Written by: Chloe Wong
HELLO JUNE, WELCOME SUMMER
The first official day of Summer is June 20th and our wonderful city has us in the celebrating mood. There are so many incredible things happening in YYC this month you know we just had to compile a list of our favourites. This was no easy task – from art, to sports, to music, and festivals there is so much going on and we couldn’t be more excited.
Without further ado, here are 40 of our favourite things happening this June in YYC. Make some plans, get off your couch, and fight the FOMO, friends. We’ll see you there.
1. Fourth Anniversary Party at National on 17th
June 1st, 2016 from 4 pm – late
National on 17th 550 17 Avenue SW
It’s true what they say – time flies when you’re having fun. On Wednesday, June 1st, National on 17th will be celebrating four years of Good Times with their anniversary event. To celebrate, they’re offering happy hour prices all day long, delicious samples of Fiasco Gelato, a charity auction and raffle in support of KidSport. BYOV starts at 4 pm with their favourite DJ’s and Wild Rose will be there with a special cask. Big Rock will also be launching their anniversary brew, a Peach Pale Ale, with all proceeds going to Kidsport. You won’t want to miss this one, YYC! The party starts at 4 pm.
2. Banded Peak Tap Takeover
June 2nd, 2016 from 4 pm – late
National on 8th 225 8 Avenue SW
One of Alberta’s newest breweries, Banded Peak Brewing, will be taking over the taps at National on 8th’s rooftop patio on June 2nd starting at 4 pm. Come support local and sample two of their brews, Plainsbreaker Pale Ale and Summit Seeker IPA. Brewed in the shadows of the Rockies, this beer is crafted for adventure. Catch us on the patio!
3. Free First Thursday at the Glenbow
June 2nd, 2016 from 5 pm – 9 pm
Glenbow Museum 130 9th Ave SE
If you haven’t been to the Glenbow lately, it’s time to check it out. They’ve got exhibitions for whatever you’re into (the JUNO Tour of Canadian Art exhibit is a must), and on the first Thursday of every month, admission is free. Get cultured and learn some cool things with your date. Bonus: there are sure to be tons of conversation topics with everything there is to see.
4. Dinner x Design
June 2nd, 2016 – Cocktail Art from 8 pm to 1 am
June 3rd, 2016 – Public Viewing from 11 am – 3 pm | June 3, 2016 – Gala Dinner from 6:30 pm – late
ACAD Gallery 1407 14 Ave NW
If you’re looking for an event to get dressed up for, Calgary’s premier design event returns for another installation of the most beautiful tablescapes and delectable cuisine on June 2nd and 3rd. This event brings together internationally celebrated designers and fresh new local talent to awe, inspire, and delight. The themes range from the lavish and romantic to the outrageous and whimsical so you’re sure to be in for a treat. The pictures from last year’s event are incredible and this year promises to be even better.
5. Funny Fest
June 2nd – 12th, 2016
Varying times and locations
Everybody loves to laugh and the 16th annual FunnyFest is bringing it with 11 days and nights of comedy. With 9 different venues, 70 unique performers, and 11 varying themes, get ready for an ab workout brought to you by some of the best comedy performers in the game.
6. Okotoks Dawgs First Home Game
June 3rd, 2016 at 7 pm
Seaman Stadium 2111 N Railway St, Okotoks, AB
Come cheer on the Okotoks Dawgs in their first home game against the Fort McMurray Giants on June 3rd. Have a pretzel, get your suntan on, and enjoy some drinks as you show your support. The season runs until August and promises to be a ton of fun.
7. Calgary Night Market 2016
June 3rd & 24th, 2016 from 4pm – 10pm
Central Memorial Park 1221 2nd Street SW
As if you needed another reason to get excited for Friday nights, the Calgary Night Market will be on the first and last Friday of the month until September. The Market kicks off on June 3rd and will feature a variety of ethnic street foods, local vendors, buskers, and entertainment. You can bet you’ll find us here getting both our grub and our shop on.
