In case you were wondering, there’s a lot happening in YYC this August. Watch an outdoor movie at Spruce Meadows, cater to your inner foodie with some amazing culinary events and celebrate Calgary Pride in style. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something everyone will love.
Movies at the Meadows
Every Wednesday in August at sunset (between 9pm-945pm)
Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Website
Soak up the summer with Movies at the Meadows. Every Wednesday in August, bring a blanket and your boo to watch a movie under the stars. The series starts with a showing of The Lion King on August 1st and goes on to feature fan favourites like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Avengers: Infinity War and Jumanji. With such an epic list of movies and an amazing location, this is set to become one of your favourite summer activities.
Market Collective: The Food Realm
Every Thursday in August from 5pm-9pm
Outside Blank Page Studio, 1221B Kensington Rd NW
Website
Market Collective is launching The Food Realm this August in YYC. This event will be an evening of indulging from your favourite four-wheeled culinary friends while listening to music and peeking into the inner workings of Blank Page Studio. Happening every Thursday in August, the events are free, all-ages, dog-friendly and offer a rotating lineup of food trucks.
Free First Thursdays at Glenbow
August 2nd from 5pm-9pm
Glenbow Museum, 130 9 Ave SE
Website
If you haven’t been to the Glenbow yet, what are you waiting for? Switch up date night by exploring four floors of art, cultural and historical artifacts at the Museum. They’ve got exhibits for whatever you’re into. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month so you really have no excuses to not get your culture on.
Inglewood Sunfest
August 4th from 11am-6pm
Inglewood, 1230 9 Ave SE
Website
Bring your date to the heart of Inglewood on Saturday, August 4th for Inglewood Sunfest. With activities ranging from live music, street performers, summer patios, and over 200 vendors, there’s bound to be something for everyone. Vendors range from artisan crafts to imported wares, community organizations and more.
Chasing Summer 2018
August 4th-5th from 1pm-11pm
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Tr SE
Website
One of Calgary’s most popular summer music festivals takes place on August 4th and 5th. Slip on your best festival clothes and head over to Max Bell Centre with your crew to dance to music from big name artists like headliners Martin Garrix (Saturday) and DJ Snake (Sunday). Other performances include artists like Kaskade, Bro Safari, Tigerlily and Kris Kaiden.
Taste of Calgary
August 9th – 12th from 11am-9pm
Eau Claire Ave SW
Website
Discover Calgary’s global cuisine from a mix of unique restaurants and beverage companies. Buy sampling tickets for $1 each right at the festival and use them to sample any of the food or beverage menu items. Visit a variety of artisans, entrepreneurs, and interactive activities to add to the fun of the festival. Admission to the festival is free and includes a taste of Calgary’s best musical acts as well as some of the city’s most interesting marketplace vendors.
10 Year Audi-Versary Party
August 9th from 5pm-8pm
Audi Royal Oak, 7770 110 Ave NW
Website
Join in for Audi Royal Oak’s 10 year Audi-versary on August 9th. This will be your chance to celebrate and view the much anticipated Audi RS5 Coupe and its entire Audi Sport family. Take in the spectacular cars while enjoying appetizers, great company and fun festivities.
Adults Only Night: Science of Cannabis
August 9th from 6pm-10pm
TELUS Spark, 220 St. George’s Dr NE
Website
Cannabis will be legalized for recreational use soon – so you should probably figure out what that means. Join Telus Spark for Adults Only Night to dive into the science behind it and learn the answers behind pressing questions you’ve always wanted to know like why cannabis gives you the munchies. Plus, with a fully licensed bar and good music, you’ve got the perfect science behind a great date night out.
Paint Your Pet
August 9th from 7pm-9pm
Vin Gogh Paint & Sip Studio, 118, 7004 Macleod Tr SW
Website
If you’ve ever wanted to have a picture of your furry BFF up on your wall, this is the event for you. Vin Gogh will be drawing your pet on canvas and then teaching you the step-by-step on how to complete your pet portrait. This is a two-hour paint session and your first glass of wine or other beverage is included in your ticket in case you need some liquid courage first to get your creativity flowing.
Summer Feast
August 9th – 18th at Various Times
Various Locations
Website
Calgary’s annual dining event returns for a second year this summer from August 9th to August 18th. During this ten-day event, dine from any of the 23 participating restaurants for lunch or dinner and receive a delicious prix fixe menu ranging from $20 to $45. Try the Pan-Seared Duck Breast at Anju, the Sesame-crusted Beretta Farms Beef Ribs at The Guild or the Fried Chicken Sandwich at The Wednesday Room.
