The Calgary Stampede is here and there are so many amazing things to do in YYC with parties happening all over the city.
We have rounded up 15 fantastic things to do this weekend in Calgary, and it is not all just Stampede related.
Celebrate at the Calgary Stampede Parade
Angela Burger / Calgary Flames
What: Get your Calgary Stampede started in style with the parade. Watch as hundreds of people, animals, and floats cruise through downtown as the official kick-off to the Stampede
When: July 7
Where: Downtown Calgary
Cost: Free
Enjoy some Market Nights at Heritage Park
Heritage Park
What: Every Saturday until September 2, the Heritage Plaza and promenade in the front parking lots will be taken over by vendors. From 3 to 9 pm, shop their local vendors, explore the shops in the Plaza, grab a bite to eat, and be entertained! Market Nights is a pet-friendly event, so make sure you bring your fur baby along for the ride!
When: Saturdays until September 2, 2023
Time: 3 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Price: Free
Get your Yeehaw on at the Calgary Stampede
Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock
What: The Calgary Stampede is here! Take in all the great food and concerts across the city or check out some of the rides. And of course, enjoy the fireworks at the end of each day.
When: July 7 to 16
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Celebrate at Mexifest
@mexifest/Instagram
What: If you want to avoid Stampede but want to check out a festival, Mexifest is a great alternative. Presented by The Latino Folkloric Society and Casa Mexico Foundation, visitors that weekend can expect to find authentic and delicious Mexican food and beverages, an artisan market, and two stages for dancers and live bands.
When: July 7, 8, and 9
Where: Calgary Tower Parkade – Parking Lot 6 — 125 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Price: $12.50; buy tickets here
Have fun in the sun this Summer On 17th
17th Ave BIA
What: Due to popular demand, Calgary’s Summer On 17th is returning to 17th Ave for its second year, and it’s pulling out all the stops this time. Throughout the three-month extravaganza, there will be free events happening almost every day, including favourites from last year and some exciting new attractions. From movies in the park to live bands, theatrical performances, and fitness classes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When: June 21 to September 23
Where: 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: Free
Enjoy a tale as old as time with a Beauty and the Beast Experience
Courtesy of Beauty And The Beast Cocktail Experience
What: The Beauty and The Beast Immersive Cocktail Experience, a fairytale journey that you definitely don’t want to miss, is in Calgary. This wonderful adventure, from the same team behind the Alice in Wonderland Experience, is coming to Sunny Cider Bar for a limited time. Based on the Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont fairytale, guests of this interactive experience will be surrounded by people who have become household objects, like talking clocks.
When: From now until December 31
Where: Sunny Cider Bar — 14th Avenue NE
Price: $47 per person; buy here
Head out for a stroll and enjoy the city
Kristen Prahl/Shutterstock
What: Calgary has so many great walking paths all around the city, and with the weather getting better, now might be the time to check some of them out. If you want to step it up a little bit, you can check out some of the stairs around the city to get a sweat in and enjoy a sweet view.
Experience Wonderspaces in Calgary at Telus Spark
Telus Spark
What: A mesmerizing new experience is coming to Calgary with Wonderspaces making its international debut at Telus Spark. This long-term experience coming to the Telus Spark Science Centre will feature nine unique, interactive art installations.
When: From now to October
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive Northeast
Tickets: Included in general admission or a Spark Membership
Check out the Historical Village at Heritage Park
Heritage Park/Facebook
What: One of the must-see attractions in Calgary, Heritage Park is ready for another season at the Historical Village. The theme this year is more: more to do, more to see, more to touch, more to smell, more to taste. Check out the 180 exhibits and attractions at Heritage Park with the Historical Village opening.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Get reminded about Nickelback at the National Music Centre
Richard Beland
What: A Nickelback exhibit has arrived in Calgary to remind fans of the band’s many accomplishments. This year’s exhibition will feature a number of instruments used by the band, some personal items, concert footage, and behind-the-scenes photos, all of which help capture the band’s rise and experiences as an internationally celebrated rock band.
When: On until February 2024
Where: Studio Bell at the National Music Centre — 850 4th Street SE
Tickets: Studio Bell admission: $21.50 for adults, $16.50 for students/seniors (65+), $13.50 for children (3 to 12 years of age), and free for children under three years of age.
Go camping
Phongsak Meedaenphai/Shutterstock
What: The weather is turning around, and camping season is here, so it’s time to check out some of the great campsites around Calgary. Obviously, with the mountains right there, we have a lot of great options. But there are plenty of great spots to check out a lot closer too.
Where: Various locations in and around Calgary
Get your Mario Kart on at Winsport
Skyline Luge Calgary/Facebook
What: An absolute must-try attraction is back for another year in Calgary, with Downhill karting returning to Winsport. Downhill karting allows visitors to ride their way down 1,800 metres of track and maneuver through 50 twists and turns, all while flying downhill, descending over 100 m.
Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Hours: Friday to Monday, 1 to 7 pm; 1 to 7 pm daily starting June 26
Tickets: Start at $28
Float down the rivers
Shutterstock
What: Going on a river float is one of the signs of summer, and lucky for us, there are plenty of places in and around Calgary to do just that. Whether you are in the city or in the mountains, there are some great spots to put a floaty in the water and chill.
Where: Bow and Elbow River
Check out all the rides at Calaway Park
Calaway Park/Facebook
What: Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park boasts 32 rides, family-friendly entertainment, and plenty of drool-worthy treats. Plus, you can even camp right on-site to keep the fun going. And there are more than just rides at Calaway Park. The CP Spray n’ Play waterpark is the perfect spot to cool off on a cool day. You can also take in a show in the 3D theatre, enjoy 20 games in the Drop Zone, and much more.
When: Open weekends until June 25, daily from June 29 to September 4, and weekends and holiday Mondays from September 9 to October 9
Time: 10 am to 7 pm through September 3, and 11 am to 5 pm from September 10 to October 10
Where: 245033 Range Road 33
Admission: $49.95 for regular general admission
Enjoy a scenic bike ride
Calgary bike path (Shutterstock)
What: Hold onto your handlebars because Calgary has got some awesome bike paths you have to check out this season! This is a great way to check out all the beauty that this city has to offer while getting a good workout in.