25 things to do in Calgary this weekend: June 21 to 23

Summer has officially arrived! Kick things off with these 25 events happening in Calgary on Friday, June 21, Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23. Calgary Horror Con, Indigenous Day, and more!

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

See also

• There's a 'clothing-optional' wave pool swim in Calgary this July
• 20 brand new outrageous Stampede foods were just revealed (PHOTOS)
• Lil Nas X is performing at the Cowboys Music Festival Tent July 12

Friday, June 21

Stampede Block Party

What: Cowboys Casino’s second annual Stampede Block Party will include roaming entertainers, prize giveaways including a trip for two to Las Vegas, pop up market, food trucks, Zen 8 Grill complimentary tasting table, life sized Monopoly Board Game filled with fun swag from local Victoria Park businesses, happy hour drink specials and more.

When: Friday, June 21, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Cowboys Casino – 421 12 AVE SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

Calgary Night Market

What: Spend your Friday or Saturday evening shopping your favourite local makers, while munching on delicious eats and listening live entertainment. The market has two locations this summer – Calgary Night Market Bridgeland and Calgary Night Market SOUTH.

When: June 21, July 26, and August 23 (Bridgeland), June 28 to 29, July 19 to 20, August 16 to 17 (SOUTH)
Time: 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Calgary Night Market Bridgeland – 917 Centre St NE; Calgary Night Market SOUTH – Bonaventure Dr SE at 90 Ave SE
Admission: Free

Robert McClure Farmers’ Market

What: Enjoy live music, food vendors, activities for the family and a wide variety of vendors selling their goods.

When: Every Friday to September 27, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Address: Robert McClure United Church – 5510 – 26 Avenue NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Pitch Party YYC

What: The Accelerator puts early-stage tech startups into hyper-speed. The 5th batch has startups tackling everything from time-consuming traffic tickets to filling medical jobs and more. Come see what they’ve created, make meaningful business connections, and see everything on Calgary’s horizon. Evening includes networking, awards, Village beer, and a party.

When: Friday, June 21, 2019
Time: 7 to 9:45 pm
Where: Festival Hall – 1215 10 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online

10th Annual Walk for Reconciliation

What: The 10th Annual Walk for Reconciliation will be held on June 21, 2019. Take part in a reconciliation ceremony at Fort Calgary with commemorative Residential School walking sticks, then listen to a keynote address. There will be a free breakfast for the first 150 participants.

When: Friday, June 21, 2019
Time: Walk starts at 8 am, reconciliation ceremony at 8:45 am
Where: Starts at NW corner of the Harry Hays Building and continues along the Riverwalk to Fort Calgary – 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Saturday, June 22

5K Foam Fest Alberta 2019

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.

This year, the event takes place just outside of Calgary in Red Deer and foamy runners will get to enjoy live DJs and a vendor village. If you miss out on the Red Deer event, the race will also visit Leduc and Medicine Hat — it may be a somewhat longer road trip, but that’s all part of the fun anyway. And it’s all for a good cause. The family fun event supports the Make A Wish Foundation.

When: Saturday, June 22 (Red Deer), Saturday, June 29 (Medicine Hat), and Saturday, July 6 (Leduc)
Time: Various wave times throughout the day
Where: Heritage Ranch – 6300 Cronquist Drive, Red Deer (June 22), Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede – 2055 21st Avenue SE, Medicine Hat (June 29), 4330 Black Gold Drive, Leduc (July 6)
Tickets: Register online, $60 to $75

Cavalry FC vs Forge FC

What: Cavalry FC take on the Forge FC on June 22 in Canadian Premier League action to Spruce Meadows

When: June 22, 2019
Time: 3 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

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

Millarville Farmers’ Market 

What: Meet and shop at growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists at Millarville Farmers’ Market. Children 5 to 12 years can also join the Market Buds program. Participants will learn where their food comes from, gain confidence in conversation with Alberta Produce farmers and BC Fruit farmers, make healthy food choices, and hold sole responsibility for maintaining their own punch card and tokens. Tokens for spending on vegetables and fruit are earned by completing a weekly activity in the Market Buds area located in the garden.

When: Every Saturday until October 12, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Address: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville
Admission: $3, with proceeds going to support programming at the Millarville Racetrack.

APTN Indigenous Day Live 2019

What: Join the gathering for APTN Indigenous Day Live 2019 at Fort Calgary. There will be a free pancake breakfast, Powwow, children’s corner, vendors and food trucks, live entertainment, and more.

When: Saturday, June 22, 2019
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Acadia Recreation Centre – 240 90th Avenue SE, Calgary
More Info: Online

9th Annual Calgary Horror Con

What: Browse over 125 horror vendors, watch panels from our celebrity guests, get your favourite memorabilia signed and participate in our international film festival featuring roughly 70 films.

When: June 22 to June 23, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre – 2120 16 Ave NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Mad Max Ride YYC

What: A free critical mass, post-apocalyptic themed parade featuring music, art, costume and motion. Mad Max Ride YYC is a family friendly active transport parade rolling from Stampede to a Sled Island Block Party. Show up to show off your Mad Max themed costumes and wheels. All modes of non-motorized active transport are welcome to enter (bicycles, roller blades, skateboards).