8. Fort McMurray Cuts For A Cause
June 4th, 2016; 7pm – 12am
Hedkandi Hotel Arts 146 13 Ave SW
The fires in Fort McMurray are devastating on so many levels and that’s why Hedkandi Salon, Butter Beauty Parlour, and Johnny’s Barber and Shop, are showing support by doing what they’re great at – cutting and styling hair. Join them at Hedkandi Hotel Arts on June 4th and show some love for our friends in Fort Mac by getting a blow out or a cut. There will be great food, music, drinks, and even better company. Minimum $50 donation. All proceeds will go towards the Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts for our neighbours in Fort McMurray.
9. Celebrity Burger Cook Off
June 4th, 2016 from 12 pm – 4 pm
The Main Dish 903 General Ave NE
Burgers, booze, and celebs sound like a pretty dope way to spend your Saturday. On June 4th, The Main Dish will be hosting their 10th annual Celebrity Burger Kick-Off from noon – 4 pm. Fiasco Gelato will be there selling their frozen treats and Village Brewery will be providing the brews while Calgary’s sports and media celebrities grill up burgers. Burgers are $6 each and all proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House of Southern Alberta and Classroom Champions.
10. Calgary Ukrainian Festival
June 4th, 2016 from 11 am – 8 pm
June 5th, 2016 from 11 am – 6 pm
Acadia Recreation Complex 240 90 Avenue SE
The 7th annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival honours the Ukrainian heritage, passion, and culture with tons of amazing sights and sounds. With main stage performances all day long on both Saturday and Sunday, a market with tons of unique vendors, family-friendly activities, and premium Ukrainian beer and vodka, there’s bound to be something for everyone! Go ahead and spend an afternoon (or two) here.
11. Lilac Fest
June 5th, 2016 from 10 am – 6 pm
4th Street SW between 13 Avenue and Elbow Drive
The Lilac Fest is hands down one of the most anticipated festivals of the season in YYC. This exciting one-day event kicks off festival city in our city and encourages its participants to shake off the winter blues. Host to over 500 different vendors and 30 different performances throughout the day, there isn’t a moment to spare. Bring the whole gang with you – the family is welcome.
12. Lilac Fest Village Party
June 5th, 2016 from 10 am – midnight
National on 17th 500 17th Ave SW
After you’ve taken in all the excitement of Lilac Fest in Mission, head over to National on 17th and join them for even more Good Times. Their doors will be open at 10 am for brunch and pints will be $6.50 all day long. Fiasco Gelato will be there scooping up their collab with Village Brewery, Squeeze Lemon Berry Helles, and DJ’s will be spinning their best Sunday afternoon jams. #SundayFunday just got really real.
13. Last Best Urban Market
June 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th, 2016 from 9 am – 1 pm
Last Best Brewing & Distilling 607 11 Avenue SW
If you’re anything like us, you love a good farmer’s market – and right now, Last Best Brewing & Distilling is hosting a Farmer’s Market style event with a twist. Running every Sunday until July 17th in their courtyard, this market will feature a mix of vendors including YYC growers and other local Calgary artisans. Add in some live music, delicious food options, and ice cold pints while you shop, and Sunday Funday just got a whole lot better. Vendors change weekly and all vendor fees will be donated towards Grow Calgary. Families are welcome!
14. Farmer’s Market on Stephen Ave
June 7th & 21st, 2016 from 10am – 3pm
Stephen Avenue – Centre Street SW 1st Street SW
What do you get when you mix city and farm life? A Farmer’s Market on Stephen Avenue, that’s what’s up. Every second Tuesday, wander downtown and pick up the freshest produce and meats, the coolest spices and sauces and the tastiest treats in the downtown block of the Telus Convention Centre and Winners and Goodlife. It looks like this summer, the concrete jungle gets a helluva lot fresher.
15. Spruce Meadows National
June 8th – 12th, 2016 Varying times
18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Presented by Rolex and host to the best show jumping athletes and horses from around the world, The ‘National’ is the opening of the 2016 Spruce Meadows Summer Series. Check out all the vendors in The Shops and enjoy tons of family-friendly activities including pony rides, wagon rides, face painting, and the RE/MAX Prairie Dogs from Friday to Sunday.
