17 things to do in Calgary this weekend

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Don’t say goodbye to summer just yet!

There’s still two weekends left before fall takes us into its chilly embrace, which means two weekends of events to check out in nothing but shorts and a t-shirt.

Whether you need to take your mind of those back to school blues, get yourself in gear for next weekend’s Beakerhead, or just find a reason to get out of the house, here’s our list of events that are worth getting off the couch for this weekend.

2017 Honens Festival

What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with a four-day music festival with a side of maple syrup. It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that!
When: September 7 to 10
Where: Various venues and parks around the city
Admission: $10-$55 or festival pass is $129

Circle the Wagons 2017

Parallel Imaging/Circle The Wagons

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.
When Saturday, September 9
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Currie Life – 3951 Trasimene Crescent SW
Admission: $35

The Prairie Girls Vintage Market

What: Shop your favourite local makers and artists in a quaint antique farmhouse.
When: Saturday, September 9
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Cochrane Ag Society Barn – the NW corner of the junction of Highways 1A and 22
Admission: $3

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

Calgary PMA Fall Harvest

What: Come grab some fresh and delicious produce for all your canning, pickling, and cooking needs. Proceeds from the event will go towards The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Community Kitchen Program, and the Heritage Park Society.
When: Saturday, September 9 to Sunday, September 10
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Admission: Regular park admission

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

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

Brazilfest 2017

What: Celebrate Brazilian culture and heritage with live music, cuisine, and performances.
When: Saturday, September 9
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market—200 Barclay Parade SW #202
Admission: Free!

Friday Night Swing Dance

Swing dance lessons (Fly Right Swing Calgary/Facebook)

What: Spend a night learning how to swing at the Mount Pleasant Community Association. Admission is just $10 and includes lessons for beginners before a social dance to show what you’ve learned.
When: Friday nights
Time: 8:30 pm is lessons, 9:30 pm to midnight is the social dance
Where: Mount Pleasant Community Association—602 22nd Avenue NW
Admission: $10 at the door

The People’s Poetry Festival

What: Eight different poetry events will be taking place around the East Village, allowing you to try your hand at writing, reading, or simply listening to spoken word.
When: Saturday, September 9
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Around Calgary’s East Village
Admission: Free, except for the Poetry Dive, which is $20 per person.

City of Calgary Cemetery Tours: St. Mary’s Pioneer Cemetery

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What: Go on a guided walking tour of one of Calgary’s historically significant cemeteries.
When: September 9
Time: 2 to 3:30 pm (weather permitting)
Where: Meet inside the St. Mary’s Cemetery main gate at Erlton Street and 32 Avenue SW
Admission: Free!

Celebrate in the Park

What: Check out this party at Elbow Park Community Centre that features food trucks, beet tents, and an outdoor movie—ice cream and popcorn included.
When: Saturday, September 9
Time: 4:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Elbow Park Community Centre—800 34th Avenue SW
Admission: $35 for adults, $25 for students, children, and seniors, available at elbowpark.com

Yarn Painting

What: Learn how to dye yarn to brighten up your future projects in this workshop led by Suzen Statz.
When: September 10
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Stash – 1237 9th Avenue SE
Cost: $90 (all supplies are included)

Broken City Karaoke

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What: Sing your heart out at Broken City to end the weekend off on a high note.
When: Sunday, September 10
Time: 10 pm
Where: Broken City—613 11th Avenue SW
Cost: Free!

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.

17 things to do in Calgary this weekend: September 9 and 10