Canada Day, the Calgary Stampede and outdoor festivals galore – you’re going to have a busy month, Calgary! Start marking days off on your calendar, because you won’t want to miss any of these top local events.
Via Ferrata & Cliffhouse Bistro
All summer long
Norquay, Mount Norquay Road, Banff
Website
Spend a summer day exploring the mountains and indulging in fine cuisine in the Rockies. Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing experience along four breathtaking routes on the cliffs above Mt Norquay. Climb ladders, tackle suspension bridges and marvel at the landscape beneath you before sitting down in a European chalet-like bistro overlooking the town of Banff. This may just be one of the best mountain-gazing lunch venues in the Canadian Rockies.
Shakespeare by the Bow: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave SW
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Canada Day Eau Claire
July 1st from 11am-9pm
Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade SW #202
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Celebrate another year around the sun in this amazing country that we call home. With live music, free ice cream, entertainment and shopping along Calgary’s downtown, we can’t think of anything else we’d rather be doing.
Music in the Plaza
July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st from 6-8pm
Heritage Town Square, 1900 Heritage Dr SW
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Take in the sights and sounds of Heritage Park Square as they welcome various local musical talent to perform outdoors each Wednesday evening throughout the summer. Roots, country, jazz, folk – Heritage Park is pulling out all the stops this summer. Did we mention that it’s free?!
The Rural Alberta Advantage Live
July 4th from 6pm-12am
Wildhorse Saloon, 500 6 Ave SW
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Hometowns, heartbreak and a whole lot of passion is just some of what you’ll hear heading down to The Rural Alberta Advantage show this July. Located in the heart of downtown, you’ll be right in the action for all those pre-Stampede parties getting ready for 10-days of madness.
Badlands Music Festival
July 4th-14th from 6pm-2am
Knoxvilles Tent, 840 9 Avenue SW
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Ten day, ten artists, a whole lot of talent. Head down to the Knoxvilles tent to dance your heart out, whether you’re a country girl singing with Tim Hicks or dj fan groovin’ with Pauly D.
Cocina Mexicana Cooking Class
July 4th from 6:30-9:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
Learn the ins and outs of authentic Mexican cuisine at this hands-on cooking class. Make all your favourite mouth-watering dishes from the comfort of your own home once you learn from the pros at this interactive experience.
Mexifest
July 5th-7th from 11am-11pm daily
Eau Claire Market Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade SW #202
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Mexico has officially arrived in Calgary. Tasty treats, tons of tacos and performances galore, this three-day festival will entertain and educate you on Mexican culture and traditions.
Calgary Shadow Box
July 5th from 3-4:30pm
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE
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Adorn your walls with your very own shadowbox creation this summer. With an exceptional teacher and the beautiful Calgary skyline as your guide, spend the afternoon DIYing PLUS enjoy free entry to the Stampede grounds post-event.
CSSC Slo-Pitch Tournament in Okotoks
July 5th-7th: Friday at 6:15pm, Saturday from 8am-9pm & Sunday from 8am-6pm
Okotoks On Deck Diamonds, 370 Avenue E
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Get ready for a weekend of beer gardens, home run derby, Fastest Pitch contest, full restaurant, on-site camping and so much more at this year’s slo-pitch tournament. Come as a team or fly solo – they’ll match you up with someone just as great.
Made in France Cooking Class
July 5th from 6:30-9:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
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Learn how to cook like the French do, and eat like them too! Enjoy an evening learning French culinary traditions, food pairing and, of course, indulging in your very own creations with wine pairings.
First Nations Parade
July 6th-13th from 11:30am-12pm EXCEPT July 7th
Fluor Rope Square, starting at 9th Avenue at 1st Street SW
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Members of the five tribes of Treaty 7 from Southern Alberta, dressed in traditional regalia, proudly share their heritage and culture through dance, music and commentaries this Stampede. The parade starts on 9th Avenue at 1st Street SW, moving through Fluor Rope Square, and ending on 4th Avenue SW at the Westin Hotel, giving you plenty of time to catch the performance.
Table for Two Cooking Class
July 6th from 5:30-8:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
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Learn how to prep, chop, cut and cook together at this interactive workshop for two. Bring your date, your gal, your pal or anyone who loves to eat – we know we do.
Movie Night in the Square
July 6th from 6-9pm
Fluor Rope Square, downtown Calgary
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Head on down to Fluor Rope Square for entertainment, food trucks and a western film that everyone can appreciate. Live music and food trucks start up at 6pm with Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron rolling at 7pm sharp.