16. Adults Only Night at Telus Spark
June 9th, 2016 from 6pm – 10pm
Telus Spark, 220 St Georges Drive NE
Who said science can’t be fun? The second Thursday of every month, Telus Spark hosts an adults-only night, so you can explore all that the Science Centre has to offer without having to deal with screaming kids and angry parents. And the best part of it all? It has a bar on the second level, so you can drink a beer while keeping an ion the exhibits.
This month’s theme: Eat, Drink, and Do Science
Pro Tip: Purchase a combo ticket for admission to Adults Only Night plus a Maker’s Night Out Workshop for $45 + GST and try your hand at something new. This month’s workshop will be Molecular Gastronomy, which is just a fancy way of saying scientific ice cream. Sign us up! More details.
17. Tie1On4Stroke
June 9th, 2016 from 6 pm – 9 pm
Commonwealth Bar & Stage 731 10 Avenue SW
Looking for a date in support of a good cause? The Heart and Stroke Foundation has you covered with their 2nd annual Tie1on4Stroke event on June 9th at Commonwealth Bar & Stage. With special guest speakers, fantastic silent auction items, and a fashion show debuting new summer styles and the latest trends in wearable technology, this is an event not to be missed. Bring your date(s) and come help raise money for the prevalence and prevention of strokes.
18. AARCS A Tail to Remember
June 11th, 2016 at 6 pm
Civic on Third 130 3rd Ave SE
An evening out for a great cause. Join AARCS for a fun night of live music, hors d’oeuvres, libations, prizes, raffles, and entertainment. All proceeds from the evening will help to support AARCS in their ongoing care of our furry friends. Tickets are $60 each and include two drinks and delicious appetizers.
19. City Palate’s Culinary Race
June 11th, 2016 from 8:30 am – 5 pm
Calgary Farmer’s Market 510 77 Ave SE
You’ll want to round up all your foodie friends for this one, YYC. On June 11th, meet your team at the Calgary Farmer’s Market, receive your clues, and on the mark… get set… GO! With over 30 Calgary restaurants participating, your team will race around the city and solve clues at each location. The more clues you solve, the more points you receive, and the closer you are to victory. The race ends at Italian Centre Shop where great prizes and bragging rights will be awarded. It’s bound to be the most delicious race of the year! Race fee – Individual: $40, Teams: $65.
20. Maker YYC: Flower Crowns
June 11th, 2016 from 6:30pm – 9pm
Planet Organic Market #100, 4916 130th Ave SE
Turn your favourite Snapchat filter into a reality on June 11th with Maker YYC’s Flower Crown Workshop at Planet Organic Market on 130th. Just in time for summer – you’ll be looking on point with your stunning creation all festival season long. Tickets are $40 and include all supplies.
21. JazzYYC Summer Festival
June 12th – 20th, 2016; Varying times
Ironwood Stage and Grill 1229 9 Ave SE | Lolita’s Lounge 1413 9 Ave SE
Join JazzYYC for the 2nd annual Jazz Fest this June. The lineup of musicians starts on June 16th at the Ironwood Stage and Grill with trumpet player Jens Lindemann’s quartet. This unreal performance will be followed by a series of other shows until June 20th. There will also be a late night series at Lolita’s Lounge on the Friday, Sunday, and Monday so come and get your groove on!
22. Justin Bieber: Purpose World Tour
June 13th, 2016 from 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE
This one speaks for itself Beliebers. On June 13, our favourite bad boy Justin Bieber takes the stage at the Scotiabank Saddledome to ask for one more shot at forgiveness. Is it too late now to say sorry? We’ll let you decide.
23. Brazilian BBQ 101
June 15th, 2016 from 7 pm – 10 pm
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse 521 10 Ave SW
Every second Wednesday of the month, we make learning a little more fun. Varying from month to month, learn about everything from cocktails to food to wine to bourbon. Every event is led by experts in their industry, so you’ll always receive a little education with your indulgences. On June 15th, join us at Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse and learn about the basics of Brazilian food and the country’s signature cocktail – the CAIPIRINHA (ky/pee/ree/nyah). Indulge in a variety of Brazilian-style tapas and some perfectly grilled meats cooked by the city’s best Gauchos.
