The August long weekend has almost arrived, which means many Calgarians will have an extra day to get out and enjoy the city. And with the summer heat in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make plans, check out some new spots, and take advantage of everything happening around the city.
So if you’re still searching for plans, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best things to do this long weekend, so you can make the most of the day off.
Let’s jump into it.
Skip the dinner plans and head to Taste of Calgary, where local restaurants and vendors serve up some of their best dishes all in one spot. The annual food festival lets you sample a variety of flavours from across the city while enjoying live music and a fun summer atmosphere.
When: Friday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Cowboys Park – 1220 9th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $1 per ticket
Watch some of the world’s best water skiers compete at the Rocky Mountain Pro Am. Guests will have an opportunity to watch athletes as they race across the water, show off jaw-dropping tricks, and put their skills to the test.
When: Friday, July 31, until Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Predator Bay Water Ski Club – 480 230th Ave. E., Foothills, Alta.
Cost: Free
Take a trip through Alberta’s past at AMA’s centennial exhibit, A Road Well Travelled. Located at Heritage Park, this immersive experience brings 100 years of stories to life with rare artifacts, interactive displays, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the moments that connected AMA with communities across the province.
When: Running until Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Infant (0-2 years old): Free Admission, Child (3-15 years old): $27.95 + GST, Adult (16 – 64 years old): $39.95 + GST, Senior (65+): $31.95 + GST
Get ready for a weekend of EDM at Chasing Summer Festival, where Max Bell Centre will transform into a massive dance floor with performances from some of the biggest names in electronic music.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Max Bell Centre – 1001 Barlow Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $19.99
Cheer on the Calgary Wild FC as they take on the AFC Toronto at McMahon Stadium.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trl. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $29.40
Libations Fest returns to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino for an afternoon of craft beer, wine, and spirit tastings. Guests can sample different drinks and enjoy food options, with proceeds of the event supporting the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association’s Homestretch Assistance Program.
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
Time: Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Century Downs Racetrack and Casino – 260 Century Downs Dr., Rocky View, Alta.
Cost: Starting at 28.48
Add a little wildlife to your breakfast plans at the Calgary Zoo’s Red Panda Breakfast. The event includes a buffet meal, a talk about these unique animals, and early access to see the red pandas before the zoo opens to the public.
When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Calgary Zoo -210 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $61 plus GST
Catch some high-speed cycling action at the Tour De Bowness Race and Street Festival, where racers will take on a challenging one-kilometre criterium course through the streets of Bowness.
When: Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 6501 Bowness Rd. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
The 2026 Heritage Day Festival is bringing cultures from around the world together with live performances, traditional costumes, international food, and community booths representing more than 30 countries. The free festival also includes family-friendly activities, including playgrounds and a sand play area.
When: Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Eau Claire Plaza – 101 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Celebrate indian culture with live performances, a fashion showcase, local vendors and delicious food at India Fest. And, the first 100 families to arrive at the event will also receive a swag bag.
When: Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: The Westin Calgary Airport – 671 Aero Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free
Have a great long weekend, Calgary!
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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