We made it! Stampede is finally here and so are all of the exciting, honky tonkin’, incredibly delicious events that go with it. This time around, head to the grounds, grab a drink or catch a concert in celebration of the city’s resilience – OR just skip out on the whole thing and check out a swimming hole, food festival or arcade, there’s plenty to do in and around Calgary this weekend- but here are the 10 best! ENJOY!
BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Well we’ve been trapped inside for the last year, and we can finally satisfy our live music cravings. Luckily, it’s just in time for Badlands Music Festival running ‘til the 18th. Here’s what they’ve got going on this weekend:
- Free RSVP Kick-Off Opening Party w/ Skii Tour & Smalltown DJs
- Free RSVP First Friday Opening Party w/ Felix Cartal & Nostalgia
- Black Tiger Sex Machine w/ Apashe on Saturday (low tix!!!)
- Rewind Old School Music Video Dance Party on Sunday
When: July 8th – 18th
Where: 840 9 Ave SW, Calgary AB
Cost: $21.05 +
CHECK OUT AN ALBERTA SWIMMING HOLE
Summer is here and so some serious heat and the best place to hide away from the sun is under the water! This weekend, grab your swim trunks, your flippy floppies and click the link above for a link to some extremely refreshing swimming holes in and around Calgary.
HIT CALGARY’S SUMMER COOL-ER
We hope you’re ready to indulge, because a new community-positive event meant to showcase local businesses and celebrate seasonal grub, clothing, and more, is hitting Calgary! From the folks who put on the city’s massive Hot Chocolate Fest comes another amazing way to raise money for Meals on Wheels so don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, July 1st – Tuesday, August 31st
CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF THE DARK ARTS
We love a grand opening! This weekend, suit up and check out the city’s one-of-a-kind interim art gallery and lounge. This incredible spot will only be around for 3 short months, so do not miss it, friends. It’s going to be a blast!
When: Now open
Where: 608-1st Street SW
WATCH THE FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL CALGARY STAMPEDE PARADE
What better way to kick off a major event than with a parade! This Friday, ahead of the Greatest Show On Earth, catch the first-ever Calgary Stampede Parade to take place, not in front of thousands of people lining the streets, but online!
When: Friday, July 9th
Where: Online at link above
Time: 8 am
HEAD TO THE GROUNDS FOR THE 2021 STAMPEDE
YAHOOO! After last year’s cancellation, the midway, the food, the music, and the rodeo are back and despite things looking a little bit different this year, some of you could not be happier. This weekend, mask up and hit the Stampede grounds in celebration of the city’s resilient spirit!
When: July 9th – 18th, 2021
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
DANCE YOUR WAY TO MONDAY MORNING
It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?! Not only is the Calgary Stampede back this year, so is live music! Featuring a ‘star-studded’ lineup of musicians, this year’s series of festivals and performances return to the grounds for 10 crazy loud, crazy fun nights. Check out the link above for a list of everyone taking the stage in 2021!
When: Thursday, July 8th – July 18th
Where: 840 9 Ave SW Calgary, AB
HIT THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
It’s back, Calgary and there really is nothing better. This summer, browse the art, unique clothing, jewellery, and food offered at the iconic Inglewood Night Market, an annual event made to celebrate the sunny season, community, dog watching and chowing down on samples.
When: Friday, July 9th
Where: 10 Avenue & and 10th Street – 11th Avenue & 11th street
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
BEAT THE HEAT BY FLOATING THE BOW
It’s going to be a long hot summer! This weekend, grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit Calgary’s winding river. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory YYC adventure.
PLUG INTO CALGARY’S NEW VRCADE
This weekend, escape reality and the Stampede with a trip to VMersion, a brand new virtual arcade in Deerfoot Meadows with food, games, drinks and simulators. Call up your pals, stretch those joystickin’ wrists and go head to head. Good luck!
Where: 1221 -73 Avenue SW, Calgary AB
There you have it, 10 things to do in Calgary this weekend! It’s going to be a good one, folks! Happy Stampeding!