24. Battle of the Casks
June 15th, 2016 from 5 pm – 9 pm
National on 10th 341 10th Ave SW
It’s National on 10th’s first ever Summer Edition of Battle of the Casks, and this Bigger Better Battle is not to be missed. Breweries from across Alberta will be bringing casks, and beer lovers will be choosing the winner. 1 night, 15+ casks, and 2 epic prizes. All proceeds will be going to AARCS. Tickets are $40 and include samples of each cask, plus swag.
25. 6th Annual Pig & Pinot
June 16th, 2016 from 7 pm – 10 pm
Hotel Arts 119 12 Ave SW
Calling all meat lovers! The 6th Annual Pig & Pinot festival returns on June 16th to Hotel Arts. Twelve talented chef teams create unique and delicious dishes while competing for the coveted “Divine Swine” trophy using free range pork from Spragg’s Meat Shop. The dishes, prepared by chefs from some of our favourite restaurants in YYC (i.e. Anju, Notable, Ox and Angela, Red Tree, and Pampa), are then paired with the perfect pinot. There will be a silent auction, a fine wine raffle, and live music to up the ante. Tickets are $130 and all proceeds go towards Calgary Meals on Wheels.
26. Village Brewmaster’s Dinner: Pig and Duke
June 16th, 2016 from 6 pm – 11 pm
Pig and Duke, Connaught location 1312 – 12th Ave SW
Pig and Duke is excited to be collaborating with Calgary’s own Village Brewery. Join them on June 16th from 6 pm – 11 pm for 5 fantastic craft beers and 4 delicious courses, all for only $20! First course is served at 6:30 pm.
27. Gelato Academy
June 16th & 23rd, 2016 from 6 pm – 9 pm
Fiasco Gelato 110 – 221 19 Street SE
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy gelato… And that’s pretty close. Join our friends at Fiasco Gelato on June 16th and 23rd and explore the art of making artisanal gelato. Take a culinary tour of the history and process of gelato as you prepare your very own flavour of gelato or sorbetto using only the freshest ingredients (a la Dark Belgian Chocolate or Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans.) Class begins at 6:30pm and includes 2 glasses of wine or beer, charcuterie and 4 pints of your own custom flavour to take home. Act fast YYC – these classes sell out quick!
28. Picnic In The Park
June 17th, 18th, & 19th, 2016 from 11am – 7pm
Haultain Park 225 13 Avenue SW
Come cheer on your favourite four-wheeled culinary friends on the weekend of June 17th as they continue their series of summer frenzies with Picnic in the Park. If you’re a seasoned food truck veteran, you know the drill by now. There will be live music and entertainment, beer cocktails, giveaways, and all of your favourite YYC Food Trucks delicacies to indulge in over three days from 11am – 7pm.
29. Of Montreal and Guests
June 18th, 2016 from 8 pm – 2am
Flames Central 219 8 Avenue Southwest
If you’re a fan of live music and awesome performances, ‘of Montreal’ is going to be lighting up Flames Central on June 18th with their 13th album, Aureate Gloom that reflects the mid to late 70’s music scene in New York – psychedelic. Starting at 8 pm, this is a unique show that you definitely won’t want to miss.
30. YYC Lobsterfest
June 18th & 19th, 2016 from 12 pm – 7 pm
The Market on Macleod 7711 Macleod Trail SE
This Father’s Day weekend, treat Pops to lobsters and ice cold beers at the 2nd annual YYC Lobsterfest presented by Billingsgate Market. Your $35 ticket includes one fresh lobster plus a side dish and a bib. A cash bar will be available for beer and wine and all proceeds will benefit the Calgary Firefighters Burn Unit. This is the perfect present for the dad who has everything so come create memories with your favourite guy. The lobsters are coming!
31. Modern Steak: Father’s Day
June 19th from 5 pm – 10 pm
Modern Steak 107 10A St NW
Modern Steak is the perfect venue to treat dad to this Father’s Day. Guaranteed to leave Dad’s belly full of deliciousness, Modern Steak takes the experience of a traditional steakhouse and gives them a truly unique “Modern” twist. Have Pops try the 40 day dry-aged ribeye or the Modern Steak Burger for a meal he’ll be talking about for years. Call early to reserve your spot!
