Happy Thursday, friends! We’ve almost made it – even though this one was a much shorter one than usual. Is that still an accomplishment, though? Of course. In fact, we think that it should be celebrated. Not sure where or how? Why not check out one of these 10 amazing things to do in Calgary this weekend. Enjoy

WANDER THE VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXHIBIT

After being rescheduled no thanks to COVID, the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit has finally opened in Calgary and you won’t want to miss it! With your ticket in hand. immerse yourselves into the wonderfully colourful world of a mad genius! Guided by his own dreams, thoughts, and words, experience the world of the troubled artist as if it were the first time.

When: Until August 29th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $35+

EXPLORE CALGARY DURING THE 2021 BUMP FESTIVAL

Calgary has some incredible artists. This summer, 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: Until Monday, August 9th
Where: See locations above

TAKE IN SOME TUNES AT THE FIREHALL NO. 1 GRAND REOPENING 

Featuring Tim Tamashiro, Chantal Chagnon & Dancers, Perpetual Nwaefido Trio and Friends, as well as local artists from local creative house and partner Foreignerz, spectators will be in for an afternoon of music, film, history, and more at the grand opening of Calgary’s historic Firehall No. 1 which has been reimagined as a new live music venue!

When: Saturday, August 7th
Where: 6th Avenue and 1st Street SE
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm

SUIT UP FOR THE 2021 PACKWOOD GRAND 

Fancy hats, champagne and horse races? It’s almost time, Calgary! This weekend you’ll find all three of those things at the city’s highly anticipated, highly fashionable Packwood Grand, by far one of Alberta’s snazziest soirees. Get your tickets now!

When: Saturday, August 7th, 2021
Where: 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB

TAKE IN A FILM OR TWO DURING THE FRINGE FESTIVAL

Featuring a series of Indie Films, Calgary’s Fring Festival returns in support of smaller creators – all of which are incredibly talented. This year’s event will be made up of several separate events so make sure that you check them all out above before you commit!

When: Until August 7th
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times

HIT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE FOR FREE

The sun is out and some of you are looking for somewhere to escape the rays. Luckily, we’ve got just the place – and guess what? If you head over there on the weekend, it won’t even cost you a dime! Right now Calgary’s National Music Centre and ATB are actually offering free admission Saturdays and Sundays in celebration of Studio Bell’s 5th anniversary- check out the link above for more information!

Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB

CHECK OUT YYC’S CONTAINR FEST

Live performance is back and so is Calgary’s ContainR Fest – a celebration of all things artistic! Featuring everything from cabaret, theatre, markets, a drag brunch, indie, jazz and hip hop music there’s literally a little something for everyone and anyone. Don’t miss it!

When: Wednesday, August 4th – 8th
Where: 1020 2 Avenue Northwest, Calgary
Cost: $20+

HAVE A HOPPY NIGHT AT COBB’S BEER FESTIVAL

Beer and Kangaroos? Does it get better than that? The answer is no and this weekend you can indulge in both at Calgary’s Cobb’s Adventure Park. Partake in craft beers and cuddle with adorable animals at the fun farms Hoppy Night Festival! For more information check out the link above!

When: Saturday, August 7th
Where: 1500 84 St NE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $45

BUST A MOVE AT MARDA LOOP’S MARDA GRAS

Though programming has been adjusted to fit the changing and challenging times, Marda Loop’s 2021 Marda Gras returns this year with vendors and Calgary’s annual pet pageant. This is Calgary’s longest-running street festival so you can bet it’s going to be a ton of fun. They know what they’re doing! 

When: Sunday, August 8th
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time:  10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free

ATTEND THE MAGICAL BANFF GONDOLA SUNSET FESTIVAL

Music, sunsets, beer, and BBQ? Until September 9th, you’ll find all of this and more 7,400 ft up the side of Sulphur Mountain during the Banff Gondola Annual Sunset Festival. Do not miss this one, Calgary – it’s going to be something else. 

When: Now until September 9th
Where: 513 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B4
Time: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost: $49+

There you have it, 10 things to do in Calgary this weekend! You deserve to have fun this time around. Heck, maybe we’ll see you out there!