Looking to make the most out of your week in Calgary? From live music and markets to unique local events, here are 11 fun things to do this week right in the city!
Ultimate Summer Challenge at Calgary Public Library
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What: Ultimate Summer Challenge is coming back for another exciting year of reading, programs, and a lot of fun for the whole family. The Challenge is simple — read every day this summer. Registration is open and is free with your Library card. You can track your reading right in the Beanstack app or on one of our garden-themed Challenge maps available at all 22 Calgary Public Library locations. View prizes and learn more about the Challenge here.
When: Registration is open and runs until Friday, Aug. 31, 2025
Where: All Calgary Public Library locations
Admission: Free
Check out Alberta on the Plate
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What: Alberta on the plate connects consumers to agriculture through local restaurants in Calgary. Participating restaurants offer multi-course, fixed-price menus highlighting local producers, growers, distillers and brewers. These restaurants range from casual to fine dining and everything in between.
When: Aug. 8 to 17, 2025
Where: Various restaurants around Calgary
Learn how to square dance
What: Take up square dancing this week, either with a partner or by yourself. An experienced caller will introduce you to the basic steps of Today’s Square Dancing. No experience required.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025; 6:30 p.m.
Where: Winston Heights Community Centre – 527 27th Ave. NE
Admission: Free
Catch Charlie Cunningham at Commonwealth
What: Charlie Cunningham is a British singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and indie-folk sound. He’s bringing his intimate, atmospheric performance to Calgary this weekend as part of his tour.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025; 7 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Bar & Stage – 731 10th Ave. SW
Admission: $77.50
Experience The Lion King
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What: It’s getting down to the wire to catch The Lion King by Broadway Across Canada. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
When: July 30 to Aug. 17, 2025
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14th Ave. NW
Admission: Ticket price varies by date and seat
The Market on Stephen Avenue
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What: Take advantage of a sunny day as you browse market stalls from local sellers and artisans on Stephen Avenue.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Stephen Avenue
Admission: Free
Learn photography tips at The Camera Store
What: Get to know your new camera and dive into the basics of photography with help from the team at The Camera Store; all you need to bring is a pen and paper, along with your own camera.
When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025; 6 p.m.
Where: The Camera Store – 802 11th Ave. SW
Admission: $49.95
Experience GlobalFest
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What: Alberta’s most explosive festival returns to Elliston Park this week to bring a jam-packed schedule of fireworks presented by the United States, Malaysia, Philippines, China, and Canada.
When: Aug. 14 to 23, 2025
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68th St. SE
Admission: $25 per night
Right to Fight: Free Screening
What: Catch a free screening of Right to Fight, an untold story of three pioneering US sportswomen who, in the 1970s, attempted to break into the most macho sport of all: competitive boxing. There will also be an exclusive Q&A with the film’s director, Georgina Cammalleri.
When: Friday, Aug. 15, 2025; 7:30 p.m.
Where: EMMEDIA Gallery & Production Society – 2005 10th Ave. SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Jam out at Country Thunder
What: North America’s premier country music festival is back this week, with Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Old Dominion headlining the festival. Get a taste of country music right in downtown Calgary.
When: Aug. 15 to 17, 2025
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland – 750 9th Ave. SE
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Ridley’s Cycle presents Bicycle Film Festival
What: Join Ridley’s Cycle for their 25th Bicycle Film Festival. Showcasing a curated selection of documentaries, narratives, award-winning directors, and emerging talents all sharing equal billing as we take a journey around the world to celebrate the bicycle, all while supporting Youth En Route.
When: Friday, Aug. 15, 2025; doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Globe Cinema – 617 8th Ave. SW
Admission: $18 + fees in advance, $25 at the door