Activities . Family Fun . What's Up in Calgary?

What’s Up This Week?

On August 9, 2023 by Calgary's Child

August 11 to 13

August 11, 7 to 10pm; Night at the Midway at Heritage Park, relive childhood joy at Night at the Midway. Visit The Fairgrounds for gourmet concessions, drinks, turn-of-the-century rides like the Big Eli Ferris Wheel and Bowness Carousel and classic games like Clown Pitch. Bring your loved ones and don’t miss out on one of Calgary’s most unique adult-only events. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

August 11, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Jubefest: Peter & The Wolves, Jubefest brings the community together to celebrate live performing arts at the Jubilee Auditorium featuring some of Alberta’s world-class musicians and poets. Howl along on with Peter and the Wolves and their rockabilly sound. Bring your own lawn chair, purchase some tasty snacks and local beverages and enjoy the best of Alberta on the outdoor stage. Learn more at jubileeauditorium.com.

August 11, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Conserving the Wilderness of Night Sky in Alberta: Understanding Light Pollution, this free and family-friendly public event is in association with ALAN2023, the eighth International Conference on light pollution, hosted by the University of Calgary and the Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at Science Theatres, 798 Campus Place NW. Learn more at science.ucalgary.ca.

August 11 to 13, 11am and 3pm; Toys R Us Activities: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem – The Making of a Ninja Event, got the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem fever? Bring your little ninjas in to select stores and swap high-fives with The Turtles in person. Plus kids can get a cool turtle shell custom-designed by a graffiti artist to wear and bring home; have some pose-and-play fun in Ninja Turtle gear and try out Leonardo’s Ninja Kick Cycle. Learn more at toysrus.ca.

August 11 to 12; Southern Alberta Music Festival, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to two-step your way to a good time. This music festival is coming back to Aspen Crossing, so you can enjoy some toe-tapping tunes while getting lost among nature. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

August 11 to 13; Calgary Japanese Festival “Omatsuri”, “Omatsuri” is the Japanese term for a “traditional festival”. Visitors to the festival will be treated to authentic Japanese customs, presentations of traditional music, dance and song, martial arts demonstrations, and more at Max Bell Centre. Learn more at calgaryjapanesefestival.com.

August 11 to 13; yyseek, this 48-hour scavenger hunt through central Calgary will be an opportunity for you to bond with your team, learn about the city, flex your problem-solving, and maybe even win the new yyseek Trophy. Learn more at yyseek.ca.

August 11 to 13; Calgary Gem & Mineral Show, this one of a kind event is featuring over 60 of the best gem, mineral and jewelry vendors from across Canada and abroad, bringing you unique gems, fine crystals, rare fossils, handmade jewellery, fancy beads and findings, lapidary art and more. Demonstrations, lectures and door prizes every hour at the Calgary Soccer Centre. Learn more at calgarygemshow.com.

August 11 to 13; Lucent Festival, you can expect a weekend of incredible connection, yoga and movement classes for all kids and for every ability, holistic workshops, arts and crafts, free play, a creatively curated marketplace, live music, relaxation, meditation, bonfires (weather permitted) nature hikes and dancing at Camp Jubilee in Cochrane. Learn more at embodiedliving.ca.

August 11 to 13; Calgary Dragon Boat Festival, as Calgary’s premier sports festivals, the Calgary Dragon Boat Race and Festival draws more than 1800 competitors, over 4000 spectators and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences to North Glenmore Park. Learn more at calgarydragonboatsociety.com.

August 12; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Gorilla Breakfast, bring your family and friends down to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo for a fun and educational morning. 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.

August 12; Franco Festival Calgary, the Calgary Franco Festival promotes, and shares the cultural richness of Calgary’s large Francophone community in all its diversity with the general public at Olympic Plaza. There will be music and dance with artists representing the diversity of the Francophonie, a cultural village where you could discover multiple products from different cultures, a children’s village and a bistro and a tasting corner, all offered in a family atmosphere. Learn more at francofestcalgary.com.

August 12, 8am to 4pm; Airdrie Show & Shine, check out hundreds of cars, eat at a selection of food trucks and visit vendor booths at this free event at Nose Creek Park in Airdrie. Learn more at timetravellers.ca.

August 12, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: Shazam! Fury of the Gods, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

August 12, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Jubefest: Caity Gyorgy, Jubefest brings the community together to celebrate live performing arts at the Jubilee Auditorium featuring some of Alberta’s world-class musicians and poets. Swing into the beat of summer with two-time JUNO award-winning jazz and swing vocalist Caity Gyorgy. Bring your own lawn chair, purchase some tasty snacks and local beverages and enjoy the best of Alberta on the outdoor stage. Learn more at jubileeauditorium.com.

August 12 to 13; Calgary Korean Day Festival, the Calgary Korean Association cordially invites you to the Annual Korean Day Festival. Korean Day Festival is open for anyone to broaden their understanding of the unique Korean culture while promoting a joyful sense of multiculturalism and diverse community in Calgary at Lot 6, 311 8 St SW. Learn more at allevents.in.

