10 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this weekend (Aug. 28-30)

We’re officially heading into the last weekend of August, and Calgary has a lot going on before the month comes to a close. With summer winding down and September just around the corner, this is a great weekend to get out and explore everything the city has to offer. And to save you all the scrolling, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best things happening around Calgary this weekend.

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is taking over Prince’s Island Park this weekend with three days of outdoor comedy and some seriously big names. You can catch Matt Rife on Friday, Bill Burr on Saturday, and John Mulaney on Sunday, along with comedians Jeff Arcuri, Matteo Lane, Tig Notaro, and more.

When: Friday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Time: Times vary based on show
Where: Princes Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $49 per day

GlobalFest is heading to Spruce Meadows for the first time, bringing a new setting to one of Calgary’s biggest summer celebrations. Each night will highlight a different culture, with international food, live performances, and cultural pavilions giving you a chance to experience something new. The nights will wrap up with fireworks and a massive drone display lighting up the sky.

When: Friday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: 1626 Centre St. N., Calgary, Alta
Cost: Starting at $39 for adults and $15 for children

Set along the Bow River at The Rise on St. Patrick’s Island, this weekend’s ReggaeFest will bring two days of reggae, dancehall and Caribbean music to Calgary. The festival will feature local, national and international artists, food trucks, craft vendors, a beer garden and a dance floor. It’s also family-friendly and open to all ages, so you can bring your whole crew along for an afternoon or evening of live music by the riverside.

When: Friday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: The Rise at St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Rd. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $47.76

ContainR Art Park is getting a Friday afternoon party as the National accessArts Centre celebrates the launch of its new Music of the NaAC podcast. The event will kick off with performances from NaAC musicians, followed by a community dance party where everyone can bring their best moves and enjoy an afternoon in the sun.

When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: containR Art Park – 925 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free

Looking for a way to cool off? The Bowness Community Association is hosting a Summer Skating Party, giving you a chance to hit the ice. The event will feature music, skating and a fun way to escape the summer heat.

When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Rink at BCA – 7904 43rd Ave. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $3

Ranchmans is hosting a Silent Disco Line Dance Patio Party where you can grab a pair of wireless headphones, learn some line dances, and hit the dance floor while enjoying some country music.

When: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Time: 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: Ranchmans – 9615 Macleod Trl. S., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free entry

Pickle lovers, this one’s for you. Picklefest is coming to Big Rock Brewery for the first time, with more than 40 local vendors serving up pickle tastings and all kinds of fermented creations. The one-day festival will also feature interactive experiences, music and plenty of briny surprises throughout the day.

When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Big Rock Brewery – 5555 76th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $24.95 plus fees

The Calgary Stampeders are facing off against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium this Saturday, giving you a chance to catch all the action from the stands.

When: Saturday, Aug. 29. 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trl. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $42.50

If you’re looking to start your Sunday on a healthy note, head over to High Park for a morning of movement, mindfulness and community. The event will feature a guided meditation, a Pilates and stretching class, followed by a curated wellness market with local vendors.

When: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: High Park – 340 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $75 per person

Heritage Park is celebrating Alberta Day with a full day of free activities, live entertainment and cultural programming. You can explore the Historical Village, take a cruise on the S.S. Moyie, ride the steam train and catch a drone show lighting up the sky once the sun sets.

When: Sunday, Aug, 30, 2026
Time: Historical Village: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Alberta Day Programming: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Antique Midway: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; S.S. Moyie: 10:35 a.m. to 7:20 p.m.; Steam Train: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free (advance registration is recommended)

Enjoy the last weekend of August, 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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