How is July already over?! Now, before you start spiralling, remember that we still have a whole month of summer left. So make sure you make the most of it! Here are all the best things to do in and around Calgary this August.
See Disney’s The Lion King presented by Broadway Across Canada
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What: Watch as the Serengeti comes to life as never before in The Lion King by Broadway Across Canada. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
When: July 30 to Aug. 17, 2025
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW, Calgary
Admission: Ticket price varies by date and seat
Midway & a Movie at Heritage Park
What: Midway & a Movie at Heritage Park is your ticket to classic films, vintage carnival vibes and unforgettable summer nights under the stars! On August 23, step into the wizarding world with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — magic, mischief and all. Pair it all with unlimited Antique Midway rides, popcorn, mini donuts and more retro charm than you can shake a stick at — and you’ve got the ultimate movie night out at Heritage Park.
When: Aug. 23, 2025; 7 p.m. to midnight
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
Admission: $24.95 + GST for adult general admission
Join the Fun in the Ultimate Summer Road Trip Adventure Game!
Go East of Edmonton/Supplied
What: Summer is made for road trips! Make it even more fun with the Go East of Edmonton Road Trip Adventure Game. This is a prize-packed opportunity to hit the open road, enjoy family time, take unforgettable photos, and explore some of the top attractions in Alberta on six amazing road trip itineraries. Collect free souvenir stickers for your gameboard and scan to win over $10,000 in prizes and rewards, available for every kind of explorer to enjoy.
When: Now until Aug. 31. Play every day all summer or seven days per week
Where: Road trip through any of the 45 locations across east-central Alberta
Admission: Free, new gamers can sign up online
Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge
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: Tuesday, July 1 to Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Where: All Calgary Public Library locations
Admission: Free to register with your library card
Check out the Days of Yore
What: Experience this brand-new event at Heritage Park, and see centuries of military history spring to life! Engage in a sword fight with a Viking, cheer on a medieval jousting match, and feel the boom of Civil War cannons blasting.
When: Aug. 2 – 3, 2025; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
Admission: $39.95 + GST for adult general admission
Taste of Calgary
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It’s no secret that Calgary has a rich culinary scene, and at this food festival, you can sample a little bit of everything. A unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies will be serving up samples all weekend long.
When: Thursday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 4, 2025
Where: Calgary Parking Lot #6, 311 8th St. SW, Calgary
Admission: $1 per sample ticket
Try drinking Cocktails for Conservation
What: Visit as the zoo transforms into an adults-only escape. Sample beverages from local vendors as you wander through the zoo’s lush gardens, visit your favourite animals, and indulge in the delicious food stations scattered around the zoo.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025; 6 p.m.
Where: Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary
Admission: $99 + GST
See Mt. Joy in Concert
What: Experience the indie rock sounds of Mt. Joy as they bring their music to the Scotiabank Saddledome.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025; 8 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Admission: $50+
Attend the Calgary Water Lantern Festival
Water Lantern Festival/Instagram
What: If you’re a fan of the Disney hit Tangled, then you’re probably already buying your tickets to this festival. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the magical lantern launch.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
Where: Waterfront Park – 5225 101 St. NW, Calgary
Admission: $42+
Experience GlobalFest
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What: Be dazzled by Calgary’s International Fireworks festival. Get tickets to watch different countries compete and illuminate the sky with an orchestra of light and sound.
When: Aug. 14 – 23, 2025
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68 St. SE, Calgary
Admission: $25+
Shop the Barn Artisan Market
What: Hosted within the historic Shawnessy Barn, you’ll find two floors featuring 34 local vendors with hand-made, hand-crafted, created, and made-in-Alberta products. This market is part of a regular, monthly series, so if you can’t make it, there’s always the next one!
When: Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Where: 224 Shawmeadows Rd. SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Party at Expo Latino
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What: Enjoy Western Canada’s largest Latin festival! This amazing annual three-day festival features the very best of Latino culture with food, performances, and more.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025; 11:30 a.m. – late
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Sidewalk Series
Summer on 17th is back, and they’re introducing a brand new component to the lineup. On select dates, you can find local talent playing outdoor sets in intimate settings with limited spots. It’s the perfect way to spend a lazy summer evening.
