We’re nearing the end of another summer month, but there’s still a ton going on in and around the city. Ready to kick off another few weeks of sun bathed fun? We wouldn’t want you to miss out on anything so, from festivals and markets to adventures and more– here are 40 of the best things to do in Calgary this August!
EVENTS AND FOOD
GET A TASTE OF CALGARY
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It’s here! From August 3rd to 7th explore global cuisines from a unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies. This year, Taste of Calgary will be celebrating the finest food, drink, and entertainment the city has to offer, so don’t miss it. It’s gonna be a good one, friends!
When: Thursday, August 3rd – 7th, 2023
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Cost: FREE Admission
WANDER 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 parading through the area. Enjoy!
When: Friday, August 11th, 2023
Where: 10th Ave and 10th Street SE
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE Admission
SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT AN EPIC MUSIC, MOVIE & FITNESS EVENT HAPPENING ON 17TH AVE THIS AUGUST
August is just around the corner, and Tomkins Park on 17th Ave is the place to be for an epic lineup of FREE events! You can check out performances and demonstrations from the city’s multicultural groups on Multicultural Mondays, watch a weekend movie in the park, get your heart pumping with outdoor fitness sessions, soak up the enchanting atmosphere of show tunes in the park & so much more!
When: Tuesday, August 1st-31st, 2023
Where: 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: FREE
HERITAGE PARK AFTER DARK
Shop until you drop! Every Saturday until September 2nd, Calgarians can spend an evening under the stars filling their bags with artisan goods and their stomachs with food and drinks from one of the attraction’s tasty eateries. From clothing to art, Heritage Park’s Night Market will practically have it all, making it what we can only describe as a ‘one-size fits all event,’ and it’s totally FREE!
When: Every Saturday until September 2nd, 2023
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE Admission
SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT THE FREE CURRIE MARKET
The historic community of Currie is organizing a massive weekly market this summer, and it’s free to attend. This new outdoor market features delicious eats, local artisans, live music, cold brews, and more! Connect with the community and savour the sweet vibes of summer every Saturday in August.
When: Every Saturday, August 2023 | 12 PM – 8 PM
Where: Parade Square, 4040 Breskens Dr. SW
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT JAWS AT THE LAKE
Back for another year, Alberta’s iconic lake town will host JAWS at the Lake, an exciting event that sees hundreds of people take to the water for an evening of fun, sand and cinema! Check it out!
When: Saturday, August 5th, 2023
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Time: TBA
Cost: FREE
SPONSORED PICK: BE A SUMMER STARGAZER
If you like summer with a view, then you can’t miss out on all the events happening at the Stargazer Patio by shoe & canoe. You can get tickets to their BBQ & Beers event with a special menu and craft beer selection, book the ultimate date night with their Movie Under the Stars, or just join them for happy hour and live music. There’s always something happening at this downtown rooftop!
When: Click here to check out their upcoming event schedule
Where: Located at the rooftop of Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown, 209 4th Ave SE Calgary
STROLL THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
Looking to shop local and have some fun? Guests from all over the city are will be able to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore at the 4th Street Market.
When: Saturday, August 12th & September 16th, 2023
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
VISIT THE CALGARY OPEN MARKET
Fresh veggies and fruit shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg – luckily this month, those in a bind will have one more place where they can eat better and spend less. Set to reopen every Thursday, the Calgary Open Market will sell fresh produce and desserts, eggs, bread coffee and more for pay-what-you-can prices.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Meadowlark Park Community Association – 623 58 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Cost: FREE to attend
EARN BEADS AT MARDA GRAS
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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 13th, 2023
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
ENJOY GLOBALFEST
Snap, crackle, pop! The city’s most explosive festival is back for 2023! 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 17th, 19th, 22nd, 24th and 26th 2023
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary
Cost: $21+
ATTEND THE CALGARY JOB FAIR AND TRAINING EXPO
Hoping to start a new chapter? Showcasing a variety of sectors, college recruits and vacancies at Elevate Aviation, Big Country Drilling and the Calgary Police Service (to name a few), the Calgary Job and Training Expo should be highly anticipated by those looking to get some face time with industry professionals and like-minded individuals. Good luck and enjoy.
When: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
BE YOU AT CALGARY 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: Saturday, August 26th – September 4th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
EAT EVERYTHING AT THE BREWERY AND THE BEAST FOOD FESTIVAL
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 27th, 2023
Where: 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Cost: $155.52+
ARTS, CONCERTS & SPORTS
ENJOY THE 2023 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: Saturday, August 5th – 26th, 2023
Where: See locations above
Cost: FREE
ANTHONY JESELNIK: BONES AND ALL
From Netflix specials to late-night TV, Famed comedian Anthony Jeselnik has appeared everywhere and soon he’ll take the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, August 17, 2023
Where: 225 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $38+
BOOT SCOOT ‘N BOOGIE TO COUNTRY THUNDER
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We hope you didn’t hang up your hats yet because this August, Country Thunder and all of its crazy shenanigans, artists, and food trucks will be back with Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and more!
