33 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this August

We’ve already had an action-packed season but things are just getting started! From exhibits and festivals to markets, adventures, and even more markets – here are 33 of the best things to do in Calgary this August!

Big Valley Jamboree

It’s back! The Big Valley Jamboree is just around the corner and this year’s lineup will feature country legends, up-and-coming acts and radio hit-makers from yesterday and today. While there is so much more to come, the Wild Rose honkey-tonk will present Cody Johnson, Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson,

When: Thursday, August 1st – 4th, 2024
Where: 4250 Exhibition Dr, Camrose, Alberta
Cost: $300+

Billy Idol

Live music? What better way to celebrate another month? On August 2nd, check out Billy Idol at the Scotiabank Saddledome! Tickets are still available at the link above. You won’t want to miss it!

When: Friday, August 2nd, 2024
Where: Calgary Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $86+

Fringe Theatre Festival

Love live theatre? The 2024 Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival, an “anything goes” experience, has returned and tickets are on sale now! Check it out and support local creators. More information can be found at the link above.!

When: Friday, August 2nd – 10th, 2024
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: Free+

High River Sunset Drive-in

Once the sun has gone down and the shades come off, toss a few pillows into the car, and catch a film from behind the dashboard at the High River Sunset Drive-in. For this year’s showtimes check out the link above!

When: Starts on Friday, August 2nd, 2024
Where: 64137 Highway 543 East, High River, AB, Canada, Alberta
Cost: $40 per vehicle

Chasing Summer

Come August, fans can expect bright lights, big bass, and a ton of colour at Chasing Summer! This year’s headliners include Illenium, Deadmau5, DJ Snake and so many more.

When: Saturday, August 3rd – 4th, 2024
Where: Calgary, Alberta
Cost: TBA

2024 BUMP Festival

This summer, enjoy live music and take a self-guided tour of some incredible murals created by the best of the best. A complete map can be found at the link above!

When: Saturday, August 3rd – 18th, 2024
Where: See locations above
Cost: Free

Spark After Dark

Learn, drink, dine, and laugh! This August, check out Adult Night at Spark After Dark and enjoy their many exhibits, hang by the bar and or explore this month’s theme: Body Mod.

When:  Friday, August 9th, 2024
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 6 pm – 12 am
Cost: $26+

Easy Days

Shop ’til you drop! This month, hit the East Village Riverwalk for the big Easy Days pop-up market! Featuring Calgary artists and various artisan vendors,  guests can enjoy performances and local goodies!

When: Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Where: East Village River Walk
Time: 12 pm – 5 pm
Cost: Free

The Calgary Stampeders

Let’s go, team! This August, grab a beer and a jersey then cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!

When: Sunday, August 4th and 15th, 2024
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
Cost: $21+

YYC Ice Cream Fest

Last chance! This month, indulge in unique creations, fantastic flavours, and tasty toppings at the 2024 YYC Summer Scoop Festival!

When: Friday, July 19th – August 5th, 2024
Cost: Free

Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Waterpark

The Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Park is the ultimate spot for sizzling summer days. With launch pads, trampolines, an obstacle course, slides, a 15-foot tower, and more – this ginormous floating playground is truly one of a kind.

When: Until September 2nd, 2024
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Cost: $18 (one hour)

Inglewood Night Market 

Shop until you drop! This sunny season, support vendors from all over the city at the Inglewood Night Market! Here, you can check out their beer garden, food trucks, and live music. Enjoy!

When: Friday, August 9th, 2024
Where: 10th Ave and 10th Street SE
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free+

Country Thunder

Yahoo! Country Thunder is back. A huge honky-tonkin’ festival held in Calgary, Alberta, CT showcases artists, local food trucks and of course musical acts like Dallas Smith, Hardy and Luke Combs.

When: Friday, August 16th – 18th, 2024
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $250+

Movie on The Rise: Wonka 

This August, enjoy a Movie on the Rise in Calgary – a family-friendly experience that shouldn’t be missed by fans of fresh air, cinema, and making memories. This year’s film? Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet (Dune).

When: Thursday, August 22nd, 2024
Where: Directions here
Time: 8 pm
Cost: Free

Heritage Park Market Nights

Spend an evening under the stars and shop, shop, shop! This August you and yours are encouraged to enjoy the food, drinks, and shops at Heritage Park’s 2024 Night Market.

When: Saturday, August, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 2024
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free

Canyon Ski Resort Zip Line and Adventure Park

This August, head to Canyon Ski Resort in Alberta where guests are able to explore their Zip Line and Adventure Park which features more firsts, fun and fast-moving experiences.

