September is the month that kids head back to school, a Pumpkin Spice Latte provides a familiar comfort, and Calgary begins to change colour!
It’s that time of the year where Calgarians are questioning where the time went and how it’s September already. Nonetheless, it’s time to begin transitioning (slowly) into the new season that brings some beautiful views and presents some great opportunities to head outside and enjoy the last few months of warmth… before the big freeze!
From markets to festivals to corn mazes to new fitness routines, here’s everything exciting happening around Calgary in September.
Get outdoors
Take a float down the Bow River
- What: Bid summer adieu with a final float and admire the beautiful views that are beginning to change colour along the banks of the Bow!
- Tips: Make sure that you have enough life jackets for your entire group, book your raft ahead of time, park a vehicle at the beginning and the end of your route and check weather advisories before heading out.
- Where: Lazy Day Raft Rentals, Sports Rent, The Paddle Station and the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary
Go hiking in the Rockies
- What: It’s larch season! Grab your cameras and hiking gear and enjoy the picturesque fall views from the top of a mountain.
- Where: Here are some of the best hiking spots in and around Banff to check out this summer.
Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola
- What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of 6 different mountain ranges, while sipping on a delicious Starbucks coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
- Where: 100 Mountian Avenue, Banff
- Cost: Adult – $62, Child – $31
Rent a bike and go on a river adventure
- What: Grab your squad, get yourself some wheels and see the city from a different perspective.
- Where: Rent bikes at these locations: The Livery, Rath Bicycle, Bike and Brew
- Cost: Varies per bike rental location
Get lost in a Corn Maze
- What: There is no better way to welcome fall then heading out to one of Calgary’s many corn mazes and enjoying a fun-filled farm adventure. Don’t forget to check out the Kangaroo Petting Zoo new to Cobb’s Adventure Park and Corn Maze!
- Where: Cobb’s Adventure Park and Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm
Get active
Rockies Run Collective
- What: Join Lululemon every Saturday morning for a fun morning run through iconic mountain landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy town streets!
- Where: Lululemon Banff – 121 Banff Avenue, Banff
- When: Every Saturday morning at 9 am
- Cost: FREE
Fitness Fridays with ROW17
- What: Take your fitness experience to the next level with ROW17 and revitalize your core with this new Power Row-ga workout every Friday until September 29.
- Where: Tomkins Park between 7 Street and 8 Street SW
- When: Every Friday between August 4 and September 29
- Cost: FREE
The Sweat Series
- What: Join Parts + Labour founder, Jennifer Mehlko as she collaborates with various fitness studios around the city to bring you a fun workout series. Come sweat it out with her and then shop her athleisure “Heart Work” collection afterward in a fun studio pop-up .
- When:
- September 7 – Junction 9
- September 24 – UNDR Card
- September 30 – Stax Cycle Club
- Cost: $20
Rock the House Run
- What: Run either 5K or 10K in support of Southern Alberta’s Ronald McDonald House Charity. It’s named “Calgary’s Favourite Family Run” for a reason!
- Where: The race starts and ends at Market Mall – 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW
- When: September 17
- Cost: $15-$45
30 in 30
- What: 30 classes, including Row, HIIT, and Spin, in 30 days – think you can do it? Registration opens up on MINDBODY August 1.
- Where: Movement U – #16 4 Street NE
- When: September 1-30
- Cost: $150
Melissa’s Road Race
- What: Run 5K, 10K or challenge yourself to 21K in the 38th annual Melissa’s Road Race through the streets of Banff.
- Where: Banff Rec Grounds – 100 Mount Norquay Road, Banff
- When: September 23
- Cost: $50-$70
Ride the Red Rock
- What: Celebrate Canada 150 by riding the newly paved Red Rock Parkway, a 28 KM journey there and back. The scenic views on this ride will be well worth the effort!
- Where: Red Rock Parkway
- When: September 24
- Cost: FREE
September Markets
East Village Junction
- What: 12 makers, 12 shipping containers, and one parking lot makes the best retail shopping Calgary has ever seen. There are also various performances, a pop-up library, Junction jams and group runs hosted by Lululemon happening at different times throughout each week, so you just have to go more than once!
- Where: SW corner of 4 Street and 8 Avenue SE
- When: Now until October 1 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Cost: Free admission
Inglewood Night Market
- What: It’s the last Night Market of the summer and it’s revving up to be the biggest and best one yet! Be sure to come with an empty stomach and the desire to shop till the sun goes down. The event goes on rain or shine, so come prepared.
- Where: 9 Avenue and 10 Street SE
- When: September 8
- Cost: FREE
The Prairie Girls Vintage Market
- What: Shop your favourite local makers and artists in a quaint antique farmhouse.