ACE Stampede Breakfast
It’s pancake breakfast time all around YYC – don’t miss this one! Dress up in your western best, or attend casual style – all are welcome here for this delicious feast serenaded by the talented Kate Stevens.
Oxford Stomp 2019
July 12th from 3-11pm
Shaw Millenium Park, 1220 9 Avenue SE
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Enjoy the last weekend of the Greatest Show on Earth with a good ol’ Western concert. Bryan Adams, Amanda Marshall, wiL and Odds will be performing at this beautiful outdoor venue – yeehaw, Calgary!
Inglewood Night Market
July 12th from 5-11pm
Inglewood, 9 Avenue & 10 Street SE
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Inglewood’s monthly summer night market is back! With over 50 vendors and their handmade trinkets, treats and artisanal goods, you’re bound to find something unforgettable here.
BC/DC
July 12th at 6pm
Wildhorse Saloon, 500 6 Ave SW
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Get ready to sing the night away with this AC/DC tribute band. Send Stampede 2019 out with a bang as you spend the night dancing along to some of the classics from the cherished hard rock band.
From New Delhi with Love
July 12th from 6:30-9:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
Now’s your chance to learn the protected secrets of great chutneys, spicy lentil dips and so much more. Master East Indian dishes such as lamb curry, tandoori and vegetable pakoras during this three-hour interactive class.
Best of Brunch
July 14th from 10:30am-1:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
Now, who doesn’t enjoy a tasty brunch?! Learn how to make your very own eggs benedict, savoury tarts and pavlova from the professionals so you can go back home and ‘wow’ your date this weekend.
Fiestaval Latin Festival
July 19th-20th from 11am-11pm & July 21st from 11am-10pm
Olympic Plaza, 228 8th Avenue SE
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Calgary’s very own Latin festival arrives this July! Three days of entertainment, authentic food, artisan booths and endless performances will be happening right downtown in Olympic Plaza.
CSSC Beach Volleyball Tournament
July 20th from 9am-6:30pm
Marda Loop Community Association, 3130 16 St SW
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Volleyball, sun and beer – one day only with the Calgary Sport & Social Club. Join this co-ed volleyball tournament as a team or as an individual to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with other like-minded recreational people.
Cheese Making Workshop
July 20th from 11am-2pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
Ricotta, creme fraiche, cultured butter, mozzarella, paneer – yes, cheese is something people can universally love and appreciate. Learn how to start, make and enjoy your very own cheeses at this workshop so that you can wow everyone at your next wine and cheese night.
The ACE Lunch
This month, join ACE for a mouthwatering Italian meal while joining in on ‘real’ conversation topics. Your ticket includes coffee, lunch, dessert (of course), and impactful takeaways from the keynote speaker.
A Wok Through Asia
July 20th from 5:30-8:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
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Full of intense flavour, Asia is one of the most vibrant, eclectic and diverse cuisines in the world. Expert Chef Instructor Andrew Tsang will walk you through popular Asian cuisine, how it’s made and how to pair it perfectly with your favourite wines.
Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 25th from 4-10:30pm, July 26th from 2-11:30pm, July 27th from 9:30am-11:30pm & July 28th from 9:30am-10:15pm
Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave SW
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Folk Fest is back for another year of music in the park, but this year will be like no other. Celebrating 40 years of folk, funk, blues, roots – you name it – the Calgary Folk Festival is throwing one heck of an anniversary celebration with a line-up to knock your sunglasses right off.
Knife Skills Class
July 25th from 6:30-9:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
“What knife do I use now?” is something you’ll never have to ask again after taking this knife skills class. Learn to properly dice, chop and slice in an array of different styles for a variety of functions.
CSSC Multi-Sport 7’s Tournament
July 27th from 10am-6pm
John Laurie Park, 1237 John Laurie Blvd NW
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Grab seven friends, or fly solo and you’ll be paired up others, and get ready to take on new games throughout the day. Soccer, volleyball, kickball – who knows what you and your new friends will take on during this all-day tournament of fun in the sun.
Simply Italian Cooking Class
July 27th from 6:30-9:30pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
For all things Italian, look no further. Learn how to cook like a pro and eat it too with the perfect wine pairing and a customized kitchen utensil to take home (plus your new recipe book!).
Curing | Smoking | Brining | Grilling – The fundamentals
July 28th from 10:30am-2pm
Cuisine et Chateau Interactive Culinary Centre, 103 227 – 10 Street NW
Website
Brining, curing, proper grilling temperatures and techniques, the difference between hot or cold smoke – you’ll learn it all right here. Allow their head chef to instruct you on different woods and spices for distinct smoking flavour, how to make your own bacon, smoking spices, rubs and much, much more.
Happy July, Calgary!
