The sunniest season is nearly here – and this one is shaping up to be one hell of a good time. After two years of uncertainty and rescheduled events, all of your favorite organizers are back in business and you’re not going to want to miss a beat. Not sure what’s happening in and around the city? Here are just 33 exciting things that you need on your 2022 Calgary summer bucket list!
GET THE SCOOP AT AN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL
From the folks who brought us YYC Hot Chocolate Fest comes a 9-day event of unique creations, fantastic flavors, and tasty toppings. For the first time ever, the 2022 Summer Scoop Fest will take Calgary by the cone – all in the name of a good cause.
When: Saturday, June 25th – July 3rd
Where: See locations here
RIDE THE CANYON ALPINE COASTER
Slated to launch on June 25th, the brand new Canyon Coaster is approximately 1,300 meters and can travel up to speeds of 40 km/hr. This summer head over to Red Deer to take a wild whip through Alberta’s most surprising resort.
When: Projected opening June 25th
Where: 38433, Range Rd 264A, AB
Time: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
Cost: TBA
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.
When: Opens July 1st, 2022
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
WANDER THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
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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, July 8th, August 12th, September 9th and 16th
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
PARTY AT HOTEL ARTS
This summer, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun, fun, and on occasion – live music! Re-opening to the public this summer (without its winterized top), Hotel Arts will be THE place to wind down and catch a tan on the weekends.
Where: 119 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB
TIP YOUR HAT FOR THE STAMPEDE
Dust off your boots, Calgary! The Stampede is back with all of the action that the world has come to know as the greatest outdoor show on earth. From the midway and concerts to the food and the rides, you won’t want to miss it!
When: Friday, July 8th – 17th
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
HIT THE BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
This summer among all of the Stampede craziness, music lovers are encouraged to kick off their boots in exchange for some dancing sneaks. The Calgary Badlands Music Festival is back for 2022 with featured artists The Chainsmokers Troyboi and Don Toliver. Tickets are on sale now!
When: Thursday, July 7th – 17th
Where: 840 9 Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: Tickets vary
SHOP 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 at a similar event. Double the experiences, double the fun!
When: Thursday, July 9th, August 13th & September 10th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
RUN WILD AT THE COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
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One of Calgary’s most beloved Stampede-adjacent events, the Cowboys Music Festival will also go ahead this year! For the full lineup that includes artists like Flo Rida and Brett Kissel check out the link above.
When: Thursday, July 7th-17th
Where: 421 12 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: $38+
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 favorite!
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT THE PET-A-PALOOZA
Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza has become a west-coast sensation with it taking over city streets in Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary year after year. This year, of course, is no exception, with organizers announcing the return of the furry shindig this sunny season.
When: July 23rd – 24th
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
SWAY YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CALGARY FOLK FEST
With thousands of fans, Calgary’s Folk Festival will return with great music, good food, and sunshine. For this year’s lineup, hit the link above and snag your tickets now!
When: Thursday, July 21 – 24
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: $40+
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?
DANCE YOUR BUTTS OFF AT CHASING SUMMER
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After last year’s devastating cancellation, Chasing Summer is back for 2022! Featuring headliners including Excision, Loud Luxury, Shaquille O’Neal (aka DJ Diesel), Armin Van Buuren, Fisher, and Malaa – fans can expect bright lights, big bass, and a ton of color.
When: Saturday, July 30th – 31st
Where: 1001 Barlow Trail SE, Calgary
Cost: $218+
CUDDLE WITH A ROO AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This spring 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
Tickets: $19.75+
ZIP THROUGH THE CACTUS COULEE FUN PARK
We love a little healthy competition! This summer, rev your engines for a wild day at Drumheller’s Cactus Coulee Fun Park. From go-karting and Eurobungy trampolines to their mini-putting green – they’ve got a little something for everyone.
Where: Box 388, Drumheller, Alberta
Cost: $13+
PRETEND YOUR’E ON VACAY AT THE PLAYA PATRÓN EXPERIENCE
This summer, leave the passport at home – because the beach is coming to us! This July. Calgary will see the grand opening of a pop-up beach club that’ll make you feel like you’re in beautiful Tulum, Mexico.
When: Thursday, July 28th – 31st
Where: Waterfront Park – 5225 101 Street NW, Calgary
Cost: $25+
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+
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
ENJOY A PATIO BEER
Finally, the warmer weather is here! If you’re like us, then you’re beyond ready to hit one of the many incredible patios in and around the city. Check out the link above for 10 of our favorite spots and enjoy!
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+
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!
ROAM A SUNFLOWER FIELD
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From Paradise Hill Farm to the Calgary Farmyard, Alberta has some incredible sunflower fields worth a road trip this summer. Not sure where to go? Check out the link above for our faves.
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: 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+
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! 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.
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 favorite 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+
FILL UP AT THE BREWERY AND THE BEAST 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 21st
Where: TBA, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
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.
AND WRAP UP SUMMER 2022 WITH GLOBALFEST
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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. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, August 18th – 27th
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
There you have it, Calgary 33 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!
