17 things to do in Calgary this week: August 8 to 14

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Looking for something to do this week? Well you’re in luck! Choose from a play in the park, fresh farmers market in the downtown core, Calgary’s beloved outdoor food fiesta and more!

Here are some of the top events to check out in Calgary between August 8 and 14.

Shakespeare by the Bow: Hamlet

What: Theatre Calgary is bringing Hamlet outside as it shows its annual outdoor performances of Shakespeare by the Bow. It is a pay-what-you-will and non-ticketed event, so you can just turn up with a blanket and picnic and settle in; the suggested donation is $20 per adult. All funds go towards the Shakespeare by the Bow program providing mentorship and support for Alberta’s emerging theatre artists.
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
When: Now until August 21, every day except Mondays; performances at 7 pm, with an extra 2pm matinee on Sundays.
More info: Theatre Calgary’s website

Farmers Market on Stephen Avenue

What: Fresh produce and local vendors right outside your office. Twice a month, over 40 vendors will setup shop for the farmers market coming to Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary. Check online for dates.
Where: On 8th Avenue between 1st Street SE and 1st Street SW
When: Tuesday, August 9 from 10 am to 3 pm

Pop-Up Picnics

What: A Pop-Up Picnic is a lunch hour (Noon to 1pm) event hosted by Downtown Calgary in various locations around the downtown core. They’ll provide the tables, chairs, entertainment and all you have to do is bring your lunch and some friends. Each picnic will have a unique theme – this week’s being ‘Stress Relief’ and will be held at a different location each week.
Where: Eighth Avenue Place – 525 Eighth Avenue SW
When: Wednesday, August 10 from 12 to 1 pm
Cost: Free

Downtown Calgary Walking Tour

What: Walk among the towers of Downtown along Stephen Avenue and beyond and look at the history of Downtown Calgary through the buildings. Talk about the history of the buildings, look at some of their characteristics, and talk about the people associated with them. Some stops will include geeky moments or party facts which are unknown stories or facts related to certain stops. The tour will return to the Calgary Tower.
Where: Calgary Tower – 101 9th Avenue SW
When: Wednesday, August 10 from 12 to 2 pm
Cost: $15

Bridgeland Farmers Market

What: Visit Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market every Thursday during the summer! Enjoy eating at local vendor stations, dance to live music and shop until you drop. For the kiddos, there are free activities set up.
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market – 917 Centre Avenue NE
When: Thursday, August 11 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm

Adults Only Night at TELUS Spark

What: Get hands-on with science while indulging in the adult juice. Enjoy free reign in the galleries, a fully licensed bar, and tunes all night long. This week’s theme is ‘Extreme Limits’ in conjunction with the Rio Summer Olympics.
Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St Georges Drive NE
When: Thursday, August 11 from 6 to 10 pm
Cost: $19.95

Visit a Farmers’ Market

Popular among chefs, home cooks, and local gastronomes, farmers’ markets have become an integral part of Calgary’s food landscape. Not only do these community events grant local farmers, growers, and bakers the opportunity to connect with urban folk but they also provide them with a space to show off their seasonal favourites. Here’s a quick list of a few.

Taste of Calgary

What: Calgary’s beloved outdoor food fiesta returns to the city in 2016, bringing with it a smorgasbord of globally-inspired cuisine and beverages. Attendees to the Taste of Calgary will be able to sample a variety of dishes, shop at some of the most interesting marketplace vendors in the city, and enjoy a wide range of entertainment.
When: August 11 to 14 from 11 am to 10 pm daily
Where: Eau Claire Festival Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Price: Free admission / Taste tickets $1

Pool side yoga on at Hotel Arts

What: Grab your yoga mat and head downtown to for an hour of pool side yoga Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the summer. Click here to register online for the class.
Where: Hotel Arts – 119 12th Avenue SW
When: Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 at 9am (arrive at 8:45 am)
Cost: $15

Korean Day Festival

What: Get all the kim chi and K-Pop your heart desires at the Korean Day Festival in Calgary this August. The festival, now in its 13th year, will be celebrating and showcasing Korea’s unique culture at Glenmore Athletic Park.
Where: Glenmore Athletic Park – 5300 19th Street SW
When: Saturday, August 13 from 10 am to 6 pm
Admission: Totally free

Afrikadey World Music Festival

What: Back for their 25th anniversary, Afrikadey takes place at various venues around the city and shows a diverse range of musicians, including Wura Samba, Sandra Isazadore, I Am The Mountain, DJ Yung Yahh, and many more. The final event, the world music festival, includes an interactive children’s area, visual arts displays, arts and crafts markets, a beer garden, and more.
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
When: Saturday, August 13 from 12 to 10 pm
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for students or youths, seniors and children are free

Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies

What: Every Saturday in August at 9 pm experience Kensington’s Summertime outdoor movie series. This Saturday, Dirty Dancing will be the feature film.
Where: Calgary Parking Authority Lot 57 – 1210 Kensington Road NW
When: Saturday, August 13 from 9 pm to 12:30 am
Info: On Facebook

Opera in the Village

What: Opera In The Village is back in Calgary this year, with two weekends full of free opera performances in August. The first weekend will also showcase the Front Row Centre Players, Ukrainian Tangos with Stephania Romaniuk, and the Foothills Brass Quintet. Meanwhile, the second weekend will also feature the Cantare Children’s Choir, Calgary Fiddlers and Band of Outriders.
Where: The Chautauqua Tent – East Village RiverWalk Plaza
When: Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, then Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21; free shows run from 2 to 7pm
Register: For weekend one, register here; for weekend two, register here

Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival

What: The 25th anniversary of Dragon Boating comes to town. The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival draws over 1850 competitors, 4000 spectators and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences.
Where: North Glenmore Park – 7305 Crowchild Trail SW
When: August 13 & 14

Marda Gras Street Festival

What: The streets of Marda Loop will come alive for the 32nd time with this New Orleans themed festival. A variety of high quality cultural performers, dance groups, musicians and outdoor activities will be at this fun outdoor event.
Where: Marda Loop – 33rd and 34th Avenues SW
When: Sunday, August 14 from 10 am to 5 pm

If you’ll be in Banff during the week:

Jazz Club

What: Emerging musicians from The Banff Centre’s acclaimed Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music, perform with their internationally acclaimed mentors in late night jam sessions.
Where: The Club, Theatre Complex – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
When: August 4 to 19 at 8 pm (excluding Saturday to Monday)

A Night at the Banff Mountain Film Festival

What: Every Thursday night in downtown Banff for 14 weeks, two identical shows per night will be shown featuring four unique film programs rotating each week.
Where: Lux Cinema – 229 Bear Street, Banff
When: Thursday, June 16 to Thursday, September 8. Shows at 7 and 9:30 pm
Cost: $12 can puchase online