Looking to create the ultimate summer bucket list in Calgary? Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city offers an abundance of exciting activities. Here’s a curated list of the top things you absolutely must experience this summer for a cute date with your partner, night out with besties, or go solo!
Feast at a Festival and Enjoy All the Vibes
Jerkfest 2024
When: Friday, 28 June 2024 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: 7920 42 St SE, 7920 42 Street Southeast
Enjoy a fantastic day of food and fellowship at Jerk Fest! It’s a family-friendly event hosted by Living Faith Community Church of God, inviting the community to come together and relish delicious jerk-inspired dishes. It’s the perfect chance to savour the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean while connecting with friends, family, and neighbours in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Calgary Folk Music Festival
When: July 25-28, 2024
Where: 1215 10 Avenue SE
Secure a front-row seat to an incredible lineup of international artists at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Held in the picturesque Prince’s Island Park, this popular event features 70 artists performing across five daytime stages and two evening stages. Regular attendees love to set up camp right in front of the main stage with blankets, low-rise lawn chairs, and picnic baskets, soaking up the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Taste of Calgary
When: August 1-5, 2024
Where: Calgary Parking Lot #6 311 8 Street S.W.
Offering a vibrant and delicious way to explore the city’s culinary scene, Taste of Calgary is the best way to share your love of food together. Held annually, this festival features a diverse array of local food vendors, each serving up a variety of mouth-watering dishes that showcase Calgary’s rich cultural tapestry. Stroll hand-in-hand through the outdoor venue, sample everything from gourmet bites to international street food, all while enjoying live music and entertainment.
GlobalFest
When: August 15-24, 2024
Where: Elliston Park
Experience GlobalFest, a multicultural extravaganza featuring five unforgettable nights of dancing, music, food, and spectacular fireworks displays. Each evening showcases a world-class fireworks show choreographed to music by an international team of pyro-artists at Alberta’s most explosive festival.
Carifest
When: August 16-18, 2024
Where: Shaw Millenium Park
Join the excitement of Carifest, a spectacular celebration of Caribbean music, costumes, traditions, and culture. Carifest kicks off with a vibrant parade starting at Olympic Plaza, making its way to Shaw Millennium Park for a festival featuring live reggae and steel pan music, dancing, and delicious food.
Expo Latino Festivals
When: August 16-18, 2024
Where: Prince’s Island Park
For over 35 years, Expo Latino Festivals has been Western Canada’s largest Latino festival, inviting visitors to enjoy a lively weekend filled with food, artisans, dancing, music, and entertainment.
Brewery & The Beast
When: August 25, 2024
Location: Fort Calgary
This outdoor festival offers an unforgettable experience, combining the best of craft beer, gourmet BBQ, and live entertainment. Wander through a vibrant atmosphere with your date, sampling an array of mouth-watering dishes from top local chefs, all made from ethically raised meats. Pair these culinary delights with refreshing craft brews from the best breweries in the region. With live music setting the mood, Brewery & The Beast is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day, making it an ideal summer date that promises delicious food, great drinks, and fun memories.
Catch a Cavalry FC Game
Location: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Enjoy a Calgary Cavalry FC game for a fun outing with friends or family. Whether you’re a soccer fan or just looking to enjoy a day out, catching a Cavalry FC game is a perfect choice. The season will be until mid-October so there’s plenty of time to schedule in an outing for this summer! The Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation is also a proud partner for all Spruce Meadows related events and Cavalry FC matches!
Witness a Top Show Jumping event at Spruce Meadows’ ‘National’ Presented By Rolex
When: June 12-16, 2024
Horses, show jumping, and the THRILL! ‘National’ is an event presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows that you need to mark on your calendars for a staple date idea in Calgary! From June 12-16, witness a top show jumping along with an action packed weekend planned on the 15th and 16th. Jam to the hottest live concert in town over the weekend on the brand new spruce meadows stage starring: Steven Lee Olsen, Jess Moskaluke and George Canyon. Brand new this summer are new mini cows, ponies, horses and exotic rescue animals, which are all free to see with your ticket. Get your tickets soon either online or at the gate starting at just $10 for GA and $5 for kids and seniors.
