25 things to do in Calgary this weekend: July 5 to 7

Fill the first weekend of July with our picks of 25 events happening in Calgary on Friday, July 5, Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7. Calgary Stampede, Shakespeare by the Bow, and more!

For more things happening around town check out our events section.

See also

• GoldHunt's real-life treasure hunt is returning to Calgary this July
• Live out your medieval fantasies at this summer faire in Alberta
• Badlands Music Festival is the Stampede party you can't miss

Friday, July 5

Calgary Stampede Rodeo

What: The Calgary Stampede is bringing 120 top-tier rodeo athletes from across North America and Brazil to compete at this year’s Stampede for the Calgary Stampede Championship. All six of the 2018 Calgary Stampede champions will also return in 2019 to defend their titles and will be joined by rodeo’s premier athletes from the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Professional Bull Riders. Along with the title, riders will also be competing for the $2 million in prize money up for grabs at this year’s stampede.

When: July 5 to 14, 2019
Time: Starting daily at 1:30 pm
Where: Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
Tickets: Online starting from $39

MexiFest

What: Celebrate all of the very best in Mexican culture at the very first Mexifest! You can expect to eat tacos upon tacos, be entertained by a salsa competition, watch a wrestling match between real Mexican luchadores, and so much more!

When: July 5 to 7, 2019
Time: 11 am to 11 pm (Friday and Saturday), 11 am to 9 pm (Sunday)
Where: Eau Claire Plaza – 3rd Street and Riverfront Avenue
Tickets: Online

What’s up with Bow Habitat Station

What: Explore Alberta’s wildlife and natural spaces on the first Friday of the month. Visit investigation stations in the Discovery Centre to discover the wildlife that make their home right here in Calgary! Join in a large group activity at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm or 2:30 pm to discover how wildlife has adapted to city life with special guests from Alberta Parks. Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society will be hosting an investigation station all about some furry and feathered friends you might find in our city. Hands-on activities are designed for learners ages two and up.

When: The first Friday of every month – July 5, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Bow Habitat Station – 1440 17A Street SE, Calgary
Admission: All activities are included with Discovery Centre Admission.

Spruce Meadows North American Tournament

What: Witness the best show jumping athletes and horses from around the World. Enjoy shopping, pony rides, face painting, wagon rides, and the family favourite RE/MAX Prairie Dogs from Friday to Sunday.

When: Now to July 7, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Tickets: Online

Okotoks Dawgs vs Edmonton Prospects

What: Okotoks Dawgs face off with the Edmonton Propects in Western Major Baseball League action.

When: July 5, 2019
Time: 7:05 pm
Where: Seaman Stadium –  2111 N Railway Street, Okotoks
Tickets: Online

Saturday, July 6

The Grandstand Show: Trailblazer

What: The theme of the 2019 Grandstand show will be “Trailblazer,” taking inspiration from the travelling shows of the early 20th century yet being performed on the most technologically advanced outdoor stage in the world.

The entire show will be led by show master Onalea, who will be joined by Calgary’s own travelling band of musical pirates, the Polyjesters. Music, acrobatics, and dance will all come together for a fiery tribute to the South American cowboy. The 2019 show will also include a participatory pre-show for all in attendance, thanks to this year’s title sponsor, Bell Canada.

When: Now until July 14, 2019
Time: 7:45 pm
Where: Stampede Grandstand – 1410 Olympic Way SE
Tickets: Online, $17 for standing, $49+ for seats

Much Music Video Dance – Stampede Edition

What: Dig out your daisy dukes, plaid shirts, and cowboy boots, because National on 8th us having another MUCH Video Dance Party – Stampede style. Get ready to sing and dance the night away to all your country faves like Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Dixie Chicks, and more.

When: July 6, 2019
Time: 8 pm to 2 am
Where: National on 8th – 255 8th Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

5K Foam Fest Alberta 2019 – Leduc

What: The 5K Foam Fest features some super exciting obstacles to get over, under, and around, including the world’s largest inflatable waterslide. Combine these obstacles with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam that is pumped out at each event, and chances are you’ll be enjoying an epic summer day. The family fun event supports the Make A Wish Foundation.

