Another day, another dollar – but how will you spend it? As we near the end of another summer month, we hope that you’ll consider spending a penny or two on a new experience because, wow, is there a ton to see in the coming weeks. Seriously, we wouldn’t want you to miss out on anything! From exhibits and festivals to markets, adventures, and even more markets – here are 30 of the best things to do in Calgary this August!
EXPLORE 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: Monday, August 2nd – 9th
Where: See locations above
TAKE A DIP IN A SWIMMING HOLE
Summer is here and so is some serious heat. The best place to hide away from the Milky Way’s spiciest boy? Under the water! 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 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+
SUPPORT LOCAL AT 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 Calgary’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
SUIT UP FOR THE 2021 PACKWOOD GRAND
Fancy hats, champagne and horse races? It’s almost time, Calgary! This August 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
GO FOR A RUN
From beautifully landscaped gardens for lounging, picnicking, and reading in; to open fields where you can work up a sweat, YYC has got you! One of the most popular ways to get out and about in the city? Running! So – if you’re like us and feel like you’ve taken too many laps around the block check out the link above for 10 of the best places to go for a run in Calgary!
HAVE A HOPPY NIGHT AT COBB’S BEER FESTIVAL
Beer and Kangaroos? Does it get better than that? The answer is no and this August 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
WANDER THE WEST DISTRICT NIGHT MARKET
And so begins the month of Markets! Every Thursday this month, those who have a passion for supporting local… or just shopping, are encouraged to check out the West District Night Market who will be showcasing over 30 incredibly talented local vendors. Interested? For more information check out their Instagram here!
When: Thursday, August 5, 12, 19, 26th
Where: 816 78th St SW, Calgary
Time: 4 pm to 8 pm
Price: Free
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
FILL A BASKET OR TWO AT A YYC U-PICK FIELD
Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? This Month when the berries really begin to ripen, head to one of the many u-pick fields in and around Calgary and come home with a bucket full of fruit and a head full of memories. Could there be a sweeter way to spend a day? Need some ideas, just click that link above to find our picks!
RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Is all of this sudden craziness too much for you? Every Sunday this month, inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat out the insanity at an incredibly relaxing 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
Cost: Free
GET A HOLE IN ONE AT CALGARY’S BOOZY MINI-GOLF POP-UP
Grey Goose and mini-golf? Sounds like a great time to us! This August, grab a polo, a visor, and your lucky putter then hit Fort Calgary for an incredible afternoon brought to us by the folks being the iconic vodka. Check out the link above to get your tickets now!
When: Wednesday, August 11th – 22nd
Where: 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: $21
SHOP THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
The days are getting longer the nights are getting a little warmer, which can only mean one thing! Calgary, get ready because the Inglewood Night Market has officially set dates for summer 2021, and it all kicks off this month! As always this annual after-hours event will feature everything from handmade goods, crafts, vintage clothing, collectables and a ton more
When: Friday, August 13th
Where: 10 Avenue & and 10th Street – 11th Avenue & 11th street
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
SNAP A PIC OR TWO AT THE BOWDEN SUNMAZE
There’s a really good chance you’ve seen photos of the Bowden Sunmaze, and with good reason – there really is no other place like it so why not check it out this summer! This month, when they’re in full bloom, wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Nanton and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season!
When: Tuesday, August 10th (subject to change)
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Cost: $7+
FLOAT THE BOW
It’s going to be a long hot summer, Calgary! This August, 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.
CATCH THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
Whether you put your feet on the dash and point your peepers through the sunroof or really commit to an evening with snacks and a picnic blanket, stargazing – ESPECIALLY this month is a fail-safe date idea and an original way to chill with your friends. This August, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city and take in the year’s most magical meteor shower.
When: Until August 24th – Peak on August 12th
Time: After sunset
LOUNGE ON AN ALBERTA BEACH
From Jasper to Waterton, Alberta has some beautiful beaches. No, we don’t have coconut trees and year-round heat, but we do have sand and occasionally comfortable sun. Click the link above and see which provincial spots are our favourite!
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+
STRETCH YOUR LEGS FOR INGLEWOOD’S CAR-FREE SUNDAYS
This August, Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood is taking a ‘simple life approach, asking that on the last day of every weekend, Calgarians park elsewhere and use their legs to get around instead. In support of small businesses, Inglewood has announced Car-Free Sundays, discouraging folks from parking in the are in hopes that they’ll walk Mainstreet instead!
When: Every Sunday
Where: 9th Avenue, Inglewood
OOH AND AHH AT CALGARY’S GLOBALFEST
It’s back, Calgary! The city’s most explosive festival officially has dates set for 2021. 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 all kicks off on Thursday, August 19th. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, August 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th, and 28th
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
STROLL THROUGH THE LITTLE MODERN MARKET
Another one! This month, check out the Little Modern Market, a two-day celebration of local vendors, entrepreneurs, and artists, as well as the sunnier days ahead – because is there anything better than sun, fun, and supporting local?!
When: Saturday, August 21st
Where: 221 10th Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
BINGE NETFLIX’S AUGUST RELEASES
From documentaries comedies and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through a long summer that might almost be too hot. This August those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through Calgary’s heatwave with a ton of new releases!
HIT ONE OF CALGARY’S OUTDOOR POOLS
With temperatures well into the 20s, city-slickers are going to need somewhere to cool off and we just don’t think we’re all going to fit comfortably into the Bow. This August, why not consider checking out one of the many spray parks, outdoor or wading outdoor pools throughout Calgary!
CHECK OUT THE FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET
Oh, you thought that was all of them? Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local or are just looking to get some fresh air check out this month’s Farmers and Makers Market! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks. That sounds like a perfect spring afternoon to us!
When: Every Saturday until October 9th
Where: 1729 29 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
TEE OFF AT THE GRAND OPENING OF CALGARY’S LAUNCHPAD GOLF
Get ready, Calgary, something big is coming! Modelled after TopGolf, Launchpad will be the first of its kind to open in Canada. This August, grab a drink, a few friends and tee off from one of their bays. You know what they say! Practice makes perfect – but practice tastes a whole lot better with a beer.
When: August 2021 (Mickelson)
Where: Mickelson National Golf Club – 34122 East Harmony Trail
SUPPORT LOCAL AND LIVE THEATRE
A Calgary Classic! Shakespeare by the Bow is back again for a summer of tragic, comedic, and dramatic stories written by a literary genius – however, unlike year’s past, 2021’s event will take place all over the city. For more information check out the schedule above!
When: All August long
Where: See locations above
Time: See times above
BE PROUD, GET LOUD!
From humble beginnings to thousands of spectators and supporters, Calgary’s Pride Festival is easily one of the most vibrant occasions of the entire year and 2021 will be no different. From a virtual parade to speakers, check out the link above to see everything happening in and around Calgary in celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
When: Sunday, August 27th – September 6th
Whew, there you have it, friends. 30 things to do in Calgary this August. What will you check out first?