When: Aug. 7, 22, & 27, 2025
Where: Various locations on 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Hop aboard for Captain’s Cruises
What: Step aboard Heritage Park’s Captains’ Cruises on the iconic S.S. Moyie paddlewheeler and set sail into golden hour across the Glenmore Reservoir. Sip a craft cocktail and enjoy chef-crafted appetizers and breezy beats.
When: Aug. 7, 14, and 28, 2025; 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
Admission: $109.95 + GST
Inglewood Night Market
Inglewood Night Market/Facebook
This fan-favourite modern market is back for its 2025 iteration. On select evenings, you can browse the goods of locally-sourced vendors selling crafts, vintage clothing, collectibles, artisan eats, and more.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Where: 10th Ave. SE & 10th St. SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Check out Calgary’s Ice Cream Festival
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What: YYC Ice Cream Fest officially kicks off on July 18 and will be running right through to August 18, with more than 30 cafes, restaurants, and scoop shops taking part in the festivities.
When: Now until Monday, Aug. 18, 2025
Where: Various locations across Calgary
The Market on Stephen Avenue
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What: Take advantage of a sunny day as you browse market stalls from local sellers and artisans on Stephen Avenue.
When: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Aug. 12, 19, 26, 2025
Where: Stephen Ave., Calgary
Celebrate at Carifest
What: Come and enjoy the vibrancy and diversity of Caribbean culture through music, food and dance for three action-packed days down at Cowboys Park.
When: Aug. 15 – 17, 2025
Where: Cowboys Park – 1220 9th Ave. SW, Calgary
Admission: Tickets vary by event
See Creed in concert
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What: Get tickets to Creed’s summer of ’99 tour and sing along to hits like “Higher,” “With Arms Wide Open,” and “My Sacrifice” for an unforgettable night of rock.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025; 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Admission: $200+
Get tickets to the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
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What: Get ready to laugh under the open sky. Check out this year’s showcase of comedic talent, ranging from local gems to superstar headliners.
When: Aug. 22 to 24, 2025
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW, Calgary
Admission: Tickets vary by performer
Laugh out loud at a stand-up show
What: Enjoy top-notch comedy acts at The Attic Bar and Stage in Inglewood. Hosted by local drag queens Victoria Banner and Karla Marx, you’ll have a hard time not doing a spit-take at this hilarious local comedy show.
When: Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Attic Bar and Stage — 1413 9 Ave. SE, Calgary
Admission: $10.50
Unwind with a river float
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What: With only one month left of true summer, make sure you float down the river at least once! Lucky for you, Calgary has no shortage of spots to enjoy a river float, just make sure you come prepared.
Where: Launch sites along the Bow and Elbow Rivers in Calgary
Admission: Free with your own river-rated floaty, rentals available
See Deftones in concert
What: Experience the intensity and dynamic sound of Deftones as they bring their North American Tour 2025.
When: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025; 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Admission: $86+
Feel like a kid at Calaway Park
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What: If you’re looking for thrills, then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Calaway Park. Located just outside of Calgary, this local amusement park gives you access to all your favourite rides with the price of admission.
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Calaway Park — 245033 Range Rd. 33
Admission: $53.95 + GST with season passes and online discounts available
See Lainey Wilson in concert
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What: Experience the powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling of Lainey Wilson as she brings her Whirlwind Tour to the Scotiabank Saddledome.
When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025; 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Admission: $350+
Experience ReggaeFest
What: Enjoy Calgary’s premier celebration of reggae music and Caribbean culture. It’s more than a music festival, it’s a rhythm of unity, culture and celebration.
When: Aug. 29 – 30, 2025
Where: The Rise, St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Rd. NE, Calgary
Admission: $50+
Visit Telus Spark
What: Explore the world of gastronomy with an immersive exhibition that “serves up” the science of food. Whether you’re a science nerd or just love a good meal, you don’t want to miss this one.
When: Now until Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Where: Telus Spark Science — 220 Saint George’s Dr. NE, Calgary
Admission: $32.95 for adult general admission
Travel in time with Life Chronicles
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What: This month is your last chance to catch the Life Chronicles VR exhibit at Chinook Mall. Experience a time of dinosaurs, back when giants ruled the world, all without a time machine.
When: Until Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Where: 6455 Macleod Tr., Calgary
Admission: $24.35+