Photo via Aryn Toombs / Livewire Calgary
Heads up Calgary! We’re in for more rain on the weather forecast, but the sun will poke its head out from the clouds towards the end of the week on Aug. 5 to 8. As we welcome the first week of August and the last of the long summer nights, here are ten ways to spend your time soaking up the sun in Calgary.
It’s sunflower season and also the opening week of the Bowden Sunmaze, Alberta’s only certified organic sunflower maze. Get lost in the world of these bright, sunny flowers and take home a few of your own, too!
When: Aug. 4 to Sept. 15
Where: 34530 Range Road 14, Bowden
Cost: $15+
Head to the Plaza Theatre in Kensington for an evening showcase of the best Alberta shorts, filmed right here in the province! This networking event will also allow you to mingle with other folks working in the film industry.
When: Aug. 6
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: The Plaza Theatre — 1133 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary
Cost: Pay what you can
Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with Nature Calgary. They’ll show you how to identify and remove invasive plants from local parks and green spaces during this interactive plant walk at St. Patrick’s Island.
When: Aug. 8
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 656 Confluence Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $6.50
Go beyond ghost stories and explore the real-life, chilling tales of murder, executions and prisons at the historic Fort Calgary.
When: Aug. 8
Where: 656 Confluence Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $20
Dive into the science of sound with TELUS Spark. Creativity and science will vibe together as you’ll explore how music shapes the brain, body and everything in between. The evening will also feature live DJs, jam sessions, opera in the dome, and brainwave-powered beats.
When: Aug. 8
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre — 220 Saint George’s Dr., NE
Cost: $10+
This annual boat race and festival, celebrating the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing, is back for its 33rd year. Cheer on over 1,850 paddlers racing to win at North Glenmore Park and enjoy food trucks, a marketplace and more fun.
When: Aug. 8 to Aug. 10
Where: North Glenmore Park — 7305 Crowchild Trl. SW
Cost: Free
Celebrate Hispanic culture, music, dance and art at the annual Expo Latino Festival. This three-day festival is also Western Canada’s largest Latin fest, taking place at Prince’s Island Park. There’s lots to explore and with fantastic food, drinks, dance workshops, and an art zone, there is plenty of fun to be had.
When: Aug. 8 to 10
Where: Prince’s Island Park — 1st Avenue and 4th Street SW
Cost: $30+
A tribute to the farmers, ranchers, chefs and food artisans who shape the province’s cultural identity, this ten-day festival partners with a variety of establishments across Calgary and Alberta to offer fixed price menus that close the loop between farm and fork.
When: Aug. 8 to Aug. 17
Where: Various locations
Cost: Prices vary
The 19th edition of the annual festival will bring the wacky, wild, and weird to YYC. Featuring digital and in-person theatre, comedy and art installations, Fringe Fest shows will run all week long at locations throughout Calgary.
When: Aug. 1 to Aug. 9, 2025
Where: Various locations
Cost: $20+
Get lost in the world of YYC BUMP! This festival will transform Calgary’s downtown core into hallways of colour. From Aug. 1 to Aug. 18, YYC BUMP will host a series of events ranging from underground parties to walking tours exploring how civic identity is constructed and contested through public space.
When: Aug. 1 to Aug. 18
Where: Various locations through downtown YYC
Cost: Free
Don’t forget that Monday, Aug. 4, will be a holiday for most in Alberta, celebrating Heritage Day in our province. Enjoy the week, Calgary!
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