Categories: Lifestyle

Sunny side up: 24 things to look forward to in and around Calgary this summer

The sunny season is coming in hot and there will be no shortage of places to go and experiences to be had. From markets, festivals, grand openings, and concerts the city will practically come to life, but if you’re not sure what’s happening, we’ve got you. Here are 24 things to do in Calgary this summer!

Canyon Ski Resort Summer Tube Slide

Located in Red Deer Alberta, Canyon Ski Resort is an action-packed destination with Alberta’s first and only alpine coaster and in the warmer months, the longest summer tube slide in Western Canada! Check it out when it opens on June 22nd.

When: Saturday, June 22nd, 2024
Where: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer, Alberta
Cost: $5+

Canada Day Fireworks

Happy Birthday Canada! This July celebrate the True North with a colourful show. Bring lawn chairs, snacks and your loved ones, then get ready to celebrate!

When: Monday, July 1st, 2024
Where: TBA
Cost: Free

Mexifest

Described as “a family-oriented, multicultural arts and entertainment festival highlighting the Mexican Culture,” this four-day extravaganza kicks off this July. From the 4th to the 7th, enjoy live performances, luchador wrestling, authentic food and drink, an artisan market and a kid’s area – you’re going to have a blast.

When: Thursday, July 4th – 7th, 2024
Where: 311 8 St SW Along the river pathway on the corner of 4th Ave and 9 Street
Cost: FREE+

The Calgary Stampede Parade

We hope you’re well rested! In order to celebrate the first day of the Greatest Show On Earth, check out the annual Calgary Stampede Parade – a must-see event featuring floats, performers and crowds of people.

When: Thursday, July 4th, 2024
Where: See the parade route above
Cost: Free

The Badlands Music Festival

This summer music lovers are encouraged to kick off their boots in exchange for some dancing sneaks. The Calgary Badlands Music Festival will return in 2024 with featured artists including Thomas Wesley (AKA Diplo), John Summit and many more.

When: Thursday, July 4th – 14th, 2024
Where: 840 9 Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: Varies

Cowboys Music Festival

From Snoop Dogg and Lil Nas X to Marshmello and more, the Cowboys Music Festival has featured a ton of well-known artists, and 2024 will be no different! Get your tickets now!

When: Thursday, July 4th to 14th, 2024
Where: Calgary, Alberta
Cost: Varies

The Calgary Stampede

Calgary’s city-wide honky-tonk returns! As always, boot-wearing cow-folk will be encouraged to get down and dirty at the most anticipated event of the year – the Calgary Stampede. More details are to come – so stay tuned!

When: Friday, July 5th – 14th, 2024
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $23+

The Roundup MusicFest

Known for bringing the bands of yesterday and today to the inner city, The Roundup MusicFest has announced that the Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms, and Crash Test Dummies will delight fans on July 19th alongside Vancouver’s up-and-coming alt-rock band, Uncle Strt.

When: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Where:  Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave SW
Cost: $79+

Bowden Sunmaze

There really is no other place like it! This summer, visit the Bowden Sunmaze when flowers are in full bloom. Wander the field and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season, it’s magical!

When: Mid-late July
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $15+

Canyon Ski Resort Zip Line and Adventure Park

Whether you’re an adrenaline lover or are just looking to make some memories, you may want to start planning a trip to the Canyon Ski Resort in Alberta. This summer guests will be able to explore their Zip Line and Adventure Park which features more firsts, fun and fast-moving experiences.

When: Summer 2024
Where: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer, Alberta
Cost: TBA

Fiestaval Latin Festival

From salsa lessons and authentic food vendors to artisan and community makers, shakers and creators – as well as a beer garden, Calgary’s annual Fiestaval will be one you won’t want to miss when it returns this July – especially because it’s actually FREE to attend!

When: Friday, July 19th-21st, 2024
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: Free

Calgary Folk Fest

The Calgary Folk Fest has run strong for over 40 years and has seen thousands of people gather annually in Prince’s Island Park for good music, good food, and sunshine. This year, of course, will be no exception. Check it out!

When: Thursday, July 25th – 28th, 2024
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
Cost: $80+

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 all over Canada and in Calgary. This summer, of course, is no exception, with organizers announcing the return of the furry shindig this sunny season. It’s going to be amazing!

When: Saturday, July 27th – 28th, 2024
Where: Eau Claire Market –  200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
Cost: Free

Inglewood Sunfest

Bouncy castles, local bands and street performances? Inglewood Sunfest 2024 will bring drinks, live entertainment and fun (along with a ton of vendors and artists) to the streets of Calgary. Talk about the perfect summer day in one of Calgary’s hottest neighbourhoods!

Date: Saturday, July 27th, 2024
Location: 9th Avenue SE from 11th to 14th Street
Cost: Free

Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Waterpark

Located just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash park is the ultimate spot 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: June 29th – September 2nd, 2024 (Preseason June 15th-16th, 22nd-23rd)
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Cost: $40 (full day)

Taste of Calgary

This August, Calgarians will get to explore global cuisines from all over the world through an eclectic mix of restaurants and beverage companies! We have a feeling this year will be a good one, so don’t miss it.

When: Thursday, August 1st – 5th, 2024
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Cost: Free to attend

Chasing Summer

Held at the Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds, Chasing Summer is a two-day extravaganza that will feature a number of artists including Illenium, Deadmau5, DJ Snake and more!

When: Saturday, August 3rd -4th, 2024
Where:1001 Barlow Trail SE, Calgary
Cost: $160+

Global Fest

2024 is going to be explosive! This year, Calgary’s Global Fest will take to the sky and our stomachs once again at Elliston Park. From music, beer, food and choreographed pyrotechnics – we’re ready and waiting!

When: Thursday, August 15th – 24th, 2024
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary – Elliston Park
Cost: $14.50+

Big Bounce Canada

This summer is going to be one for the books – especially if you’ve got a pair of grippy socks and some energy left over after a very busy July. With four custom-built attractions, The Big Bounce will return to Alberta and Calgary is on their hit list!

Where: Calgary TBA
When: August 17th – 25th, 2024
Cost: TBA

Country Thunder

Don’t hang up your hats after Stampede because this August Country Thunder and all of its crazy shenanigans, artists, and food trucks will be back – and probably bigger than ever.

When: Friday, August 16th – 18th, 2024
Where: 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary – Prairie Winds Park
Cost: $300+

Calgary Pride Week

The Calgary Pride Festival is easily one of the city’s most vibrant occasions during any given year. From a parade to inspirational speakers, parties, and more, there will likely be a ton of incredible events happening in and around Calgary this summer so stay tuned!

When: Monday August 26th – September 1st, 2024
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free+

Alberta Day Celebrations

Get ready to party! The third annual Alberta Day will arrive this September! While they have not released any information about the 2024 event we’re sure that there will be a ton of family-friendly programming live performances and more.

When: Sunday, September 1st, 2024
Cost: Free

Movie in the Park

A charming celebration that features food trucks, fun, and a film chosen by the public, few events are more anticipated by these particular communities every summer.

When: Friday, September 13th, 2024
Where: Royal Sunalta Park – directions here
Time: Sunset
Cost: Free

Calgary International Film Festival

Pop the corn, Calgary! This September, CIFF will be back with new films, new ideas, new showtimes, and new artists – so don’t miss your chance to check it out. More details to come!

When: Thursday, September 19th – 29th, 2024
Where: 999 8 Street SW, Suite  260, Calgary
Cost: TBA

And there you have it! 24 things to do in Calgary this summer. Enjoy and we’ll see you out there, Calgary!