including the Feu de Joie, Military Tattoo, Lord Strathcona’s Horse Mounted Troop and military displays, then head ringside for world-class show jumping. The weekend also welcomes the Celtic Festival with piping and drumming, Highland dance, athletics, and clan heritage in a vibrant showcase of tradition and community spirit, as well as International Sheep Herding Trials, where skilled working dogs guide sheep through timed courses. Add Marvel x Spruce Meadows comic book releases, soccer games on the big screen, Cavalry FC activations, outdoor Friday Night Movies, food, shopping and family fun, and you have a weekend full of action, pride, celebration and unforgettable moments. Who is your superhero?
When: July 3 to 5, 2026
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Cost: General Admission: $15, Children 3 to 12 and Seniors: $10, Children under 3: Free, Free parking included
Farm Fresh Festival at Calgary Farmers’ Market
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What: Celebrate Stampede season at Calgary Farmers’ Market’s (CFM) free Farm Fresh Festival! Join them on Saturday, July 4, at CFM West and Saturday, July 11, at CFM South from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for live music, farm games, rope demos, cowboy meet-and-greets, Tailgate Truck Popsicles, family fun, and a free pulled pork barbecue lunch from Big T’s BBQ for the first 200 guests at each location. Lunch is served at noon. Free parking!
When: Calgary Farmers’ Market West – July 4, 2026; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Calgary Farmers’ Market West South – July 11, 2026; 11 a.m. 4 p.m.
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market West – 25 Greenbriar Dr. NW
Calgary Farmers’ Market South – 510 77th Ave. SE
Cost: Free
Curiosities and Oddities Walking Tour
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What: If you’re curious about Calgary’s curiosities and oddities, Heritage Park has got you covered. “On the Curiosities and Oddities Walking Tour, you’ll explore the strangest corners of Heritage Park on a 1.5-hour guided walk. Starting at the Engineered Air Gazebo, you’ll visit places like the Prince House, Wing Chong Laundry, and Gledhill’s Pharmacy—each one packed with bizarre facts, hidden tales, and curious relics.”
When: Friday, July 3, 2026; 7 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: $24.95
MexiFest
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What: MexiFest starts this Friday! Head on down to Eau Claire Plaza for this three-day celebration of Calgary’s Mexican community and Mexican culture. You’ll find authentic food, arts, music, and culture, as well as dancers, live bands, and real luchadores from Mexico.
When: July 3 to 5, 2026
Where: Eau Claire Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Cost: Starting at $20
Explore Calgary’s indoor garden
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What: Right in the heart of downtown sits the Devonian Gardens. Located in the Core Shopping Centre, you can find exotic plants, koi ponds, and refreshing air conditioning, perfect for an indoor retreat.
Where: Core Shopping Centre – 324 8th Ave. SW
Cost: Free
Polar Bear Breakfast
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What: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is hosting its Polar Bear Breakfast. Admission to the event includes an exclusive viewing opportunity of the Wild Canada zone with polar bear facts from their conservation education staff and volunteers. Afterwards, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, pancakes, and more.
When: July 4, 11, and 25, 2026; 8 to 11 a.m.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: $79
Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge
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What: The Ultimate Summer Challenge is back for another year. Simply register online for free with your library card and read every day this summer. Get your challenge map at any of the 22 Calgary Public Library locations.
When: July 1 to Aug. 31, 2026
Where: All Calgary Public Library locations
Admission: Free to register with your library card
Calgary Métis Fest
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What: The Confluence is hosting Métis Fest this year. Attendees can enjoy performances by Métis fiddlers and jiggers, along with musicians. You’ll also find an array of artisans showcasing cultural items and crafts, and much more.
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026; 12 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland – 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: Free
Sunday Safari Brunch
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What: Head on over to the zoo this month to experience their Sunday safari brunch. You can enjoy gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, like fresh fruit, eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, a waffle bar, omelettes, and much more.
When: Sundays until Nov. 1, 2026
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: Starting at $49.95
Go on a summer walk
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What: With July finally here, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore Calgary. We went ahead and rounded up eight of the best spots in the city to go for a walk this summer, and there’s no time like the present to check them out.
Where: Various locations across Calgary
Cost: Free