Summer is here in Calgary in full swing and it’s shaping up to be the absolute best one… maybe ever? After a year of cancellations and rescheduled events, it seems as though we’re back in business and you’re not going to want to miss a beat! Not sure what’s going on and when? We’ve got you! Here are just 31 amazing things that you need on your 2021 Calgary summer bucket list!
GRAB SOME GRUB AT CALGARY’S SUMMER COOL-ER 2021
We hope you’re ready to indulge, YYC 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 – don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, July 1st – Tuesday, August 31st
GET YOUR BOOTS DIRTY AT STAMPEDE 2021
Get ready, YYC! 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 summer, mask up and hit the Stampede grounds in celebration of the city’s resilient spirit!
When: July 8th (sneak-a-peek) – 18th, 2021
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
HIT THE BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021
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Not only is the Calgary Stampede back this year, so are a ton of its sister events! Featuring a ‘star-studded’ lineup of musicians, the 2021 Badlands Music Festival returns to the grounds for 10 crazy loud, crazy fun nights. Check out the link above for updates!
When: Thursday, July 8th – July 18th
Where: 840 9 Ave SW Calgary, AB
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!
BUST A MOVE AT MARDA LOOP’S MARDI GRAS
Though programming has been adjusted to fit the changing and challenging times, Marda Loop’s 2021 Mardi 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? Later this summer 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!
WANDER 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, August 13th, September 10th – 11th and September 17th
Where: 10 Avenue & and 10th Street – 11th Avenue & 11th street
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
GO HEAD TO HEAD IN A GAME OF BUBBLE SOCCER
Looking for something a little more bizarre to get your friends close after several months of zoom drinks and phone calls? Bumper balls or bubble soccer is this year’s safest, strangest way to get everyone together and active again. Check out the link above for rental rates!
Where: Online here
GET AN ‘ASTRONAUT ICECREAM CONE’ AT TELUS SPARK!
It’s been a minute, but they’re back and they’ve made some upgrades! This Summer check out Calgary’s Telus Spark who have reopened their doors with far more to offer than just their beloved exhibits! To the excitement of many, they have also finally opened their new eatery, the Rocket Fuel Café – which serves up space-inspired ice cream. Check it out!
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
ENJOY A SUMMER OF SERENADES IN PRINCES ISLAND PARK
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Despite being in-between normals right now, the Calgary Folk Music Festival returns with a new, more COVID-safe concept! This summer, take a seat on the grass with a basket of snacks and enjoy a day of Summer Serenades, featuring local and national artists. Get your tickets at the link above!
When: Tuesday, July 22nd – 28th (tickets go on sale June 18th at 10 am)
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: $150+
GO DOWNHILL GO-KARTING
A little competition never hurt anybody, right? This summer, grab your friends, family or special someone and proceed with caution to Winsport Canada where you’ll be able to go head to head on their 1800 metres downhill go-kart track or their mini-putting green! The ‘loser’ buys the other a drink afterwards!
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $24+
ZIP DOWN THE SCALP CREEK NATURAL WATERSLIDES
Looking to do something unique? Grab a towel and hit Alberta’s one-of-a-kind totally natural waterslides in Scalp Creek. The water is cold, the speed, pictures and stories you’ll get to tell afterward will be totally worth the trip. Check out the link above for more information!
Where: Bighorn Campground – Directions here
EXPLORE THE VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXHIBIT
After being rescheduled no thanks to COVID, the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit finally hits Calgary later this summer 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: Opens Friday, July 30th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $35+
DRIVE UP TO ALBERTA’S ‘JURASSIC PARK’
Have a few hours free during the day? You’re in for a treat! From Drumheller to the Calgary Zoo, Alberta is the epicentre for anything and everything prehistoric and we wear that will pride! This summer, get up close and personal with lifesized herbivores, carnivores, and fellow primitive nerds, like us, at the Jurassic Forest.
Where: 23210 Township Road 564 #2, Gibbons, AB
HIKE DRUMHELLER’S HOODOOS
Feel like you’ve hiked every trail in the Rockies? Why not take a short drive to Drumheller, where guests can actually explore million-year-old hoodoo structures. Of course, because they’re extremely fragile and super old, your route will be limited to the designated trail, but it’ll be unlike anything you may have seen before.
