Happy Thursday, friends! As always, we hope you’ve had a wonderful few days of sun, fun and excitement – but the best is yet to come! This time around we’ve got an ‘explosive’ lineup of events, activities and more, so let’s get into it! Here are 10 of the very best things to do in Calgary this weekend.

CHECK OUT GLOBALFEST

It’s here! The city’s most explosive festival is back for 2022, and just like the years before it, Calgarians will be able to cuddle up close in Elliston Park under a sky illuminated by stars and fireworks. It really is magical.

When: Thursday, August 18th – 27th
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 6 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $18.50+

CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT THE CALGARY FARMYARD 

This summer take every wrong turn (and like it) at the Calgary Farmyard. Located 30 minutes from Calgary’s inner city, this family-friendly spot has yard games, rabbits, goats and pigs, a ropes course, mini golf, a sunflower field (in bloom mid-August) and an 11-acre corn maze.

Where: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County

HAVE A DRINK AT SHAKE STIR AND STRAINBOW

We hope you’re thirsty because this weekend you’re encouraged to indulge during Shake, Stir and Strainbow – the city’s tastiest festival. Between now and August 26th check out one of the many taverns and brewhouses, distilleries, cafes and bars offering an array of colourful offerings and ring in another year of Calgary Pride!

When: Until August 26th
Where: Various locations

RUN THE 5 KM BUBBLE CHASE

On your marks, get set, GO! This weekend bolt for the finish line during the 2022 Alberta 5k Bubble Chase, an all-ages race through colourful suds, soapy surprises, and obstacles.

When: Saturday, August 20th
Where: Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, Airdrie

FLOAT THE BOW

It’s going to be a long hot summer! The best way to cool off? By floating the Bow, of course! This weekend, grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit the city’s winding river. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory Calgary adventure.

Cost: FREE

GET HONKY-TANKED AT COUNTRY THUNDER

We hope you didn’t hang up your hats for good after last year’s cancellation because this Friday, Country Thunder and all of its crazy shenanigans, artists, and food trucks will be back with Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice, and Morgan Wallen.

When: Friday, August 19th – 20th
Where: 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary – Prairie Winds Park
Cost: $300+

RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS 

Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in Stanley Park – after all, there’s really no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass.

When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm

MAKE A SPLASH AT SYLVAN LAKE

Located just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash park is THE place 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.

Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta

SPOOK YOURSELF SILLY ON A BANFF GHOST TOUR

Halloween is still quite a few months away – but who’s counting? This weekend, wince, cringe, mix and mingle and visit Banff’s most “active” sights on a ghoulish ghost tour through the town. It’s Are you Afraid of the Dark, meets, “oh, that’s where we had dinner.”

When: Offered until October 31st
Where: 333 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
Cost: $32

SPONSORED PICKS

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A HISTORICAL PARADISE AT CANADA’S LARGEST LIVING MUSEUM

From vintage trains & cars to midway rides, to heritage homes and shops, Heritage Park is practically a time machine transporting you to the 1800s and early 1900s. It’s no wonder this 127-acre living museum is a hot fave with tourists and Calgarians alike!

When: open daily 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: visit their ticketing website for a list of prices!

And there you have it, folks! 10 things to do in Calgary this weekend! It’s going to be a good one, we can feel it!