With summer just around the corner people of all ages are geared up to go out and enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather. With a variety of patio dining options and a plethora of walking trails, Calgary does not have a lack of warm-weather options. Throughout the summer you can try out some tasty treats in Kensington, Inglewood, or along 17th and Stephen Avenue in the downtown core. Spend the day wandering through the Calgary Zoo, travel back in time at Fort Calgary or Heritage Park, or just sit and relax in one of the many green spaces around the city. For those a little more adventurous, you can also float down the Bow River. There are a few companies in the city that offer raft rentals, with a few also offering shuttle services in certain locations.
On days that might be less favourable for outdoor activities, there are still plenty of places around the city to keep you entertained. You can explore the TELUS Spark Science Centre, celebrate Canadian music at Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, discover the stories and achievements of our military past and present at The Military Museums, or wander through one of the revolving exhibits at the Glenbow at The Edison (the next exhibition will be open June 28, 2023).
What special events are happening in Calgary throughout the summer?
We have taken a look at the best the city has to offer and have found enough to keep you busy all summer long:
June
- Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
From June 21 to June 25, you can check out the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival. In operation since 2007, this festival offers everything from music, comedy, film, and art exhibits in multiple venues across the city. There are both free and ticketed events throughout the festival, starting anywhere from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Most of the musical acts begin in the afternoon.
If you are interested in experiencing everything the festival has to offer, you can purchase a Sled Island Pass, although you can purchase day passes for about CAD $60-$80.
For more information, you can check them out here: Sled Island Festival
July
- TD JazzYYC Summer Festival
Running over from June, you can take in the sights and sounds of the TD JazzYYC Summer Festival from June 28 to July 2. Most shows start between 19:00 PM and 20:00 PM, with one on the last day starting at 11:30 AM.
The festival isn’t limiting itself to one location either, with venues including clubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and theatres around the city.
If jazz music is something that interests you, you can purchase either a pass or single tickets, which cost between CAD $30 to $50.
For more information on all the gigs, you can go here: TD JazzYYC
- Calgary Stampede
This one should come as no surprise to anyone. First hosted in 1912, the Calgary Stampede has become a staple of Calgary summers. This year marks 100 years of the chuckwagon races, with the world’s first chuckwagon race being staged at the Calgary Stampede in 1923. The races will start nightly at 19:45 PM and are followed by the world-famous Bell Grandstand Show. This year the featured artist is JUNO Award-winning Johnny Reid.
In addition to the Grandstand Show, you can also catch a variety of musical acts at the Coca-Cola Stage, which is included in the price of admission. These include artists such as Vance Joy, Tegan and Sara, Jimmy Eat World, AJR, and Mother Mother.
For those wanting something more cultural, you can attend the Powwow competition on July 12 and 13.
For more information on everything that the Calgary Stampede has to offer you can follow the link here: Calgary Stampede
- Fiestaval, Festival Latino
Once you’ve hung up your cowboy hat you can don your charro, cordobes, or sombreros and head to the Olympic Plaza for a taste of Latino culture. Operating from 11:00 AM until 23:00 PM (22:00 PM on Sunday) on July 21, 22, and 23, the Fiestaval, Festival Latino is free to all guests.
You can enjoy authentic food from various vendors, shop in the artisan market, and relax in the beer gardens. There is also a kid’s area, so the younger family members will have something to do.
It isn’t just shopping and food, however, there will be plenty of performances to keep you entertained.
For more information, and to see the lineup when it is released, you can go here: Fiestaval
- Calgary Folk Music Festival
Only four days after the Fiestaval you can make your way to Prince’s Island Park to lay back, relax, and listen to some Folk music. Run by the Folk Festival Society, a not-for-profit and registered charitable organization, the Calgary Folk Music Festival has been around since 1980.
On the evenings of July 27 to July 30, you will be able to spend your time listening to over 50 different artists, so you are bound to find a few new favourites to add to your playlist.
Each day costs between CAD $80 to $90 and will offer everything from folk to funk, with global cuisines, an arts market, and activities for the whole family.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can find everything you need here: Calgary Folk Music Festival
August
- Calgary International Blues Festival
The fun and music don’t stop, as immediately after the Folk Music Festival is the 19th annual Calgary International Blues Festival. Running from July 31 to August 6 this festival offers both concerts and workshops. The main stage is located at the Shaw Millennium Park and tickets cost between CAD $40 to $50. There are also free events at King Eddy and the Memorial Park Library, such as the History of Blues and a guitar workshop.
For the full lineup, and other information, you can go here: Calgary Blues Fest
- Calgary Fringe Festival
If you need a break from all the music but don’t want to just lounge around at home, you can check out the Calgary Fringe Festival from August 4 to 12.
This ‘open access’ theatre festival was started in Edinburgh in 1947, and the second largest in the world is in Edmonton, Alberta. The festival started in Calgary in 2006 and has been entertaining guests ever since. This year will see a hybrid festival, offering both live in-person performances and digital offerings.
100% of the base ticket price will go to the artists, and each performance can be anywhere from 40 minutes to 70 minutes in length.
The complete schedule will be posted later this month and tickets will be going on sale July 1, 2023.
If you wanted to check out the website, you can follow the link: Calgary Fringe
- GlobalFest
Finishing out the summer strong is GlobalFest, from August 17 to 26. Each day will run from 18:00 PM until 21:15 PM, with a firework display at 21:30 PM.
This festival is a celebration of Calgary’s multicultural communities and features pavilions, performances, food, and children’s programming. Even the fireworks displays are multicultural, featuring different artists from (in order) Austria, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Canada.
Tickets are CAD $18.50 per night if purchased before July 15 and then CAD $21 onward.
The full list of performances, food, and vendors can be found here: GlobalFest
With everything going on in the city you shouldn’t have a hard time finding something to do this summer. By the time September rolls around, and the weather starts to cool down in the evenings, you should be ready to have a break and relax at home (and send any kids back to school).