When: Friday, August 18th – 20th, 2023
Where: 750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: $175+
AVENGED SEVENFOLD WITH ALEXISONFIRE
Known for songs like Dear God and Acid Rain, Avenged Sevenfold and Alexisonfire will take Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome this August. For more information and tickets, check out the link above.
When: Saturday, August 5th, 2023
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: $20+
RUN THE 5 KM BUBBLE CHASE
On your marks, get set, GO! This summer bolt for the finish line during the 2023 Alberta 5k Bubble Chase, an all-ages race through colourful suds, soapy surprises, and obstacles.
When: Saturday, August 19th, 2023
Where: Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, Airdrie
Cost: $25+
CATCH A SHAKESPEARE ON THE GO SHOW
A Calgary Classic! Theatre Calgary is back again for a summer of tragic, comedic, and dramatic stories written by a literary genius– but with a twist! This season, catch the company on the run as they perform at various locations around the city. For more information, check out the schedule above!
When: Shows until August 6th, 2023
Where: See locations above
Time: See times above
Cost: FREE
CHEER ON THE STAMPS
We love a good ol’ football date! This July, grab a beer, your partner’s hand and cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!
When: Friday, August 4th and 18th, 2023
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
THE GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL
Featuring Jonathan Van Ness, Andrew Schulz, Monet X Change, Nick Offerman and a ton of local performers the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is a three 3-days event with a portion of the proceeds supporting Queer Accessible Spaces and the Mustard Seed of Calgary. Don’t miss it!
When: Friday, August 25th – 27th, 2023
Where: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary
Cost: $39+
CATCH A SHOW AT THE FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Featuring an “anything goes” series of plays, Calgary’s Fringe Festival returns in support of local creators, and up and coming legends. Tickets are on sale now so check out the link above for more information!
When: Friday, August 4th – 12th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
Cost: $10+
KOOZA
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Step right up, step right up… This August, Cirque du Soleil returns to Calgary with Kooza, a show that features chills, thrills and explores everything from fear and identity to recognition and power. Tickets are on sale now!
When: August 25th – October 8th, 2023
Where: 50 25 Ave SE, Calgary
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
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 the link above to find our picks!
RENT A GLOWING KAYAK
With a single launch bay at the Waterfront Park, those looking to explore, lounge, and experience something new can do so to the soundtrack of their choosing, from behind the paddle of a glowing boat. Gear up and head down for the magical glowing kayak experience.
Where: Waterfront Park – 5225 101 St NW, Calgary
Cost: $35+ / hour
PLAY A ROUND OF MINI GOLF AT WINSPORT
A little competition never hurt anyone right? This month those looking for a day of fun and sun are encouraged to check out Winsport’s 18-hole course. The best part? It’s totally affordable to do so!
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $13+
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT BEACH FEST
This August, check out Beach Fest, a bright and colourful shindig held on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake. Described as “fun for the whole family,” Devonshire Beach will be buzzing with food, music and games.
When: Saturday, August 12th and 13th, 2023
Where: Devonshire Beach, Range Road 55, Slave Lake, AB
Cost: FREE
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 August, 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: $51+
RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK
Looking to do something a little more fast-paced this spring? Adrenaline junkies are encouraged to ride the coaster or eat all the carnival food their stomachs can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park, now open for the season.
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $49.95
DO YOGA IN THE PARK
There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass! This month, Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in the fields of some of Calgary’s most beautiful green spaces.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm
Cost: Pay-what-you-can
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 month, 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+
FLOAT DISCOVERY CANYON
Located in Red Deer Alberta, this unique tube park is another perfect-for-summer destination. Rent or bring your own inflatable donut, hop on in and sail the lazy river, lounge about on their beach or go golfing on their course. There’s an entire day’s worth of fun stuff to do – for less.
Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: FREE + $6 tube rentals
PET THE KANGAROOS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This August, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of mini-golf! 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
Tickets: $21.95+
SEE 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 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, 2023 (peak on August 12-13th)
Time: After sunset
Cost: FREE
SNAP A PIC OR TWO AT THE BOWDEN SUNMAZE
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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: $14+
TAKE A HIKE
In need of a little fresh air? As long as the weather continues to cooperate, why not treat yourself to a stunning hike in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains this August? Check the link above for our favourites and enjoy!
OR 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 enormous floating playground is truly one of a kind and will make for a memorable date destination this summer.
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Cost: $18 for one hour
SEE SOME WILDSCAPES AT THE ZOO
From 21-foot-tall giraffes and snakes made entirely of plants, Wildscapes at the Calgary Zoo is a topiary event that features large living sculptures that have been hand-crafted to look like familiar creatures. Get tickets at the link above!
When: Until mid-September 2023.
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
Cost: $29.95
WANDER THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
Do look down! Up above the world so high, Albertans are encouraged to explore the one-of-a-kind Columbia Icefield Skywalk. 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
Where: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12
Cost: $25+
And here you have it! 40 things to do in Calgary this August. What will you check out first?