Where: Directions here
SUIT UP FOR THE 2021 PACKWOOD GRAND
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Fancy hats, champagne and horse races? Late this summer you’ll find all three of those things at Calgary’s highly anticipated, highly fashionable Packwood Grand, by far one of Alberta’s snazziest soirees.
When: Saturday, August 7th, 2021
Where: 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB
HAVE A DRINK AT ONE OF YYC’S PUBLIC PARKS
Who said that change had to be a bad thing? We love this city update! This summer until September 7th, Calgarians will FINALLY be able to book out picnic tables and enjoy a European-style drink or two at various parks around the city as part of a new pilot program encouraging people to get out and stay safe this season.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A MEAL IN FAIRMONT BANFF’S 360° DOME
This Summer indulge outdoors in the Fairmont Banff Springs’ brand new 360° Dome dining room, an unbeatable private venue with unreal food and a spectacular view! Located on their Upper Garden Terrace, the dome will feature a gourmet brunch, afternoon charcuterie, and an extravagant 5-course menu under the heat of the sun, or the glint of the night sky.
Where: 405 Spray Avenue Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $125+
GET YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING AT CALAWAY PARK
Not ready to hit the Stampede grounds, but are still looking to do something a little more fast-paced this summer? Adrenaline junkies prepare yourselves because Calaway Park is officially open for the season. Mask up and head out for a full day of sun, fun and of course, cheap and delicious carnival food in a more controlled environment.
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $47.95+
GO SUMMER STARGAZING
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 is a fail-safe date idea and an original way to chill with your friends. This summer, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city – the best of which are listed in the link above. You can thank us later!
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 summer, 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
SNAP A PIC AT THE NANTON SUNFLOWER FIELDS
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This one is a bit outside of the city, but man is it worth the drive. Now, there’s a really good chance you’ve seen photos of Paradise Hill, and with good reason – there really is no other place like it so why not check it out this summer! Later this season, when they’re in full bloom, wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Nanton and snap a few pics!
When: Usually opens late July or Mid-August
Where: 280011 Township Rd 162, Nanton
CROSS THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
Up above the world so high, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk has finally opened for the sunny season. Experience a little bit of everything the Rockies have to offer from its wildlife, mountain views, cascading waterfalls and history all from 918-feet in the air.
When: Open until October 17th
Where: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12
Cost: $25 +
STROLL THROUGH NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America. This summer, grab the hand of someone special and wander through fields of flowers, trees and beautifully cut grass of Nikka Yuko.
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $8+
GLAMP AT THE SUNDANCE LODGES
Is there anything more ‘summer’ than going off the grid for a few days and lounging next to a fire? Sundance is a cozy ‘glampground’ with cute little huts for rent and comfortable, earthy amenities, hiking trails, and privacy. We’d recommend staying in one of their cozy trapper’s tents that come complete with heaters, beds, and wooden floors for the ultimate experience.
Where: AB-40 Kananaskis, Alberta
GO RAFTING
Ready to take the ride of a lifetime? This summer, buckle into your life jacket and grip a paddle for dear life as you ride the wild Kanaskis rapids through the mountains with an experienced guide. Name a better way to cool off this season – we’ll wait.
When: Until September
Where: 109 – 829 10th Street, Banff
Time: 9 am
Cost: $110
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
TAKE A PEDAL PUB TOUR
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Who said it wasn’t possible to drink and exercise at the same time? This summer, get a group together and pedal your way through Calgary’s inner-city hitting the best bars, pubs and breweries along the way! Book your trip now by checking out the link above.
When: See available dates here
Where: See available tours above
Time: See times above
Cost: $599
FLOAT THE BOW
It’s going to be a long hot summer, Calgary! The best way to cool off? Well by floating the Bow, of course! This season, 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.
SEE THE MOUNTAINS LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH AN OPEN-TOP TOUR
Anyone who has lived in Calgary for a while has likely seen Banff in every light, in every season, from every angle and at every time of day. This summer, unless you’re a time traveller, see the Rockies like never before when you take an Open-Top Tour of Alberta’s favourite mountain town in a vintage-style coach.
When: All Spring
Where: See locations here
Time: See times here
Cost: $45+
WRAP UP SUMMER 2021 WITH 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
There you have it, Calgary 31 amazing things that you need on your 2021 Summer Bucket List. It’s going to be a good one – so as always be safe, be smart and have fun out there!