Stop in to St. James Corner For Their Awesome Specials
Monday-Friday from 4pm-6pm
St. James Corner, 1219 1 St SW
Website
Stop by St. James Corner to celebrate the end of your work day. They’ve got happy hour specials from Monday to Friday between 4pm to 6pm where you can expect to feast on cheap wings, tacos, beef dip sliders and more. Pair it with their drink special of the day – beers, wine and high balls. Don’t miss out on weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm or on all day happy hour on Sundays.
Inglewood Night Market
August 10th from 5pm-10pm
Inglewood
Website
The Inglewood Night Market happens every second Friday in the summer months and is back again on August 10th. Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling unique goodies from handmade craftsmen items to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats and more. You’ll also find food trucks, live entertainment and a plethora of other fun things to check out – don’t miss it.
Wanderlust 108 Calgary
August 11th from 730am-3pm
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave SE
Website
On August 11th, Wanderlust 108 will be bringing the community together for a 5k run/walk, a DJ-powered yoga session and guided meditation at Fort Calgary. Following the triathlon, you can choose your own mindful adventure by perusing their Kula Market of local artisans and stopping by Wanderlust’s True North Cafe for a healthy snack or lunch. From dancing with DJs on the main stage to trying something new like hooping and acroyoga, there’s plenty to do when you’re not on your mat. Nationally recognized teachers, speakers and musical talent are featured at each event to make for a fun-filled day.
Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
August 11th – 12th
North Glenmore Park, 7305 Crowchild Tr SW
Website
Come take in the sights of colourful dragon boats at Calgary’s premier water sport festival. This two-day event provides a rich cultural experience that showcases the art and culture behind dragon boat racing while providing other activities like food trucks, beer gardens, cultural entertainment and more.
Marda Gras 2018
August 12th from 10am-5pm
Marda Loop, Calgary
Website
The 34th annual Marda Gras event takes over the streets of Marda Loop. Come listen to live music, watch cultural performances and peruse the goodies from local vendors. The 9th annual pet pageant happens at 12:30pm where pets will be judged on Best Costume. Best of all, the event is free to attend making this one you won’t want to miss.
Adult Night at The Calgary Zoo: Movie Night
August 16th from 6pm-11pm
The Calgary Zoo, 210 St George’s Dr NE
Website
On August 16th, the Calgary Zoo is offering you a chance to step up and take a stand for your planet with a Galactic Quest scavenger hunt and movie night. Come take a stand for the species of our planet while eating, drinking, playing games and watching the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. Being a guardian is rough, but someone has to do it. Your ticket includes: Movie, brisket sliders and baked potato buffet (veggie options on request), one drink ticket and games.
Globalfest
August 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd and 25th from 6pm-11pm
Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE
Website
Globalfest is Alberta’s Most Explosive Festival! Elliston Park opens at 6:00pm, so come early and take in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that the Sunbelt Rentals OneWorld Festival has to offer. Take a stroll through the Night Market and come see what their featured vendors have to offer.
Country Thunder Music Festival
August 17th-19th with Performances at Various Times
Prairie Winds Park, 223 Castleridge Blvd NE
Website
Didn’t get enough of a fix for country music during Stampede? Fear not – the third annual Country Thunder returns from August 17th to August 19th. Grab your date and your cowboy boots for a weekend of listening to some of country’s biggest stars including Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Eric Church, Dean Brody and Chad Brownlee.
Korean Day Festival
August 18th from 10am-6pm
West Hillhurst Community Association, 1940 6 Ave NW
Website
Want to broaden your knowledge on the Korean culture? You got it. The 15th annual Korean Day Festival is on August 18th and is the perfect opportunity for you to sample some popular Korean foods, enter a K-Pop contest, watch Korean martial arts demonstrations and discover more about the unique history of Korea.
Willow Park 40th Anniversary Pop-Up Shop
August 18th from 11am-3pm
Willow Park Village, 10816 Macleod Tr
Website
Come celebrate Willow Park Village’s 40th anniversary with them on August 18th. They’ll be hosting a birthday party pop-up shop across from Starbucks. All guests will have the chance to win special prizes from featured retailers – think, a cupcake from Crave, an Alex and Ani bracelet or a gift basket. There will also be special in-store promotions happening throughout the Village. If you happen to be turning 40 this year, remember to present them with your ID – the first 40 people turning 40 will receive a special birthday present.
