Pumpkin spice is back at Starbucks and the very last weekend of August is here, but, make no mistake – there are still many summer adventures to be had! This weekend, enjoy sun, fun and the company of your friends or family, at one of the 10 festivals and shows happening in and around the city! Don’t know where to start? Here are just a few things to do in Calgary this time around.
Be YOU at Calgary Pride
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LOVE IS LOVE. Calgary’s Pride Festival is easily one of the most vibrant occasions of the entire year and this weekend it returns. 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! Check it out at the link above.
When: Saturday, August 26th – September 4th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
Enjoy GlobalFest
Snap, crackle, POP! The city’s most explosive festival is back and 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’s going to be magical.
When: Thursday, August 24th and 26th 2023
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary
Cost: $21+
Sponsored pick: Summer Skirmish at the Military Museums
Ever been to a Viking battle? Well, now you can! The Military Museums’ epic Summer Skirmish is coming up, with historical reenactments, interactive exhibits, and heart-pounding skirmishes. From Viking raids to medieval duels, gladiatorial combat, musketry skills, and thunderous cannonades, this event will teleport you to bygone eras!
When: Saturday, August 26 & Sunday, August 27, 2023,
Where: The Military Museums – 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: Click here for all ticket options.
Attend day one of the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Laugh out loud! 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. Check it out this Friday and enjoy!
When: Friday, August 25th – 27th, 2023
Where: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary
Cost: $39+
Sponsored pick: Skate for free and win big at AOR Health’s Winsport Event
Chill out and beat the heat at AOR’s free skating charity bash this weekend at Winsport! Glide into a fun-filled afternoon with your family or friends and score a shot at winning a laptop and fabulous AOR health goodies. Even cooler? Every donation to Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids gets doubled by AOR! Let’s lace up, laugh, and make a difference together.
When: Saturday, August 26th, 2023 from 1 – 3 PM
Where: Winsport, Arena B Joan Snyder
Cost: By donation
See KOOZA
This weekend, see something gravity-defying! Cirque du Soleil has returned to Calgary with Kooza, a show that features chills, thrills and explores everything from fear and identity to recognition and power.
When: Friday, August 25th – October 8th, 2023
Where: 50 25 Ave SE, Calgary
Explore the Barbie exhibit at TELUS Spark
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! With interviews, vintage dolls and photo ops, Spark’s nostalgic exhibit will examine how pop culture and fashion trends shaped the international phenomenon in the 64 years since Mattel launched the brand. Don’t miss it!
When: Until September 10th, 2023
Where: 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Cost: $26
Hit the 2023 BUMP festival
Love art and support local? This weekend, enjoy live music and take a self-guided tour of some incredible murals created by the best of the best. Not sure where to go? A complete map can be found at the link above!
When: Until August 26th, 2023
Where: See locations above
Cost: FREE
Eat everything at the Brewery and the Beast Food Festival
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Hungry? This Sunday, 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+
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 weekend, 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
And here you have it! 10 things to do in Calgary this weekend. What will you check out first?