When: Saturday, July 6
Time: Various wave times throughout the day
Where: 4330 Black Gold Drive, Leduc
Tickets: Register online, $60 to $75

Saturdays on 17th

What: Spend your Saturday on 17th Ave all summer long. From now through to July 27, the neighbourhood will be featuring live music, games, giveaways, and movies in Tomkins Park. Bring the whole family and enjoy the festivities.

When: Every Saturday from now to July 27, 2019
Time: 12 to 9 pm (movie screenings start at 6 pm)
Where: Tomkins Park (corner of 8th Street & 17th Avenue SW)
Admission: Free

Heritage Park Summer Season

What: Enjoy a different experience every day at Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village. Take a tour back in time on a horse-drawn wagon ride, play traditional Aboriginal games in the First Nations’ Encampment and pick up a freshly baked cheese bun from the Alberta Bakery. Plus S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler will once again sail the Glenmore Reservoir this summer, which means the return of the much-loved Captain’s Cruises.

When: Daily
Time: Various times
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online

Dog-friendly Stampede Breakfast

What: Ceilis on 17th, PAWS Dog Daycare, and Cultured Canines present a breakfast for humans provided by Ceilis and a breakfast buffet for dogs catered by Drool Pawtissiere. Celebrate the Stampede with people and puppies alike, while fundraising for the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society’s cause.

When: July 6, 2019
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: 933 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Price: $10 and $3 from every ticket will be donated to Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society

Bring the Energy: North American

What: Bring the family and feel the freedom as Alberta’s best skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders throw down big air at the ATCOenergy Halfpipe Zone during the Spruce Meadows North American Tournament. Enter to win a board, bike or scooter or your own – or a bike park party for 20 of your closest friends.

When: Now to July 7, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Tickets: Online

Streetheart

What: Winnipeg classic rockers Streetheart (What Kind Of Love Is This) perform at Deerfoot Inn and Casino. Original founding members Daryl Gutheil and Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve along with Jeff Neill will be joined by Paul McNair (Harlequin) on lead vocals and David Langguth (Kim Mitchell/Nelly Furtado) on drums to reignite the songs and legacy of one of Canada’s most iconic rock and roll bands.

When: July 6, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Deerfoot Inn & Casino – 11500 35 Street Southeast #1000, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Badlands Stampede Music Festival 2019 – Kaskade

What: In 2003, Ryan Raddon, more commonly known by his fans as the famous house and trance artist Kaskade, developed his alter ego with the debut of his first hit album “It’s You, It’s Me.” Originally from Chicago, Kaskade made his way from the windy city to New York, where he started his career as a DJ. He then moved to Salt Lake City, where he continued to explore DJing and started his own record label, Mechanized Records.

When: July 5, 2019
Time: Doors 6 pm
Where: Knoxville’s Stampede Tent — 840 9 Ave Southwest, Calgary
Price: Tickets starting from $20 to $189.00 (+ sc) — Tickets available via website

Stampede Breakfast for Dinner Carnival

What: Head over to the Stampede ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ Carnival for free breakfast for dinner. Bring kids or young-at-heart adult friends because there’s going to be bouncy houses, an inflatable slide, games, performances, clowns, and more.

When: July 6, 2019
Time: 4 to 7 pm
Where: New Horizon Mall – 260300 Writing Creek Crescent, Rocky View County
Price: Free

Sunday, July 7

Calgary Stampede Cenovus Family Day Free Admission 2019

What: The free admission will be available between 7:30 and 11 am on Sunday, July 7, along with a free pancake breakfast (while flapjacks last, that is). If you’re busy that day, you can also get into the Stampede for free on Friday, July 5 if you get to the gates between 11 am and 1:30 pm — but expect a line, as it is the opening day of the festivities.

