Stampede is behind us but a lot of festivals are going to keep the summer party vibes going. Plus a couple of great experiences at the zoo.
Here are 12 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this weekend.
See more live music than you can handle at Folk Fest!
Calgary Folk Music Festival/Facebook
What: If you are missing live music after the Stampede, The Calgary Folk Music Festival will give you your fix. Over 70 artists from around the world make their way to Calgary for the four-day event at Prince’s Island Park.
When: July 21 to July 24
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave SW
Cost: One-day passes start at $75, four-day passes are $210
Take in a great show and meal with Divas Opera Bella Italia
Divas Opera
What: Divas Opera is back with Bella Italia featuring a full-length, all-Italian performance. Pianist Mimi Park and the Bridgeland Quartet join forces with Divas Opera for an unforgettable night. Roma Catering will provide a three-course meal during the event.
When: Friday, July 22
Time: Cocktails at 6 pm, Concert at 7:30 pm
Where: The Calgary Italian Cultural Centre – 416 1st Avenue NE
Cost: $80
Enjoy a weekend with your furry friends at Pet-a-Palooza
Pet-a-Palooza
What: A full weekend of dog-related activities takes over Eau Claire. There is puppy yoga, Corgi races, and a pool party. Plus, get everything you need to spoil your pooch at home with a number of local vendors. Also, treat your dog to a drive-thru puppuchino.
When: July 23 to July 24
Time: July 23, 1o am to 4 pm; July 24, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Cost: Free to enter
Celebrate the return of a tradition with the Wings Over Springbank Airshow
Litwin Photography/Shutterstock
What: The Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds will take to the sky with their legendary formation flying at the Wings Over Springbank Airshow! You can also see the Northern Stars led by airshow legend, Brent Handy. The F18 Demo Team will showcase Canada’s leading multi-mission fighter jet in its operational grey colour palette in recognition of their 2022 theme, “Fighter Operations at Home and Abroad.”
When: July 23 to 24
Where: Springbank Airport – 175 Maclaurin Drive
Time: 10 am both days
Cost: $32 per adult, $22 per child
Enjoy some eastern hospitality with the Sustainable Boil at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo/Facebook
What: Calling all seafood lovers! The Calgary Zoo is bringing a bit of the east coast to our doorstep with a good ole east coast seafood boil at the Wilder Institute. With a laid-back atmosphere, good food, good music, and good company, we have all the makings of our very own “kitchen party” — without the kitchen of course. Dining on sustainable seafood has never sounded better!
When: Sunday, July 24
Time: The zoo opens at noon, dinner seating times are 5 pm and 7 pm until 9 pm
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Cost: Adults $69, Children $45
See the world-famous Hamilton
Hamilton (Joan Marcus/Submitted)
What: This is your chance to be in the room where it happens! With music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, check out the story of Alexander Hamilton all month at the Jube. See the show about the revolution that started a revolution of its own in musical theatre.
When: July 12 to 31
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW Cost: Depends on the show
Enjoy Summer on 17th
Image: Nando’s on 17th Avenue / Daily Hive Calgary
What: The legendary 17th ave is giving everyone something to enjoy with Summer on 17th. Events like fitness in the park, live music and entertainment plus all the great stores, bars and restaurants you love on 17th ave.
When: From now until September 21
Where: 17th Avenue SW
Take part in a Theatre Calgary tradition with Shakespeare on the Go
Noises Off/Theatre Calgary
What: The tradition returns as Theatre Calgary takes Shakespeare on the Go across the city again this year. The Merry Wives of Windsor is the feature this year for the family-friendly, easily accessible event.
When: July 8 to August 7
Where: Various locations across the city
Cost: Free (donations available)
Check out a new exhibit at Telus Spark: Luminarium
Telus Spark
What: Imagine walking inside a larger-than-life-sized version of a kaleidoscope, or a stained-glass space full of colour and light. That is what Telus Spark is giving people with their new exhibit Luminarium. With 21 illuminated cavernous domes spread over 11,000 square feet, the inflatable light sculpture bursts with vivid natural colours that reflect off curved walls.
When: July 1 to July 31
Where: Telus Spark – 220 Saint George’s Drive NE
Cost: $29
Visit a brand new exhibit at Canada’s National Music Centre
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What: A new exhibit at Canada’s National Music Centre, “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Pathfinder,” shows the evolution of one of the early innovators of digital art, beginning with the purchase of the Cree singer-songwriter’s first Macintosh computer in 1984. The travelling exhibit will be on display at Studio Bell until August 1, 2022.
When: June 3 to August 1
Time: Studio Bell is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday through Sunday
Where: Studio Bell – Canada’s National Music Centre – 850 4th Street SE, Calgary
Cost: Pay-what-you-can admission
Have a “wild” brunch at the Calgary Zoo
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What: Enjoy weekend brunch at the Calgary Zoo. Held in the heart of Destination Africa, the zoo’s Safari Brunch features both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, including a free-flowing chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, a Belgian waffle bar, and much more.
When: Every Sunday until November 13
Time: First seating 9 to 10:30 am, second seating 11 am to 12:30 pm, and third seating on select dates from 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: $44.95 for adults, $27.95 for children
Walk into a parallel universe at Calgary’s science centre
Quantum Sandbox exhibit (Elle McLean/Daily Hive)
What: Fascinated by the idea of parallel universes? If so, you can now take a deeper trip into the world of the subatomic in an exhibit at Telus Spark Science Centre’s digital immersion gallery. The team at Calgary’s science centre has taken what many would consider to be the hardest science subject – quantum physics – and turned it into a floor-to-ceiling visual adventure that everyone can relate to.
When: Open as of March 1, 2022
Time: 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm Friday through Sunday
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Cost: Included with general admission; $26 for adults, $19 for children