When: Saturday, June 22, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Meet at Calgary Stampede Parking Lot 14 – 520 13 Ave SE, Victoria Park, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free

4th Annual Lobster BBQ

What: The Delta Calgary South by Marriott Presents the 4th Annual Lobster BBQ in support of Inn From The Cold. Guests will be treated to a delicious lobster and steak dinner. Entertainment will include an exciting competition between five of Marriott Calgary’s top chefs as they battle for the title of Master of the Grill. This year’s BBQ is an adult only event, with a live auction, music, silent auction and more fun to be had throughout the entire evening.

When: Saturday, June 22, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Southland Yard Bar and Table – 135 Southland Drive Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Pollinator Picnic

What: Bring your own picnic lunch and blankets and learn how to assemble your very own bee box while learning about what Grow Calgary and the Alberta Native Bee Council do. Enjoy many bee themed games and crafts for the whole family.

When: June 22, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: St. Philip School Field – 13825 Parkside Dr SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Cochrane Farmers’ Market – 2019 Market at the Ranche

What: The “Market at the Ranche” is open for its 21st Season. As an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market, each and every week will showcase the perfect mix of vendors – full-time favourites alongside a wide range of new and unique products. Farmers, growers, brewers, distillers, artisans & makers – an amazing variety every week.

When: Every Saturday until September 28, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 1 pm
Address: Cochrane Ranche Historic Site 663 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane
Admission: Free

Sunday, June 23

The 2019 Royal Canadian Family Circus

What: The internationally-renowned event is coming to Calgary  for 12 shows on its 2019 Canadian tour.  Expect explosive circus acts like the Flying Cortes Trapeze, the Wheel of Destiny, chair balancing, and aerialists, to name a few.

When: Now to June 23, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Crossiron Mills – 261055 Crossiron Blvd, Rocky View No. 44
Tickets: Available online starting at $25 for general admission

Calgary Zoo Panda Passage

What: Witness the Calgary Zoo’s four resident giant pandas as they munch on their favourite snack, bamboo. Adults Er Shun and Da Mao and cubs Jia Panpan and Jua Yueyue are ambassadors for the vulnerable species and are the pride of China. This May marks the one-year anniversary of their arrival at the Calgary Zoo. The two cubs will be returning home to China soon, so be sure to enjoy their cuteness while they are still here. If you are a member of the Calgary Zoo, you will be able to access exclusive member-only viewings of the Panda Passage, as well as fast-track your way into visiting these cuddly, lovable creatures.

When: Open seven days a week
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Memberships: Sign up via Calgary Zoo

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival 2019

What: The Sled Island Music and Arts Festival will be back in Calgary and features over 250 amazing bands and performers. The festival spans multiple venues throughout the city, and live music events will be accompanied by comedy, film, and art showings during the five-day bash.

When: Now to Sunday, June 23, 2018
Time: A full schedule will be released closer to the date of the festival
Where: Multiple venues throughout Calgary
Tickets: Available online, $214 for a full festival pass, individual tickets vary in price

Drags Benny 2.0

What: Drags Benny, presented by Eat North, will be going down at the Fairmont Palliser on June 23. Performers like RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jade Jolie will be hitting the dance floor, along with local queens like Kaos, The Marvelous Mo B. Dick, Abeiya Miraj, and Angelina Starchild.

This event will also feature a silent auction with prizes like Eau Claire Distillery spirits, a farm tour package, and a one-night stay in a Fairmont Palliser luxury suite with a brunch up for grabs. All proceeds from the 50/50 and silent auction will go towards Calgary Pride

When: June 23, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Hotel Fairmont Palliser – 133 9 Avenue SW
Price: $65 – $640; buy online

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 2 glasses of wine, beer or prosecco, 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: June 23, 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

3rd Annual Alberta Oyster Festival

What: Think you’re the fastest shucker in Alberta? Compete in the Expert Shucking Competition and win a trip to the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival in Prince Edward Island to compete in the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship. Plus enjoy a live DJ, food and drink booths and some silent auction items. In support of in support of Meal Share.

When: June 23, 2019
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: Rodney’s Oyster House – 355 10 Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine. Start with a walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to learn more about Canada’s first national park, or go indoors to sample from three restaurant menus. Then get hands-on in the world-class interpretive centre and theatre.

When: Daily until October 14, 2019.
Time: Various
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Online, various prices

Sled Island presents: We Are Not An Island Queer Zine Fair

What: A two day event celebrating and showcasing the thriving community of self identified queer-folk and other traditionally marginalized and excluded members of the Calgary creative community. This year the Fair will feature over 40 artists and collectives providing exhibitors an accessible and inclusive marketplace to share with the public a selection of zines, comics, books, posters and other printed matter. There will also be a line-up of additional programming including a panel, workshop and an all-ages afterparty.

When: June 22 and June 23, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm (Saturday), 12 to 4 pm (Sunday)
Where: Calgary Central Library – 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

SiStar Circle: Summer Solstice Market

What: SiStar Circle Summer Solstice Market will be hosting over a dozen local makers and artisans, including crafts, chocolates, flowers and more.

When: Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: SiStar Circle YYC – 234 7th Street NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Calgary Chinese Orchestra presents: Scenes from Tea Horse Road

What: Calgary Chinese Orchestra is presenting its 2019 annual concert, titled “Scenes from Tea Horse Road” at MRU’s Leacock Theatre on June 23. The concert features folk music from the ancient Tea Horse Road region in southwest China, as well as new works including a Canadian premiere. Joined by Suona virtuoso Wu Zhong-xi from Vancouver and CCO’s own Youth Ensemble.

When: Sunday, June 23, 2019
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Leacock Theatre – 4825 Mount Royal Gate Southwest, Calgary
Tickets: Online