When: Sunday, July 7, 2019
Time: Between 7:30 and 11 am
Where: Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Corb Lund, The Sheepdogs, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, The Sadies, and Whitney

What: For the second year in a row, country music fans at the Calgary Stampede will be treated to an evening of entertainment by a lineup of critically acclaimed rock and alternative country artists. Award-winning roots country singer, Corb Lund, will headline a packed day of music at the Big Four Roadhouse on Sunday, July 7. The Sheepdogs, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, The Sadies and Whitney will also be performing.

When: Sunday, July 7, 2019
Time: Doors open at 3 pm
Where: The Big Four Roadhouse – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Tickets: $75 available on Ticketmaster

Calgary Outdoor Yoga

What: A 60-minute outdoor vinyasa flow class for all levels. Everyone welcome, including children. Practice in the grass or bring your mat or blanket.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 1 to 2 pm (Stanley Park) 4 to 5 pm (Mahogany)
Where: Stanley Park SW – 42 Ave & 1A Street SW; Mahogany – Masters Square & Mahogany Blvd
Admission: Pay what you want

Sunday Funday at East Village

What: A quick game of giant Jenga? Or ladder golf, perhaps? Come find EV’s EAST Crew, who will be set up on the island every Sunday with games and activities for a perfect day at the park. First-come, first-served. Honour system applies.

Puppies and Prosecco

What: Puppies and Prosecco, there is no better combination! Attend a private group training class for you and your pup on the patio of Vin Room Mission, led by the Dogma Behaviour & Education Centre. You will receive two glasses of wine, beer, or prosecco, and a lesson on the patio for you and your furry friend, and a bag of goodies worth $50. $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation.

When: July 7, July 21, August 11, August 25, September 8, 2019
Time: 2 pm
Where: Vin Room Mission – 2310 – 4 Street SW
Tickets: Online, $40

Shakespeare by the Bow – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

What: This summer, come together with the Calgary community to celebrate and support Alberta’s emerging artists in a gorgeous natural setting. One of Shakespeare’s most popular works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows four young lovers and a group of six amateur actors through the forest as they are influenced and manipulated by a band of forest-dwelling fairies. Join theatre: Calgary in Prince’s Island Park for this thrilling chase of love, identity, and confusion.

When: Now to August 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Admission: Pay what you can

Badlands Stampede Music Festival 2019 – RL Grime

What: When Los Angeles-based DJ/producer Henry Steinway combines hip-hop, electro, drum’n’bass, and any number of other bass-heavy genres, he dons the moniker RL Grime. An active member of the WeDidIt Collective along with producers like Shlohmo and D33J, he has collaborated with Baauer, Skrillex, Big Sean, and others. His made his full-length debut with 2014’s well-received Void, an eclectic mix of genres such as garage, EDM, and R&B.

When: July 6, 2019
Time: Doors 6 pm
Where: Knoxville’s Stampede Tent — 840 9 Ave Southwest, Calgary
Price: Tickets starting from $20 to $189.00 (+ sc) — Tickets available via website

The Original Dollyfest

What: This all-day affair celebrating the Smoky Mountain Nightingale goes down on the first Sunday of Stampede and features a stacked lineup of bands, Dolly Drag performances, an all-day art-show featuring Dolly paintings by Calgary’s own Geneva L. Haley, plus a free Stampede Breakfast. Bring a children’s book and donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and help us raise funds for Calgary’s SHARP Foundation, a non-profit providing housing, and healthcare to those living with HIV.

When: July 7, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Broken City – 613 11 Ave SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

East Village Hive Tour with MOB Honey

What: Learn all about urban beekeeping with MOB HONEY’s workshops at The Hive in East Village. You’ll get a tour of the five beehives behind the EV Experience Centre and get up close and personal with thousands of honey bees who live there. Children aged 4+ are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

When: July 7, August 4, September 1, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, 1 to 3 pm
Where: East Village Experience Centre – 553 Riverfront Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free