- Where: Cochrane Ag Society Barn – the NW corner of the junction of Highways 1A and 22
- When: September 9
- Cost: $3
Calgary Farmers Market Pop-Up Market
- What: Join the Calgary Farmers Market in their harvest celebration where you will have the opportunity to shop fresh, local fruits and vegetables, nuts, tea, kombucha and more in their mini market at South Health Campus.
- Where: South Health Campus – 4448 Front Street SW
- When: September 13
- Cost: FREE
Market Collective: 9 Year Anniversary
- What: Market Collective is celebrating their 9th anniversary with a by hosting a large market full of new and old makers, artists and vendors from all over Alberta. There will also be various interactive art installations, along with food trucks, live music and more! Come celebrate 9 years of community building and the arts here in Calgary!
- Where: The Yellow Warehouse in Inglewood – 1390 17th Avenue SE
- When: September 15-17
- Cost: $5 for the weekend (Kids under 12 are FREE)
Etsy: Made in Canada
- What: Now is your chance to shop your favourite yyc Etsy shops (100+) in person at this weekend-long market!
- Where: Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Boulevard
- When: September 22 – 23
- Cost: $5-$8
Little Modern Market: Fall Edition
- What: Come shop some of your favourite #YYC makers, artists, and vendors at the Fall edition of Little Modern Market!
- Where: Rally Pointe – 11511 35 Street SE
- When: September 23
- Cost: $5
Words & Co. Pop Up at Greater Goods
- What: Pick yourself up a felt letter board during the Words and Co. Pop Up at Greater Goods during the month of September. These are great for lightening up a room with a hilarious pun or displaying the table settings at your wedding!
- Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – 606 Meredith Road NE
- When: September 1 – 30
Workshops
Introduction to Hand Lettering with Alison Martin
- Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – 606 Meredith Road NE
- When: September, 23
- Cost: $70
Yarn Painting
- Where: Stash – 1237 9th Avenue SE
- When: September 10
- Cost: $90 (all supplies are included)
DIY Terrariums
- Where: Craft Beer Market – 345 10 Avenue SW
- When: September 12
- Cost: $60
Wire Wrapped Crystal Jewellery
- Where: National on 10, Bourbon Room – 341 10 Avenue SW
- When: September 20
- Cost: $50
Food and drink festivities
BBQ on the Bow
- What: Featuring over 35 teams of BBQ Competitors, along with cooking demonstrations, kids activities, beer gardens and live music from 11 of Calgary’s top local bands.
- Where: Montgomery Community Centre – 50003 16 Avenue NW
- When: September 2 and 3
- Cost: Free
Back to School BBQ
- What: Celebrate back to school on the Cibo patio for a BBW in the sunshine!
- Where: Cibo – 1012 17 Avenue SW
- When: September 2
Have Brunch at Mount Engadine Lodge
- What: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a delicious brunch in the midst of the untouched natural beauty of Spray Valley Provincial Park at Mount Engadine Lodge. This is the perfect way to unplug and unwind as you enjoy breakfast with an unreal view!
- Where: 1 Mount Shark Road, Canmore
- When: Every Sunday
- Cost: $25 per person, $17.50 for kids (includes coffee/tea)
Alberta Beer Girls at Zero Issue Brewing
- What: You know it’s going to be a great event when it starts off with a beer flight! Learn the details on how exactly yeast is used in the brewing process as you make your way through a complete brewery tour with Christina Owczarek. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Calgary Women’s Shelter!
- Where: Zero Issue Brewing – 4210 12 Street NE
- When: September 16
- Cost: $45
Grizzly Beer Festival
- What: Calling all craft beer connoisseurs! For only $2 a drink ticket, sample various local brews from breweries across Alberta and BC. Some of the confirmed breweries thus far are Trolley 5 Brewpub, Grizzly Paw Brewing Co., Lonetree Cider, Labatt Brewing Co. and so many more! There is also a free shuttle available to take you to and from the village – now that’s an offer you can’t refuse!
- Where: Bear’s Den Smokehouse and Patio – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise
- When: September 16
- Cost: No cover – just $2 per drink ticket
Calgary Food Fest 2017
- What: Eat for a good cause, sounds simple enough to us! This year’s second annual Food Fest will be supporting The Calgary Food Bank and She Rescue Homes with plans to increase the event’s impact and continue to make the world a better place.
- Where: 11400 27 Street SE
- When: September 16
- Cost: FREE
Oktoberfest
- What: Party like the Germans – lederhosen’s optional!
- Where: Big Four Building – 20 Roundup Way SE
- When: September 22 – 23
- Cost: $15-$20 (Sampling souvenir mug included)
VegFest Calgary
- What: The first outdoor festival centered in Calgary around all things vegan! Learn and be educated on all things vegan, while you munch on delicious eats from a variety of vegan kitchens, shop exciting local makers, artists and designers at their mini market, listen to some inspiring speakers and enjoy a ton of live entertainment and family fun.
