Year after year, flip-flop weather comes and goes in a flash. With this in mind, it’s important to make the days count! Fall is coming, luckily, with nothing but sunny days in our immediate future we can still get out, about and tanned. Not sure what to do? Here are 30 things to do in Calgary before the summer of 2022 is over.
CHECK OUT THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
Brought to life by the folks behind the Inglewood market, guests from all over the city are will be able to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore a different part of town.
When: Saturday, August 13th & September 10th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
HIT MARDA LOOP’S MARDA GRAS
Get ready to party, Calgary! Marda Loop’s big Marda Gras event returns this year with vendors, live music, performances and of course, their annual pet pageant. This is the area’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 14th
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free
DRINK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE YYC PUP CRAWL
In collaboration with local vendors, small businesses and dog-friendly breweries, you and yours will be challenged to hit over 20 patios for a drink, some shopping, live entertainment, food and fun – all for a good cause!
When: Sunday, August 14th
Where: Various locations
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
TAKE A CAPTAIN’S CRUISE
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Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, indulge in everything from shrimp cocktail and bruschetta to skewers, sushi and desserts; as well as wine, beer and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages all while enjoying live music.
When: Thursday, August 11th, 18th & 25th
Where: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Time: 6:15 pm
Cost: $75.95
OR A HOTEL ARTS POOL PARTY
This summer, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun, fun, and on occasion – live music! Re-open to the public for yet, another sizzling summer Hotel Arts will be THE place to wind down and catch a tan on the weekends.
Where: 119 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB
Cost: $20
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!
Cost: FREE
GET HONKY-TANKED AT COUNTRY THUNDER
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We hope you didn’t hang up your hats for good after last year’s cancellation because this August, 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+
RUN THE 5 KM BUBBLE CHASE
On your marks, get set, GO! This August 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
FILL A BASKET OR TWO AT A YYC U-PICK FIELD
Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? Before summer’s end 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?
Cost: Prices vary
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 21st (peak on August 12th)
Time: After sunset
Cost: FREE
INDULGE AT THE BREWERY AND THE BEAST FESTIVAL
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This sunny season, Calgary carnivores, are encouraged to enjoy everything from bacon and ale to steak and lager, rock and roll, and the company of friends in support of local businesses at the Brewery and Beast Festival. Check out the link above for more information!
When: Sunday, August 21st
Where: TBA, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
SHOP THE FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET
Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local, or are just looking to get some fresh air off of the Stampede grounds– this artisan market will be THE place! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks!
When: Every Saturday
Where: 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: FREE
COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This summer, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Whether you check them out for one of their many adult nights or just go during regular hours, you and yours are bound to have a ton of fun at Cobb’s Adventure Park.
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Cost: $19.75+
THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
This sunny season vendors from all over the city will gather again for the beloved Inglewood Night Market! Here, you can check out their beer garden, food trucks, live music, and the many, MANY dogs that fellow attendees will be walking through the area. Enjoy!
When: Friday, August 12th, September 9th and 16th
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
MAKE A SPLASH AT SYLVAN LAKE
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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
Cost: $17.50+
GET YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING AT CALAWAY PARK
Not interested in checking out 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.
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $47.95+
TAKE IN THE SUMMER SUN ON 17TH
From stilt walkers and aerialists, drag royalty and local musicians – 17th Avenue has officially kicked off its 2022 summer season. This August and throughout September, check out movies in the park, fitness classes and more – all for free! Check out the link above for their event schedule.
When: Until September 21st
Where: 17 Ave. & 8 St. SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
WANDER THE BOWDEN SUNMAZE
There’s a really good chance you’ve seen photos of this iconic Sunmaze, and with good reason – there really is no other place like it! This summer, when they’re in full bloom, wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Bowden and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season.
When: August TBA
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $11+
FLOAT THE BOW
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It’s going to be a long hot summer! The best way to cool off? By floating the Bow, of course! This season, 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+
HAVE AN EXPLOSIVE EVENING AT GLOBALFEST
It’s back, Calgary! The city’s most explosive festival officially has dates set for 2022. 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+
CELEBRATE CALGARY’S PRIDE
From humble beginnings to thousands of allies, participants, and leaders, Calgary’s Pride Festival is easily one of the most vibrant occasions of the entire year. From a parade to inspirational speakers, parties, and more, there are a ton of incredible events happening in and around Calgary in celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ community!
When: Friday, August 26th – September 5th
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
ROCK OUT AT THE BARN BURNER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held at the brewery grounds, Big Rock is set to host the 2022 Barn Burner Music Festival, featuring co-headliners the Zolas and Yukon Blonde. Get ready, You’re in for a hot summer day of music, beer, and memories – one that is long overdue.
When: Saturday, August 27th
Where: 5555 76 Ave, Calgary
Time: 3 pm
Cost: $39.99
EXPLORE THE BUMP FESTIVAL
Calgary has some incredible artists. This summer, enjoy live music and take in 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 1st – 28th
Where: See locations above
Cost: FREE
GLAMP AT THE SUNDANCE LODGES
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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
CLIMB ABOARD THE LAKE MINNEWANKA CRUISE
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a cruise! This summer climb aboard an hour-long tour of one of Alberta’s most beautiful lakes for everything from dinner and drink tours to sightseeing sails.
When: Until October
Where: Lake Minnewanka, 10 mins outside Banff
Cost: $46 +
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: 8 am
Cost: $120+
TEE OFF AT LAUNCHPAD GOLF
Modeled after TopGolf in the States, Launchpad is the first of its kind in all of Canada. This summer, 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.
Where: Mickelson National Golf Club – 34122 East Harmony Trail
Cost: $70+
CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT THE CALGARY FARMYARD
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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
HIT THE FIRST-EVER ZEN GARDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
With two immersive stages located on Calgary’s Bow River Waterfront, Zen Fest is described as an “end-of-summer gathering” with a dancefloor, a licensed cantina serving beer, wine, and spirits, art installations, and some of your favourite food trucks. Hit the link above for their first-ever lineup!
When: Saturday, September 17th
Where: Waterfront Park -5225 101 St NW, Calgary
Cost: $55+
And there you have it, folks! 30 things to do in Calgary before summer 2022 is over. Now get out there and don’t forget the sunscreen!