32. IGNITE! Festival for Emerging Artists
June 21st – 26th, 2016 Various times
West Village Theatre 2007 10 Ave SW | The Pumphouse Theatre 2140 Pumphouse Ave SW
There is so much talent in Calgary and the IGNITE! Festival for Emerging Artists is back once again to present exciting work from new voices. Talented Albertan artists in all fields will get the opportunity to present their work to Calgary audiences in thrilling performances. Come enjoy theatre, music, dance, and arts, as you cheer on the talent in our beautiful city.
33. Trivia Night @ Wurst
June 28th, 2016 from 7pm – 9 pm
Wurst 2437 4 St SW
Tuesday is no longer the ‘wurst’ day of the week. Join us for a night of cocktails and a little healthy competition on the last Tuesday of every month at Wurst. We change up the games every month to keep your Monopoly ego in check. Tickets are $20 and include one drink. Start the marathoning, bring your ‘A’ game, and put on your Wurst behaviour!
34. Best of Calgary Supposium, Showcase, and ‘Best of’ Bash
June 29th, 2016 from 7:30 am – midnight
Jack Singer Concert Hall 205 8 Avenue SE
Drive, resilience, and Wild West spirit is what YYC is known for. That’s exactly what is being celebrated on June 29th at the one-day ‘Best of’ Calgary party. Come be part of a collective conversation and be inspired by local entrepreneurs, designers, creators, and intellects all with a story to share. Join us in celebrating the best of Calgary’s best – and because we love giving you discounts to our favourite events in the city, use discount code BRANDED to receive 5% off your tickets. #BecauseCalgary
35. Sled Island 2016
June 22nd – 26th, 2016
Varying times and venues
Sled Island is a one-of-a-kind festival experience you won’t want to miss out on. The five-day music and arts festival brings together over 250 bands, comedians, filmmakers, and artists in more than 35 venues to transform the city into an art lover’s paradise.
36. TEDxYYC 2016
June 24th, 2016 1 pm – 6 pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall 205 8th Ave SE
Mark your calendars, YYC. TEDxYYC returns for its 7th annual rendition on June 24th at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The world’s brightest minds in the fields of Technology, Entertainment, and Design will take the stage for an afternoon of inspiration, intrigue, and innovation. Confirmed speakers include Stephanie Thomas, the founder, stylist, and editor-in-chief of CUR8ABLE and Dr. Michael Landry, a scientist and renowned scholar in gravitational waves. Groovy!
37. Color Me Rad 5K
June 25th, 2016 at 9 am
SAIT 1301 16th Ave NW
Guaranteed to be your funnest sweat session of the summer, the Color Me RAD 5K returns on June 25th. Grab your friends and run through RAD color stations that will leave you covered head to toe in powders and gels of pink, yellow, green, blue, and violet. All run participants will receive some free swag. Get your tickets today – the longer you wait, the more expensive they’ll be.
38. Philosafy Coffee
Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily
632 17th Ave SW
One of Calgary’s newest cafes, Philosafy Coffee, recently opened its doors on 17th Avenue in late May. Offering a specialty blend of coffee from Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia, and an amazing interior complete with copper pour overs, you’ll want to make Philosafy the destination for your next coffee date with bae. They’re open every day from 7 am – 10 pm.
39. Cluck N’ Cleaver
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
With all the amazing weather June has to offer, go ahead and get your outdoors on with a picnic. Make sure you pick up some chicken from Cluck N’ Clever. This casual takeout eatery in Calgary’s beltline district serves up Southern fried and French-style rotisserie chicken. Their chickens all come from local Alberta farms and can be ordered by piece or portion size. Pair your meal with one of their fresh made in-house salads, sides, or house-made cookies for a meal you won’t soon forget.
40. Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
Opening June 2016
One of YYC’s newest eateries is opening this month in the heart of Kensington at the old Hayden Block building. Serving house-smoked Texas style BBQ and the best hand-crafted cocktails from an extensive list of 100 whiskey and spirits, Hayden Block is guaranteed to please. Welcome them to the neighbourhood this summer by dining in their restaurant or checking out their backyard Whiskey Garden.
