15 phenomenal things to do in Calgary this weekend: June 23 to 25

It is the last weekend of June, and there are so many great things to do in Calgary as we get closer to the Stampede.

We have rounded up 15 fantastic things to do this weekend in Calgary, including one epic concert and a couple of great markets to check out.

Enjoy some Market Nights at Heritage Park

Heritage Park

What: Every Saturday from June 24 to 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 from June 24 to September 2, 2023
Time: 3 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Price: Free

Rock out with Nickelback

A.PAES/Shutterstock

What: One of the biggest Canadian bands of all time is back in Calgary as Nickelback takes to the stage at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Alberta band is stopping in Calgary as part of their Get It Rollin tour.

When: Sunday, June 25
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: $234

Experience lots of live music at Sled Island

Sled Island/Facebook

What: Sled Island, one of the coolest festivals in Calgary, is back and it is bringing 200 artists to the city. Newly announced headliners Vivek Shraya, The Body, and Blackwater Holy highlight the massive lineup that features local and international artists for you to discover. This year’s event will also feature comedy from Juno winner and Ramy star Dave Merhej. The festival organizers have also established a partnership with Setfest Tehran to bring a group of electronic musicians from Iran to Calgary for this year’s event.

When: June 21 to June 25
Where: Various venues across the city.
Tickets: On sale now. Prices vary by performer.

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 Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: Free

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

Learn about National Indigenous History Month at Calgary Library

Calgary New Central Library/Twitter

What: There are some really interesting events and performances happening all month long at Calgary Public Library locations across the city. From storytelling to history lessons to dreamcatcher making, there is something for everyone to learn from and enjoy.

When: June 1 to June 29
Where: Calgary Public Library locations across the city

Get reminded about Nickelback and see them live at the National Music Centre

Richard Beland

What:  Nickelback fans can be reminded of the band’s many accomplishments with a live afternoon interview with the band on June 25 and access to a new exhibition in their honour. The exhibition features 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: Nickelback Live Conversation on June 25. The exhibition runs until February 2024
Where: Studio Bell at the National Music Centre — 850 4th Street SE
Tickets: Tickets for Nickelback Live Conversation are $31.50 for general admission and include access to the new exhibition.

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.

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.