Welcome to the Calgary group chat, where all the latest city updates end up in one place. A lot has been happening around Calgary this week, and we’ve got the latest on new events, upcoming openings, and a few stories you may have missed.
From a new sandwich chain making its Calgary debut to some big changes in the forecast, there’s plenty to catch up on around the city.
Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
What’s new, Calgary?
Calgary is getting its first-ever hot air balloon glow
The Calgary Farmyard is adding something pretty spectacular to its fall lineup this year, with its first-ever Hot Air Balloon Glow on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, 2026. Throughout the two days, you’ll be able to see the farm lit up with thousands of lights, while hot air balloons are set to glow across the property after dark. Along with the balloons, you’ll be able to explore more than 40 attractions, including the corn maze, giant slides, mini golf, and petting farm.
Another big-name sandwich chain is making its way to the city
Jersey Mike’s is officially making its Calgary debut on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with its first location on Macleod Trail. With more than 4,000 locations, the chain’s arrival marks another major U.S. brand expanding into the city.
The opening comes just days after Jimmy John’s opened its first Calgary location in the University District, making this a pretty busy time for sandwich shops in the city. Jersey Mike’s is also celebrating the Calgary launch with a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Canada, running from Sept. 9 to 18. Customers who make a minimum $5 donation with a special fundraising coupon can receive a regular sub in return.
Calgary’s warm weather is officially on borrowed time
Calgary is getting one last taste of summer before temperatures take a pretty dramatic turn later this week. According to Environment Canada, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 24°C on Wednesday before dropping to 16°C on Thursday and just 11°C on Friday. Overnight lows will also dip to around 3°C, so it might be time to switch from shorts to pants and dig that jacket out of the back of your closet.
The circus is rolling into the city this month
The big top is making its way to Calgary this month, with circus performances popping up at Marlborough Mall and CrossIron Mills. Le Cirque de France will be at Marlborough Mall from Sept. 10 to 20, with Gravity, a 90-minute show packed with aerial arts, clowns and other performers.
A few days later, Cirque Italia’s Water Circus arrives at CrossIron Mills for its Sept. 18 to 28 run. Alongside aerialists, jugglers, dancers and acrobats, the production uses water as part of the show and features fountains and theatrical effects throughout the performance.
Two Calgary parks just got some pretty major recognition
Two Calgary parks have once again been recognized among some of the best-managed green spaces in the world. Reader Rock Garden and Confederation Park have both retained their Green Flag Awards for a second consecutive year, making them the first parks in Canada to receive the international designation.
Reader Rock Garden, located in the neighbourhood of Erlton, dates back to 1913 and is home to thousands of plant species, while Confederation Park spans more than 160 hectares and contains wetlands and plenty of wildlife. The Green Flag Award has recognized more than 2,700 parks and green spaces across more than 20 countries, so this is a pretty significant recognition.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Calgary group chat! There’s already plenty happening around the city, and we’ll be back next week with another round of updates to keep you in the loop.
Until then, have a great rest of your week!
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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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