What’s Up This Weekend?

July 14 to 16

Don’t miss out on our extensive list of all the Calgary Stampede Breakfasts in and around the city. Check them out on our blog.

July 13 to 15, 11pm to 3am; Milky Way Nights at RAO, Milky Way Nights are an opportunity for the public to observe the dark night sky alongside University of Calgary researchers at Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO). See astronomers in their natural habitat, under dark moonless skies. The dark sky conditions are perfect for viewing planetary nebula, globular clusters and distant galaxies. Each evening will include a sky tour outside on the viewing terrace, pointing out some of the highlights of the summer sky. Learn more at science.ucalgary.ca/rothney-observatory.

July 14; Sprayyc, unleash the colors of creativity and community spirit in this exciting event that celebrates inclusivity, art, and community at Century Gardens. Watch as professional graffiti artists create art live and invite the public to create urban art of their own. Learn more at sprayyc.com.

July 14 to 16; Calaway Park Comic Fest, dress up in your best family friendly costume and be transported to the Calaway Comic Fest for Kids zone. With character meet and greets plus special activities each day, a whole new experience is waiting for you. Learn more at calawaypark.com.

July 14 to 16; 2023 Shady Grove Bluegrass Music Festival, this is one of Canada’s largest bluegrass music festivals. It has been running annually for about 30 years and continues to deliver top-notch entertainment and an unrivalled community for jamming in Sundre. Learn more at foothillsbluegrass.com.

July 15; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Gorilla Breakfast, bring your family and friends down to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo for a fun and educational morning at the zoo. Enjoy a scrumptious pancake breakfast with a side of gorilla facts from the zoo’s Animal Care, Health and Welfare technicians, followed by an exclusive visit to see the troop. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

July 15, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: Free Willy, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

July 15, 11am to 6:30pm, HMCS Calgary Road Hockey Rodeo, the first annual Road Hockey Rodeo, led in partnership by the Friends of HMCS Calgary Committee and HMCS Calgary, and supported by the Flames Foundation, will create an inclusive, healthy, and fun youth activity with navy sailors during Stampede that strengthens the relationship between the ship and the community, and generates donations which benefit local Calgary charities and Calgarians. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

July 15, 12 to 8pm; Currie Market, a modern market with locally sourced vendors selling diverse goods; from handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats and more. Learn more at curriemarket.com.

July 15; Cavalry FC vs HFX Wanderers, don’t miss out on this excited soccer game at Spruce Meadows. Learn more at cavalryfc.canpl.ca.

July 15 to 16, 11am and 2pm; Toy R Us Activities: Nifty Nature Summer Crafts, bring your creative kids in for a cool crafting activity, making one of these colorful nature-inspired projects: Tropical Fish Paper Puppet; Watermelon Paper Fan; Paper Plate Caterpillar; or Paper Plate Flowers. Learn more at toysrus.ca.

July 16; Foothills Creamery Scoop Slam, in honor of National Ice Cream Day, Calgary-based Foothills Creamery will be hosting its second annual ice cream eating contest, the ‘Scoop Slam’ with a grand prize of free ice cream for a year, bragging rights and a special trophy! Hungry Calgarians are invited to sign up to compete for the title of ice cream eating champion, or simply to spectate (and more slowly consume some delicious, locally-made ice cream) at this fun weekend event. All attendees must register. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

July 16; High Tea at the Zoo, a full day of summer fun, perfect for all ages. Enjoy delicious treats like scones, finger sandwiches, and mouth-watering snacks, while sipping on a selection of tasty loose-leaf tea. The best part is, you’ll enjoy views of the gardens and flowers from the comfort of the ENMAX Conservatory. There’s even outdoor seating so you can enjoy some fresh air and warm sunshine. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

July 16, 2 to 4pm; Michaels Make Break: Friendship Bracelets, make a friendship bracelet, choose from a selection of beads, and make the bracelet you want! Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

Until July 16; Calgary Stampede, it is once again time for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Put on your hat and pull on your boots to get ready for one of the largest rodeos in the world, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competition, chuckwagon races and more. Learn more at calgarystampede.com.

Ongoing

Fridays in July, 5 to 9pm; Family Fun Friday Nights at Calaway Park, enjoy an extra two hours at Calaway Park on the Friday evenings in July only. Open from 10am to 9pm on July 7, 14, 21, 28. Experience Calaway Park from 10am to 9pm for regular admission per person or from 5pm to 9pm for only $25.95 per person. Don’t miss exclusive magic shows each evening at 6pm and 7:30pm. Enjoy all the family fun of Calaway Park for a bonus two hours. Learn more at calawaypark.com.

Until July 16; Badlands Music Festival, The Badlands Festival is a series of electronic and hip-hop shows that takes place downtown during the famous Calgary Stampede. Learn more at badlandsmusicfest.com.

Until July 31; G’ddy Up! | Group Exhibition, Newzones Gallery announces the return of “G’ddy Up!”, an annual rotating group exhibition that coincides with the Calgary Stampede. “G’ddy Up!” will survey how Newzones’ artists explore contemporary cowboy culture, and how they implement aspects of this culture in formal practices through painting, photography, mixed media, and sculpture. Learn more at newzones.com.

Until August 6; Shakespeare on the Go – A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, this summer, the traditional Shakespeare by the Bow program will once again be going on the road…as Shakespeare On The Go! A cast of seven emerging artists will travel to a variety of Calgary locations to present a 75-minute version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Learn more at theatrecalgary.com/shakesgoperformances.

