It’s the second last weekend in August, and we are NOT ready for things to start cooling down yet! There’s plenty of fun in the lead-up to the September long weekend, and we can’t wait to experience it all with you in and around Cowtown. From ’80s throwback parties to river surfing, here are 10 things to keep you busy this Aug. 22-24 weekend in Calgary.
Ultimate Summer Challenge is coming back for another exciting year of reading, programs, and a lot of fun for the whole family. The Challenge is simple — read every day this summer. Registration begins May 26 and is free with your Library card. You can track your reading right in the Beanstack app or in a garden-themed Challenge map available at all 22 Calgary Public Library locations. View prizes and learn more about the Challenge!
When: Tuesday, July 1 to Sunday, Aug. 31
Where: All Calgary Public Library locations
Cost: Free
Prepare yourself: the ultimate ’80s throwback party has arrived! The Lodge is Calgary’s late-night summer hangout. Featuring nostalgic ’80s vibes and free tacos, you can be the young and sweet dancing queen all over again. Come dressed in your best retro look and party on with a beer pong tournament, tons of drink specials and plenty of prizes.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 4 p.m. to late
Where: 1918 Kensington Rd. NW
Cost: Free
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+
It’s time to experience the magic of Harry Potter. Head to Hogwarts all over again with a very young Ron, Harry and Hermione. You’ll enjoy everyone’s favourite comfort film in Celebration Field as the big screen lights up the prairie sky. Beforehand, load up on mini donuts, frozen lemonade and hot dogs. Don’t forget to take a spin on the Ferris Wheel!
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: $25
Nerds, assemble! This is the ultimate celebration of fandom, with a lineup of vendors bringing the best in comics, toys, video games, cards, collectibles and memorabilia to Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Association. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or a pop culture enthusiast, YYCFanFair is the place to be.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association & Recreation Centre — 5600 Centre St. North
Cost: Free
This is the second edition of this brand new festival in Calgary, and the lineup is packed with some of the best local live music acts. From hip-hop hype man The Blue, to alt. country darling Amy Nelson, classically-trained and Juno-nominated Ginger Beef, and (un)decided, Calgary’s hottest new hip-hop group, this fest will offer a smorgasbord of the best in Calgary local music.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 917 Centre Ave. NE
Cost: $45+
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+
Cowabunga, dude. Yeah, we have surfing in Alberta, just not quite where you’d expect! Travel to scenic Kananaskis for this annual river surf competition at Canoe Meadows, where athletes will compete for bragging rights and to give the sport of river surfing the cred it deserves.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Canoe Meadows, Kananaskis
Cost: Free
It’s back! The popular annual weekend festival brings free live music, vendors and games to Castle Mountain Resort in Pincher Creek, Alta. There’ll be a down-home community supper and access to the huckleberries, which will be ripe for the picking.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Where: Castle Mountain Resort — Pincher Creek, Alta.
Cost: Free
Join the Alberta Wilderness Association and the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada at Plateau Mountain to explore the endangered whitebark pines of Alberta and their ongoing restoration work. Participants will get up close and personal with the beauty of K-country and discover exactly what makes these treasured trees so extraordinary.
When: Sunday, Aug. 24
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve — Longview, Alta.
Cost: By donation
Whether you’re hitting the streets of Calgary or the Rocky Mountain slopes this weekend, we’ll see you out there!
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