The sun has been shining on Calgary for the last few weeks of summer, and things are looking up! After a weekend jammed-packed with festival activities, we’ve compiled plenty of options for you to help find your centre. From line dancing and seafood boils to live music, here are 10 things to do this week in and around Calgary, Alta.
This annual celebration of Calgary’s multi-cultural communities features awe-inspiring fireworks shows, exciting cultural performances and international food.
When: Thursday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Elliston Park — 1827 68th St. SE
Cost: $25+
Celebrate World Photography Day in one of North America’s most beautiful locations: Banff National Park. This series of workshops with award-winning photographer Monika Deviat will include a sunrise session and hike, plus a virtual editing session to keep your pics looking sharp.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 19
Time: 4:45 to 11:20 p.m.
Where: Banff National Park
Cost: $147
Giddy up in Red Deer with this free line dancing series, every Wednesday evening at the Buckle. The dance floor will be transformed into a haven for line dancing cowboys. With affordable drink and food specials, you can tap your toes to “Cadillac Ranch” all night long.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 20
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 7150 50th Ave., Red Deer
Cost: Free
Don your mushroom-hunting cap and lace up your boots for this deep dive into the earth at Weaselhead Natural Area. You’ll get a chance to learn all about the fungi that grow in the park, plus have the opportunity to go on a warm summer hike with hosts Weaselhead Preservation Society.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 20
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Weaselhead Natural Area Parking — 37th Street SW
Cost: $7
Did anyone expect grunge-lite band Creed to blow up again in 2025? (We certainly didn’t). You can thank TikTok for that. The band that formed over 30 years ago is well known for its hits “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher.” Take one last breath with Creed before they fade into the mist of ‘90s nostalgia forever.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 20
Time: Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Cost: $100+
A powerhouse of local singer-songwriters, Bennett Mitchell and his band will perform with Carter Felker at the Turner Valley Legion. Just a hop, skip, and a jaunt from Calgary, it’ll be worth the trip to hear Felker’s unique brand of self-loathing working songs, coupled with the whimsical alt-country melodies of Bennett Mitchell.
When: Thursday, Aug. 21
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Turner Valley Legion — 121 Sunset Blvd. E., Diamond Valley
Cost: $28
Great seafood is hard to come by in Calgary — and a summer cookout with sizzling low country seafood? That’s something you can’t miss. Join Great Events Catering at Meadow Muse for a 3-course meal and bring the whole family to chow down on these oceanic delights.
When: Thursday, Aug. 21
Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Meadow Muse Pavilion — 15985 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Cost: $98
Join Black Pride YYC for an epic night of celebration and empowerment. This event at Dickens is all about embracing Black pride and coming together as a community with a live DJ, dance party and great food.
When: Thursday, Aug. 21
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Dickens — 1000 9th Ave. SW
Cost: By donation
Good times and great laughs abound at the Great Outdoor Comedy Festival. Headliners Theo Von, Bert Kreischer, and Adam Ray are sure to make you yuk.
When: Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Where: Prince’s Island Park — 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW
Cost: $60+
B.C. rapper Snak The Ripper will bring the heat to Commonwealth for a night of live music that will leave you spinning.
When: Friday, Aug. 22
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Bar & Stage — 3961 52nd Ave. NE
Cost: $40
There’s plenty to see and do, and your week in and around Calgary can be jam-packed with all kinds of fun. We can’t wait!
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