- Where: Shaw Millennium Park- 1220 9 Avenue SW
- When: September 23
- Cost: FREE
Thanksgiving Bake Off
- What: Get Thanksgiving started early this year by sampling 5 delicious pie’s made from the market vendors and voting for your favourite in support of the Calgary Food Bank. The winning vendor will be given the opportunity to take home the trophy and bragging rights for the BEST pie in the market.
- Where: The Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77 Avenue SE
- When: September 29-30
- Cost: FREE
Festivals and other events
Summer Yoga and Movie Night on the Rooftop
- What: Sweat it out in a rooftop yoga sesh and then curl up as you watch a classic film on the big screen!
- Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9 Avenue SE
- When: September 15
- Cost: Drop in fee
Fiesta Filipino 2017
- What: Kick it Filipino style! A fiesta is meant to be a special time with friends with delicious food, fellowship and various activities.
- Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8 Avenue SE
- When: September 1
- Cost: Free admission
The Roadblock Party
- What: The road may be closed, but the stores and restaurants are definitely open for business! This exciting event grew over from the creative response to the city’s plan to reconstruct 17 Avenue. The businesses on the Avenue decided to remind Calgarians that the doors of the businesses are still open during construction. The Block Party will feature live music, entertainment and a pop-up retail market happening all day. There are also five unique restaurants (Anju, Calcutta Cricket Club, Buttermilk, Pigeonhole and Model Milk) that will be serving up exclusive dishes, cocktails and more that you can’t miss out on! Come celebrate the beginning of September and see what exciting things 17 Avenue has to offer!
- Where: 17 Avenue between 4 Street and 2 Street SW
- When: September 3 from 11 am to 11 pm
- Cost: FREE
IT Premiere “Creepy Carnevil”
- What: A town named “Derry,” a group of feisty childhood friends reunited in a group called “The Losers Club” and a horrifying clown named “Pennywise” combined makes for a thrilling and suspenseful movie experience. Come see the premiere of Stephan King’s ‘IT’ at this Creepy CarnEvil themed party being held at Banff’s Lux Cinema.
- Where: Lux Cinema – 229 Bear Street, Banff
- When: September 7
- Cost: $10
Calgary Produce Marketing Association Harvest Sale
- What: Grab fresh fruits and vegetables all weekend-long, while supporting your local community at the same time.
- When: September 9-10
- Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
- Cost: Admission to park
Adults Only Night: Hack It
- What: Hacking is the art of making something the way you want it and exactly what humans have been doing since the beginning. Why not try this in your own life with your mood? Come find out how at this months Adult Only Night at Telus Spark.
- Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
- When: September 14
- Cost: General Admission to Telus Spark
Fiasco Presents: Doors Open YYC
- What: See Calgary from a unique perspective and celebrate its cultural heritage, as you gain free access to 40 different sites around the city with behind the scenes activities and revealing tours all day long.
- Where: Various locations throughout the city
- When: September 23
- Cost: Free
FOCUSED
- What: As you may have heard the lemurs can officially call the Calgary Zoo their home! This event is for budding photographers of all experience levels to have the chance to experience the Zoo and capture it in the beautiful morning light – a unique experience that not many people can say they have done!
- Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 St. Georges Avenue NE
- When: September 23 7am-9am
- Cost: $30-$40
Railway Days
- What: As one of the only sites in North America that has two steam locomotives on site Heritage Park and CP Rail invite you for a weekend of demonstrations, hands-on activities, exciting exhibits and everything and anything train related.
- Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
- When: September 23 – 24
- Cost: admission to park
The Calgary Fall Home Show
- What: Be inspired to fall in love with your home again at the Calgary Fall Home Show! Spend the weekend doing fun interactive workshops presented by Outside the Shape and Heart & Swirl, gaining expert advice from home reno pros, such as HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler, Tiffany Pratt and DIY expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perraul and meeting some of the Calgary’s top designers. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have all the tools you need to make your home the sanctuary it should be!
- Where: BMO Centre
- When: September 21 – 24
- Cost: $7-$13
Parkluxe 2017 presented by Bankers Hall
- What: Calling all fashionistas! Enjoy this luxury art and fashion show featuring some of Canada’s best high-end fashion designers and artists, such as Paul Hardy, Lauren Bagliore, House of Nonie and more. Come and celebrate the Canadain fashion industry at Calgary’s best, most exquisite fashion event of the year!
- Where: Spruce Meadows, Equi-plex – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
- When: September 30
- Cost: $50-$350
Music festivals
2017 Honens Festival
- What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with a 4-day music festival with a side of maple syrup. It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that!