Calgary Stampede
When: July 5-14, 2024
Location: 650 25 Ave SE (Stampede Park)
Experience the thrill of a summer date like no other at the Calgary Stampede, dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” This iconic event, held annually in July, offers a unique blend of rodeo excitement, live music, and vibrant carnival attractions. Stroll hand-in-hand through the bustling midway, savour mouth-watering treats, and catch exhilarating rodeo events that showcase world-class talent. Dance the night away at outdoor concerts featuring top artists, or cozy up for a spectacular fireworks display.
Calgary Pride
When: August 24 – September 2, 2024
Celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance, not just this summer but all year long! Grab your date and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and make this Pride season unforgettable with joy, unity, and pride. There will be lots of events and programming happening so stay tuned at calgarypride.ca for more details.
Go on a Comedy Date to the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
When: August 23-25, 2024
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Attend the ultimate comedy festival and laugh like never before with your date at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Calgary! Spanning three whole days, it will be an entire weekend of entertainment with Russell Peters being one of this year’s headliners! The line-up will also include comedians Tom Segura and Iliza. Expect a ton of laughs while celebrating up-and-coming local talent to headliners with massive followings and global comedy specials!
Discover the Thrill of Flying Trapeze!
Get ready to be captivated by the thrill of flying trapeze right here in Calgary! Enjoy a Flying Trapeze class with your date, led by experienced instructors who will introduce you to the exhilarating basics of aerial flight. Exciting news: they have just announced a new location this year at the Calgary Shrine Centre!
Attend a Concert
Experience Calgary’s live entertainment scene this summer with a lineup of fantastic concerts. Enjoy performances from artists like Jonas Brothers, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tate McRae and more happening in the city this summer.
- Joel Correy will be at The Palace Theatre on June 14th,
- Snoop Dogg will be at the Scotiabank Saddledome on June 21st,
- Tate McRae will be at Cowboys Dance Hall on July 5th,
- Riley Green will be at Cowboys Dance Hall on July 6-7th,
- PARTYNEXTDOOR will be at Cowboys Dance Hall on July 7-8th,
- Jonas Brothers will be at the Scotiabank Saddledome on July 13,
- Badlands Music Festival at Badland’s Tent from July 4-14th,
- Ludacris at Grey Eagle Event Centre on July 31st
- Chasing Summer Music Festival at Max Bell Centre from August 3-4th,
- Hozier at the Scotiabank Saddledome on August 23rd,
- and so many more!
High River Sunset Drive-In
Location: 64137 – Highway 543 East, High River, AB
This classic drive-in theater is opening for the summer season and will offer a nostalgic experience perfect for couples. As the sun sets, snuggle up in your car and enjoy a movie under the stars. With a variety of snacks and drinks available, you can indulge in popcorn, candy, and sodas while enjoying the show. The retro vibe and stunning sunset views create a romantic and memorable evening.
Candlelight Concerts
Location: Different Venue Locations
Experience classical music in a magical new light with candlelight concerts in some of Calgary’s most enchanting venues. Enjoy the music of Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Vivaldi, ABBA, and more, all performed in a beautiful candlelit setting.
Float the Bow River With Lazy Day Raft Rentals
Location: 720 3 St NW, Calgary
This scenic journey offers a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, ideal for a memorable date. Rent a raft or kayak float with Lazy Day Raft Rentals and go on an adventure! Start your route at West Baker Park boat launch, located at 4320 Bow River Pathway and end near the Bow River Pathway Bridge that links Memorial Drive to Prince’s Island Park where you’ll be met by the friendly Lazy Day crew.
Explore Heritage Park
Location: 1900 Heritage Dr SW
Experience a magical summer date at Heritage Park, where history comes alive in a picturesque setting. They’ve just recently opened for the 2024 season and are celebrating their 60th anniversary! 50 new menu items were launched across the park for this special occasion that you need to try together! Stroll hand-in-hand through charming historical streets and explore vintage shops. They also have walking tours, free live music, murder mystery experiences, and more!
Downhill Karting at WinSport
Location: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW
Looking for something more exhilarating? Head to WinSport for Downhill Karting! Imagine racing down a scenic track, feeling the thrill of the wind in your hair as you and your date navigate twists and turns in gravity-powered karts. It’s the perfect mix of fun and adventure, sure to get your hearts racing and smiles beaming.
Have we missed any Summer Bucket List events or places to visit in Calgary? Reach out to us at info@itsdatenight.com to connect with our team and share your recommendations and read more Calgary date ideas here!