When: Open now
Where: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer, Alberta
Cost: $45+

Taste of Calgary

Hungry? This August, Calgarians will get to explore global cuisines from all over the world through an eclectic mix of restaurants and beverage companies! We have a feeling this year will be a good one, so don’t miss it.

When: Thursday, August 1st – 5th, 2024
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Cost: Free+

The Great Outdoor Comedy Festival

Featuring Russell Peters, Tom Segura, Bobby Lee, Iliza Shlesinger and a ton of local performers the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is a hilarious three-day event that you won’t want to miss. Check out the link above for tickets.

When: Friday, August 9th – 11th, 2024
Where: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary
Cost: $

JAWS at the Lake

An immersive affair held in Sylvan Lake, JAWS on the Lake is a highly anticipated event attended by locals and visitors alike. This year guests will be encouraged to catch their chosen flick, Deep Blue Sea, from the shore or the water on a giant dual-sided screen.

When: Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Time: 7 pm
Cost: Free

Marda Gras 

Another year of fun, sun and Marda Gras! Showcasing vendors, live music, performances and the annual pet pageant, Marda Loop’s huge event is back and you better be ready to party! It’s going to be a ton of fun.

When: Sunday, August 11th, 2024
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time:  10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free

Perseid Meteor Shower

Whether you put your feet on the dash and point your peepers through the sunroof or really commit to an evening with snacks and a picnic blanket, stargazing is a must this August. This Month, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city and take in the year’s most magical meteor shower.

When: Peaks on August 12th, 2024
Time: After sunset
Cost: Free

GlobalFest

You’re in for a treat! Calgary’s GlobalFest will return this month to fill the sky with vibrant colours. From music, beer, food and choreographed pyrotechnics – we’re ready and waiting!

When: Thursday, August 15th – 24th, 2024
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary – Elliston Park
Cost: $19.50+

4th Street Night Market

Love to shop? Guests from all over the city are encouraged to head over to the community of Mission to explore an iconic Calgary hot spot. Enjoy! It’s going to be a blast.

When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Where: Central Memorial Park, Calgary
Time: 5 pm –10 pm
Cost: Free Admission

Big Bounce Canada

With four custom-built attractions, The Big Bounce will return to Calgary this August. Described as the “largest touring inflatable event in the world,” the colourful experience will have slides, hurdles and climbing towers.

When: August 17th – 25th, 2024
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Cost: $45+ for adults

A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline

This month celebrate singer Patsy Cline’s spirit! A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is a tribute to the icon’s life and music. For tickets and showtimes head to their website above.

When: Until September 1st, 2024
Where: Stage West, 727 – 42 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: $85+

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

This August, enjoy the magic of Disney at their immersive experience. This extraordinary exhibit is where you can step inside some of your favourite Disney scenes and see your favourite characters up close. How wholesome!

When: Until August 18th, 2024
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $34+

Discovery Canyon

Make a splash. This August, hit Discovery Canyon and sail the lazy river, swim around, hang on their beach, or have a picnic! It’s free to visit!

Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: Free + $6 tube rentals

Hozier

Known for songs like Too Sweet and Take me to Church, Hozier will take Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome this August. For more information and tickets, check out the link above.

When: Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Where: Calgary Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $232+

Calgary Pride 

Calgary’s Pride Festival is one of the most vibrant events of the year and it’s just around the corner. This month enjoy the company of inspirational speakers, hit a dance party, and so much more. It’s going to be amazing!

When: Monday August 26th – September 1st, 2024
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free+

Brewery and the Beast Festival

This sunny season hungry Calgarians are encouraged to enjoy everything from bacon and ale to steak and lager, rock and roll, and the company of friends in support of local businesses at the Brewery and Beast Festival.

When: Sunday August 25th, 2024
Where: 750 9th Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Time: 2 pm
Cost: $159.93+

Winsport’s Mini Golf

This August, those looking for a day of fun and sun are encouraged to check out Winsport’s 18-hole course. Good luck and enjoy.

Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $13+

Candlelight Concert

Featuring talented musicians and ambiance, Calgarians can enjoy one (or all of) Fever’s Candlelight Concerts. Get your tickets now and enjoy! It’s going to be magical.

When: Various dates in August
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: $36+

Lake Minnewanka Cruise 

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a cruise! This August, climb aboard an hour-long tour of one of Alberta’s most beautiful lakes for everything from dinner and drink tours to sightseeing sails.

Where: Lake Minnewanka, 10 mins outside Banff
Cost: $65+

And there you have it, folks! 33 things to do in Calgary this August Now get out there and don’t forget the sunscreen!