- Where: Various venues and parks around the city
- When: September 7 – 10
- Cost: $10-$55 or festival pass is $129
Circle the Wagons 2017
- What: Join the BassBus, YYCFoodTrucks and Village Brewery for a traveling carnival that includes the best Calgary has to offer in local food, beer, music, art, and entertainment.
- Where: Currie Life – 3951 Trasimene Crescent SW
- When September 9
- Cost: $35
Metal Festival
- What: Calling all metalheads!
- Where: Various locations around Calgary
- When: September 17
- Cost: TBA
Arts and culture
Beakerhead
- What: Everyone’s favourite interactive art show is back for another year of exciting scientific fun. Explore the city and visit the 14 different sites that are interconnected with a common theme, the ups and downs of the journey of invention. At each stop you can go two different directions. Who knows the where the route you choose will take you!
- Where: Various locations around Calgary
- When: September 13-17
- Cost: Varies per location
East Side Studio Crawl
- What: Calling all art lovers, young and old! Come on the 14th annual Art Crawl through 5 different galleries in Inglewood and Ramsey that features over 80 different local artists.
- Where:
- Burns Visual Arts Society – 828 24 Avenue SE
- Jeff De Boer, Sculptor – Bay 3, 1701 11 Street SE
- Heritage Weavers and Spinners Guilde – 1139 11 Street SE
- Artpoint Gallery and Studio – 1139 11 Street SE
- Studio 4 Painters 1439 10 Avenue SE
- When: September 16
- Cost: FREE
18th Annual Calgary International Film Festival
- What: As the sixth largest film festival in Canada, this 12-day showcase will feature up to 200 multi-genre feature and short films from over 45 countries including Canada. Come support and engage with local artists of the big screen and come together with the like minded community who share your love of film!
- Where: Various venues around Calgary
- When: September 20 – October 1
- Cost: $15-$300
Alberta Ballet Presents Tago Fire
- What: Come celebrate the opening of Alberta Ballet’s 51 seasons as you enjoy this sensuous, seductive and sultry performance demonstrating the intricate art of Tango!
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
- When: September 21-23
- Cost: $28-$117
The Sound of Music Touring
- What: To no one’s surprise, The Sound of Music continues to be the most successful and popular movie musical in history. Come see this heartwarming, beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trap Family and singalong to iconic numbers, “My Favourite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi and more!
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
- When: September 26 – October 1
- Cost: $35-$135
Searching for Mary Schäffer
- What: Learn how Mary Schäffer’s art is reflective of her adventures in the Canadian Rockies back in the early-twentieth century, along with how it resonates with audiences today in the launch of this new book by Colleen Skidmore.
- Where: Whyte Museum – 111 Bear Street, Banff
- When: September 28
- Cost: FREE
Timeraiser 150
- What: “Bid time, do good, get art.” The concept of this art auction is easy, bid your time rather than your money and get a beautiful art peice in return!
- Where: Art Commons – 205 8 Avenue SW
- When: September 28
- Cost: $22
Music performances
Photo // Garth Brooks Facebook
Simple Plan – No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls 15th Anniversary Tour
- Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8 Avenue SW
- When: September 8
- Cost: $45
Garth Brooks World Tour
- When: September 9
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Cost: $79
George Lopez
- Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
- When: September 9
- Cost: $62-$104
Daniel O’Donnell: Back Home Again Tour
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
- When: September 12
- Cost: $30-$115
I Love the 90’s Tour
- Where: Winsport Arena at Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
- When: September 13
- Cost: $62-$104
Sporting events
Photo // The Calgary Hitmen Facebook
Labour Day Tail Gate Party
- What: White is mandatory unless you’re wearing red to cheer on the Stampeders! Head to the Tail Gate Party, located in the McMahon Stadium parking lot, to kick off the exciting festivities!
- Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
- When: September 4
- Cost: Admission to game
Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders
- What: Cheer on our Stamps as they make their way to the Grey Cup!
- Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
- When:
- September 4 vs Edmonton at 1 pm
- September 16 vs BC at 5 pm
Cheer on the Calgary Flames
- What: Two words – Red Mile! Let’s do this!
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When:
- September 20 vs Vancouver at 7 pm
- September 22 vs Arizona at 7 pm
- September 30 vs Winnipeg at 7 pm
Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen
- What: The Hitmen are offically in their regular season, come show them some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup!
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: September 23 vs Kootenay ICE at 7 pm
Monster Jam
- What: Come see this motorsport as the best drivers in North America compete for the winning spot!
- Where: Stampede Grandstand
- When: September 9-10
- Cost: $15-$65
The Harlem Globetrotters
- What: Come cheer on The Harlem Globetrotters as they make a stop in Calgary on their 2017 World Tour!
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When: September 28
- Cost: $18-$105
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