Finally, the long weekend is here! We’re all in need of a good rest and some fresh fun in the city to kick off the first weekend of August. We’ll also offer some insight into what’s open and closed this Alberta Heritage Day. Here are 10 things to do this Aug. 1 to Aug. 4 weekend in Calgary.
The annual festival is back at Olympic Plaza. Celebrate Heritage Day with six hours of multicultural performances, ethnic foods, unique handicrafts and artisan booths.
When: Aug. 4
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Eau Claire Plaza — 3rd Street and Riverfront Avenue SW
Cost: Free
Long live the blues! Get grooving to great riffs and moving live performances by some of the city’s top blues musicians. From legends to rising stars, this celebration of music at the Confluence will bring together some of the most talented performers in the genre.
When: July 31 to Aug. 3
Where: The Confluence — 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $50+
Purchase here
Get ready to chow down at Calgary’s most appetizing festival. The highly anticipated Taste of Calgary food festival is back July 31 to Aug. 4. This free-admission event is every foodies’ dream, giving you the chance to sample the best eats, drinks, and music the city has to offer.
When: July 31 to Aug. 4
Where: 311 8th St. SW, Calgary
Cost: Free; $1 per taste ticket
Purchase here
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King. Now you can, too. Broadway Across Canada will bring this beloved musical back to Alberta at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
When: Aug. 1 to 3
Where: 1415 14th Ave. NW, Calgary
Cost: $100+
From Viking battles to Civil War cannons, experience military history brought to life at Heritage Park. Action-packed demonstration, hands-on activities, and interactive displays galore.
When: Aug. 2 to 3
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: $27.95+
Canada’s premier outdoor dance and EDM music event will return to Calgary for its seventh anniversary. Experience the most exhilarating international DJs at this tented outdoor music festival.
When: Aug. 2 to 3
Where: 1001 Barlow Trail SE, Calgary
Cost: $119+
This half-day urban field trip invites participants to discover the huge variety of fossilized creatures in the walls of some of the buildings of inner-city Calgary. Tako Koning, an experienced geologist, has made an extensive study of the fossils. He will help the group identify the creatures and share details about their lives.
When: Aug. 3
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: 410 10th St. NW, Calgary
Cost: Free
This is about as close as we can get to reliving the iconic Tour de France in Calgary. Tour de Bowness has quickly become a premier amateur cycling race in Western Canada. The iconic Criterium course is a 1 km circuit with seven tight turns that swerve through prime viewing spots in downtown Bowness. With food trucks, artisan vendors, street performances and live music, this fest is all about celebrating the vibrant history, community spirit, and character of our beloved Bowness.
When: Aug. 2 to 4
Where: Bowness, various locations
Cost: Free
The Canmore Folk Music Festival is the longest-running folk music festival in Alberta, and one of its finest. Taking place over three days of the Heritage Day long weekend, the festival will feature over 30 musicians, a family-friendly site, a free downtown concert on Friday evening, and a kids’ area jammed with crafts, puppets, music, and storytelling.
When: Aug. 2 to 4
Where: Centennial Park — 5th Avenue, Canmore
Cost: $30+
Steep yourself in Alberta’s rich history with afternoon tea at the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women. You’ll enjoy a tasty spread of finger sandwiches, fresh pastries and classic scones — served with your choice of tea or lemonade — all in a historic home.
When: Aug. 4
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: $50+
With an extra day on the calendar, there’s plenty of fun to be had in and around Calgary this weekend. See you out there!
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