Until August 12; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: The Addams Family Band, underneath it all, Wednesday Addams is just a regular teenage girl. And like any normal teenage girl these days, Wednesday wants to be a Pop Star. After searching high and low, she’s having a little trouble finding a band to play with her though … maybe her new bandmates are closer than she thinks. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until August 12; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: Old Time Rock ‘n Roll, just take those old records off the shelf. That’s what Michael Stevens is doing. You see, when he decides it’s time to clean out the attic, he stumbles upon his stash of old records that have been collecting dust for decades. Let the nostalgia trip begin. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until August 25; Wagonstage 2023 presents: The Little Forest, join emerging artists from the School of Creative and Performing Arts who write, design, direct, and present these popular summer performances at various locations throughout the city. Learn more on the Wagonstage Facebook page.

Saturdays until August 26; City of Calgary Family Golf Nights, get your kids interested in hitting the links this summer with the City of Calgary’s Family Golf Nights! Juniors (ages four to 17) golf for free when accompanied by at least one adult. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Select Saturdays until August 26, 6 to 8:30pm; Dover’s Music & Art in the Garden, the Dover Music & Art in the Garden concert series is in its third year, born during the pandemic. It’s a way for the community to come together and enjoy beautiful Twin Views Communal Garden (a transformed tennis court) while listening to local musicians. Learn more at ckua.com.

Until August 27; Prairie Persuasion: Communication and Propaganda in Southern Alberta 1860-1950, visit Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park to learn about the darker side to propaganda, one which was aimed at different groups of people using discrimination and violence. Propaganda changed the shape of society as we know it today. Discover the power of propaganda for yourself, while you can, by visiting this new, temporary exhibit. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Until August 27; Calgary Wind Symphony, join the Calgary Wind Symphony for a free family-friendly concert in Riley Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join for a wonderful afternoon of music. Learn more at calgarywindsymphony.com.

Until August 29, Tuesdays 11am to 4pm; The Market on Stephen Avenue, shop Calgary’s famous downtown avenue for all your market needs. Learn more at downtownmarkets.ca.

Wednesdays until August 30, 4:30 to 9:30pm; Crescent Heights Village BIA Night Market, this market will showcase local vendors, engage the community and raise awareness for the Green Line LRT Project. Learn more at crescentheightsvillage.ca.

Until September; Summer on 17th; returning for its sophomore season along with all of your favorite events. From movies in the park to live bands, theatrical performances and fitness classes, the 17th Ave Business Improvement Area is pulling out all the stops to ensure this summer is epic. Along with last year’s crowd favorites, there’s also tons of exciting new editions for 2023, so clear your calendars, because your summer plans are officially set. Learn more at 17thave.ca/summer.

Until September 2; Rosebud Theatre Presents: The Sound of Music, a young nun is sent off to be governess to seven mischievous children. She teaches the children to sing, bringing a fleeting moment of happiness in the shadow of the rise of the Third Reich. A summer musical for the whole family. Learn more at rosebudtheatre.com.

Saturdays, 3 to 9pm until September 2; Calgary Night Markets at Heritage Park, the Heritage Plaza and promenade in the front parking lots will be taken over by vendors. Shop local vendors, explore the shops in the Plaza, grab a bite to eat and be entertained. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Until September 3; Stage West Dinner Theatre: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, musical theatre for the whole family. With charm, wit, and heart, follow life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. An average day made up of little moments picked from all the days of Charlie Brown, from Valentine’s Day, to baseball season, wild optimism to utter despair. Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, and a beagle named Snoopy as they navigate the joys and pitfalls of childhood. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Every other Thursday until September 7, 4:30 to 9:30pm; Kensington Night Market, support local business and find your new favorite treats, breweries, fashions, fitness and more at Lot 57, 1210 Kensington Road NW beside Original Joes. Learn more at kensingtonyyc.com.

Until September 10; #YYCBlockParty – Roller Rink on The Boulevard, get ready to let the good times roll, Calgary! Block Party is back for its fourth installment, bringing good vibes, fun games, and eye-catching art to The Boulevard at Deerfoot City. Proceeds from skate rentals go to Kids Up Front, an organization dedicated to ensuring that all kids have access to fun, enriching experiences. Learn more at deerfootcity.com.

Until September 15; Inglewood Night Market 2023, the Inglewood Night Market is a modern market with locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods; from handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats and more. Learn more at inglewoodnightmarket.ca.

Until mid-September; WildScapes at the Calgary Zoo, this summer, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be taken over by larger-than-life animal topiaries. This one-of-a-kind summer garden experience can’t be found anywhere else in Western Canada, and will only be available for three short months. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until October; Bow Habitat Kids Can Catch Trout Pond, the Bow Habitat Station’s Kids Can Catch Trout Pond opens in mid-May and is stocked with rainbow trout in the fish hatchery for you to catch and release. Learn more at bowhabitat.alberta.ca.

Until October; Sacred Defenders of the Universe at TELUS Spark Science Centre, a vibrant floor-to-ceiling journey inside a graphic novel that follows four Indigenous superheroes as they seek to bring back the balance of earth between humility and respect for the land, and the excessive destruction of human ego. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Saturdays until October 7; Millarville Farmers’ Market, the people behind the tables at the Millarville Farmers’ Market are the real deal. They are the growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists. Ask them about their farm, their art, their love of what they do. Learn more at millarvilleracetrack.com.

Mobile Adventure Playgrounds. Join The City of Calgary for a self-directed, drop-in program that uses loose parts and natural materials to inspire active and creative outdoor play, and connect people, young and old, to nature. Visit calgary.ca/free for locations and details.