Stop Light Party with Date Night x Rec Room
August 18th from 7pm-1am
The Rec Room, 901 64 Ave NE
Website
Un-complicate your date night and come party with us. Bring your bae or your squad over to the Rec Room for a night of mingling over speed board games, patio fun and live music by Barefoot Millionaires and Brick Haus. Your ticket includes a 40 credit game tag. To avoid the awkwardness, each guest will be wearing a wristband. If you’re single, wear a green wristband. If you’re on a date and taken, we got you covered with a red wristband … and we totally get it – if it’s complicated, wear yellow.
Guardians of the Wild
Runs until September 3rd
The Calgary Zoo, 210 St George’s Dr NE
Website
This Summer, the zoo is making your summer date sweeter by challenging you to help them save the planet. What does that mean exactly? Tour the zoo, participate in their Guardian of the Wild game and make smart decisions to help protect the wilderness for a chance to win some sweet prizes. Winners will receive items like an all-expenses paid trip for two to China, a trip for four to the Burgess Shale in Field, BC, a Columbia River Paddle Trip for four in Radium, BC and so much more.
Calgary Pride Festival
August 24th – September 3rd at Various Times
Various Locations
Website
The 28th annual Calgary Pride Festival is back and bigger than ever this year. The festival hosts several popular events like a drag show hosted by Farrah Nuff, a Pride Raft on the Bow, a Pride Block Party and your chance to score free gelato from ATB and FIasco Gelato. Don’t miss the signature Calgary Pride Parade which takes place at 11am on September 2nd and will roll through the heart of downtown to celebrate the city’s incredible and diverse community.
Super Soul Saturday
August 25th from 10am-1pm
Murdoch Park, 9 St and Centre Ave NE
Website
Join us for a day of mindfulness at Super Soul Saturday. We’ve partnered up with Junction 9, The Ace Class, Barre West to serve up a day full of intentional activities on August 25th. Think, yoga x barre x meditation. Tune into your mindfulness with live music, a delicious yummy brunch and some of your favourite local community vendors.
Moonlight Market
August 25th from 3pm-10pm
Riverfront Lane SE, East Village Calgary
Website
The 2nd annual Moonlight Market is making its way back to YYC. This free one-day event happens in East Village and highlights street-food, inspired eats and local goodies. There will be food & drink vendors, retail stops and artist performances. Most items cost between $2 to $10 so come with some cash and an appetite to savour a little bit of everything.
ULTRA Night Run
August 25th at 9pm
South Glenmore Park, 8415 24 St SW
Website
The ULTRA Night Run happens when the sun goes down. This fun event features a course lit up with neon lights for its enthusiastic runners. Join in on the 10k run that begins at 9:05pm or participate in the 5k run/walk starting at 9:15pm. Each runner will receive an Energizer LED Headlamp, a marathon tee and a post-race beer and snack.
Ultimate Foodie Race
August 26th from 9am-5pm
Calgary Tower, 101 9 Ave SW
Website
On August 26th, join a group of local Calgarians and foodies for the Ultimate Foodie Race in support of the Calgary Food Bank. The day begins with a light breakfast and a chance to mingle amongst your fellow competitors before being handed a puzzle passport full of tasks for you to complete. Race around the city, collect all the stamps, cross off all checkpoints and solve a master puzzle to find out the final destination. First one there with all stamps will be declared the winner. Once all teams have arrived, an epic after party complete with a prize ceremony and delicious libations will be waiting.
5th Annual PAWS in the Park
August 26th from 11am-3pm
River Park, 4500 14A St SW
Website
What could be better than a fundraiser in the park? A fundraiser dedicated to our furry friends, of course. Join in on the festivities as Concorde Group hosts the 5th annual PAWS in the Park fundraiser in support of AARCS. There will be food vendors, a pet vendor market, beer gardens, a bouncy house and more to look forward to.
Sashay, Fillet!
August 30th from 7pm-11pm
Hotel Arts, 119 12 Ave SW
Website
Looking to get your fill of good eats while still celebrating pride? Hotel Arts has got you covered. Sashay, Fillet! Is set to be an unforgettable evening where the worlds of culinary and drag will come together to celebrate Calgary Pride. Five local chefs from some of Calgary’s favourite restaurants will be teamed up with some of the city’s local drag talents in a series of interactive challenges on-stage throughout the evening. Helping to judge the event will be celebrity co-hosts Top Chef Canada judge Mijune Pak and Yuhua Hamaski of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 10.