August 12 to 13; The Relove Market, an empowering fashion community dedicated to the pursuit of personal expression balanced with environmental sustainability. The market brings local curators and fashion enthusiasts together in a welcoming, inspiring and creative in-person forum to share ideas and textiles at The Alberta Hotel Building. Learn more at relovegeneration.com.

August 12 to 13; Granary Road’s Pickle Palooza, come relish in Granary Road’s Pickle Palooza! Not only will you find delicious pickles across the vendors, enjoy savoury and sweet pickles…Do you think you have what it takes to enter the pickle challenges? Join in the pickle eating contest, brine chugging contest, pickleball, and an amateur pickling contest. Register for free for a chance to become our Pickle Palooza Champion. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

August 12 to 13; Calgary Arab Festival 2023, enjoy the Arab food and coffee, have fun dancing and learning the Arab Folk dances and take in fun and entertainment on CAF stage at Shaw Millennium Park. Visit the Bazaar where you will find treasure of cultural items. in addition to Cultural tents where you have the chance to visit ten Arab countries for free in two days. Learn more at allevents.in.

August 13; High Tea At The Zoo, a full day of summer fun, perfect for all ages. Enjoy delicious treats like scones, finger sandwiches, and mouthwatering 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. Outdoor spots will sell fast, so plan ahead and reserve your table online today. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

August 13, 10am to 5pm; Marda Gras Street Festival, a free family-friendly event in the heart of Marda Loop and the longest running street festival in Calgary. Take part in a pedestrian friendly, car-free day with your friends and family – shopping local and reconnecting with the community. Learn more at visitmardaloop.com/mardagras.

August 13, 11am to 10:30pm; Chestermere Music Fest, celebrate summer on the lake at Chestermere’s annual Music Fest. Enjoy the wide variety of family-friendly activities at John Peake Park. Learn more at cityofchestermere.wixsite.com.

August 13, 11am and 2pm; Toys R Us Activities: LEGO® DREAMZzz™ Make-and-Take, bring your builder-kids in-store to create their very own Z-Blob the robot! It’s part of our launch celebration for sets based on YouTube sensation LEGO® DREAMZzz™. Learn more at Learn more at toysrus.ca.

August 13, 12 to 6pm; BARC’s n Brews Puppy Patio Party, calling all pup lovers and beer enthusiasts! Join BARC’s Rescue and Banded Peak Brewing for a tail-wagging good time at the BARCS & Brews Puppy Patio Party. Learn more at bandedpeakbrewing.com.

August 13, 2 to 4pm; Michaels Make Break: Animal Friend Pencil Toppers, come in-store and make a cute clay pencil topper, perfect for back to school. This event is free, and all supplies are included. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

 August 13, 12 to 7pm; Cochrane Food Fest, enjoy delicious food and drinks crafted by local vendors, a beer garden showcasing some local favorites, along with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a marketplace at Mitford Park. Learn more at cochrane.ca.

Ongoing

Until August 12; Calgary Fringe Festival, the festival features local, national, and international productions for a total of over 100 performances over nine days. This year’s event will be a hybrid festival experience between live in-person performances and digital offerings. Learn more at calgaryfringe.ca.

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 20; Alberta on the Plate, for ten delicious days, show your support by visiting one of the participating restaurants to experience their festival menus that highlight local farms, producers, breweries and more. Learn more at albertaontheplate.com.

Sundays until August 20; Walking Tours at Veranda at The Stables, join The Military Museums Foundation for their Summer Walking Tours. Explore the rich history of Currie Barracks and Calgary. See and hear stories from veterans experience the living history in the Currie Community and much more. Learn more at allevents.in.

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.

Until August 26; Nooks and Crannies Festival in Okotoks, a festival where artists create temporary site-specific installations in downtown Okotoks. This art festival sees artists repurpose and animate forgotten places with ‘forgotten’ materials, bringing public art to forgotten corners of downtown Okotoks. Individual artists and teams use recycled products to create installations that raise environmental awareness, animate spaces, and entertain audiences. Learn more at okotoks.ca.

Until August 26; BUMP Festival, BUMP self-guided mural tours are a perfect way to explore the murals and experience new works of art as they are being created right before your eyes. New tours will be released throughout the month of August. Learn more at yycbump.ca.

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 26;Rosebud Open-Air Summer Concerts, experience incredible live music every Saturday in August. Bring your blanket or lawn chair, your sunscreen and hat, and enjoy summer concerts in the heart of the Rosebud Valley. Learn more at rosebudtheatre.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 1; Who Made You The Judge – art Exhibition, a unique social justice art exhibition showcasing several hand-painted, nearly photorealistic portraits accompanied by heartwarming and emotional life stories. “Who Made You The Judge” highlights race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical disability, neurodiversity, mental health, and addiction at cSPACE Marda Loop. Learn more at ckua.com.

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 September 16, 4 to 10pm; 4th Street Night Market, Calgary’s hippest night market located in the heart of Mission. Visit the lively main street neighborhood of 4th Street for food, fun, local finds and friends. Learn more at 4th-street-night-market.myshopify.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.