Another summer month has come and gone and more events are just around the corner. As always, you’re not going to want to miss a beat, so let’s get into it! From exhibits and festivals to markets, adventures, and even more markets – here are 45 of the best things to do in Calgary this August!
EVENTS, MARKETS AND FOOD FESTIVALS
HIT A RETRO ROLLER RINK
With the sun in the sky, Calgary’s Deerfoot city wants to let the good times roll – in the literal sense! This summer, lace into a pair of skates and glide the new retro roller rink at the third annual Block Party in partnership with the art-forward organization, PARK.
Where: 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
CHECK OUT THE SUMMER EVENT SERIES ON 17TH
From still walkers and aerialists, to drag royalty and local musicians – 17th Avenue has kicked off its 2022 summer series with a ton of Canada Day events – then continues on throughout the summer with movies in the park, fitness classes and more. For a full itinerary, check out the link above and enjoy!
When: Until September 21st
Where: 17 Ave. & 8 St. S.W, Calgary
Cost: FREE
WANDER THE FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET
Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local, or are just looking to get some fresh air – this artisan market will be THE place! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks!
When: Every Saturday
Where: 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: FREE
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.
When: Saturday, August 13th & September 10th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
OR 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 walking through the area. Enjoy!
When: Friday, August 12th, September 9th and 16th
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
SUIT UP FOR THE 2022 PACKWOOD GRAND
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Fancy hats, champagne and horse races? It’s almost time, Calgary! This August you’ll find all three of those things at the city’s highly anticipated, highly fashionable Packwood Grand, by far one of Alberta’s snazziest soirees. Get your tickets now!
When: Saturday, August 6th
Where: 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB
Time: 12 pm
INDULGE DURING THE 2ND ANNUAL COCHRANE FOOD FEST
It’s a bit of a drive, but Cochranes Food Festival is back for its second year and you won’t want to miss it. Here, attendees can enjoy live music, performances, local food and fun activities at Mitford Park – but don’t forget to take note of it! It’ll only last for a few hours.
When: Saturday, August 13th
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 6 pm
‘OOH AND AWEH’ AT GLOBALFEST
Get ready! The city’s most explosive festival is back 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. It really is magical.
When: Thursday, August 18th – 27th
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 6 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $18.50+
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 21st
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Cost: $152.28 – $255.65
LET YOUR FLAG FLY AT CALGARY PRIDE 2022
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: Friday, August 26th – September 5th
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
TAKE A CAPTAIN’S CRUISE
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Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, indulge in everything from shrimp cocktail and bruschetta to skewers, sushi and desserts; as well as wine, beer and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages all while enjoying live music.
When: Thursday, August 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th
Where: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Time: 6:15 pm
Cost: $75.95
DRINK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE YYC PUP CRAWL
In collaboration with local vendors, small businesses and dog-friendly breweries, you and yours will be challenged to hit over 20 patios for a drink, some shopping, live entertainment, food and fun – all for a good cause!
When: Sunday, August 14th
Where: Various locations
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
ARTS, CONCERTS & CULTURE
TAKE IN A FILM OR TWO DURING THE FRINGE FESTIVAL
Featuring a series of Indie Films, Calgary’s Fring Festival returns in support of lesser know creators, and up and coming legends. Tickets are on sale now so check out the link above for more information!
When: Until August 6th
Where: Various locations
Time: Various times
ROLL UP TO THE BIG ART DRIVE-IN
Park and watch events made a huge comeback in and now, they’re a summer staple! This August, catch everything from concerts and movies, to drag shows and more at the Calgary Big Art Drive-in, a series of unique experiences that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own vehicle!
When: Thursday, August 11th
Where: 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB
CELEBRATE DEFEAT AT THE MUSEUM OF FAILURE
If you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. Filled with everything from board games and skin care products, to vehicles and foods – browse and ogle flops from all over the world at the up-and-coming Museum of Failure.
When: Until August 31st
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Rd SE
Cost: $18.99+
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+
ROCK OUT AT THE BARN BURNER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held at the brewery grounds, Big Rock is set to host the 2022 Barn Burner Music Festival, featuring co-headliners the Zolas and Yukon Blonde. Get ready, You’re in for a hot summer day of music, beer, and memories – one that is long overdue.
When: Saturday, August 27th
Where: 5555 76 Ave, Calgary
Time: 3 pm
Cost: $39.99
CATCH SHAKESPEARE ON THE GO
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: Until August 7th
Where: See locations above
Time: See times above
Cost: FREE
ENJOY THE 2022 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: Monday, August 1st – 28th
Where: See locations above
Cost: FREE
EARN YOUR BEADS AT MARDA LOOP 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 14th
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free
HAVE A BITE AT THE TASTE OF CALGARY
This August, hungry Calgarians will get to explore global cuisines from all over the city. With a unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies, Taste of Calgary will be celebrating the finest food, drink, and entertainment in the city for the first time since the pandemic began. It’s gonna be a good one, friends!
When: Thursday, August 4th – 7th 2022
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Cost: FREE Admission
CHECK OUT THE MAROON 5 CONCERT
Known by wedding DJs for songs like ‘Sugar’ and millennials for their 2009 deep cut ‘She Will Be Loved’ and certified earworm ‘Girls Like You’ – Maroon 5 is headed to Calgary this summer. Check them out live this August at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
When: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $59.50+
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
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.
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
FILL A BASKET OR TWO AT A YYC U-PICK FIELD
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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 that link above to find our picks!
CLIMB THE ROCKIES
Face your fears and take a thrilling tour of the Rocky Mountains! This month, Albertans of all skill levels can swing, repel and climb their way through the beautiful backcountry with the help of a certified instructor. Why? How about why not!
When: Offered until October
Where: Box 2474 Jasper, AB Canada
Cost: $325
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: $46 +
CATCH 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 21st (peak on August 12th)
Time: After sunset
TAKE A HIKE
Now that the sun is out it’s important that we make the most of it! This month, as long as the weather continues to cooperate, why not treat yourself to a stunning summer hike in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Check the link above for our favourites!
SPOOK YOURSELF SILLY ON A BANFF GHOST TOUR
Halloween is still quite a few months away – but whos counting! This August, wince, cringe, mix and mingle and visit Banff’s most “active” sights on a ghoulish ghost tour through the town. It’s Are you Afraid of the Dark, meets, “oh, that’s where we had dinner.”
When: Offered until October 31st
Where: 333 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
Cost: $32
CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT THE CALGARY FARMYARD
This summer take every wrong turn (and like it) at the Calgary Farmyard. Located 30 minutes from Calgary’s inner city, this family-friendly spot has yard games, rabbits, goats and pigs, a ropes course, mini golf, a sunflower field (in bloom mid-August) and an 11-acre corn maze.
Where: 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County
FLOAT THE BOW
What’s the best way to cool off this August? Well by floating the Bow or the Elbow, of course! Grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit either of Calgary’s winding rivers. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory summertime adventure.
WANDER THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
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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+
GET SOME FRESH AIR ON AN OPEN-TOP TOUR
It’s back! This August, experience the Rockies unlike ever before with an Open Top Tour! From the backseat of a uniquely vintage vehicle, guests will learn about the area’s active wildlife, the area’s colourful history, and their fellow passengers with the help of an interpretive guide.
Where: See locations here
Time: See times here
Cost: $45+ / Adult
HAVE A PICNIC
Food and fresh air? Sounds like a plan to us! This month – pack a basket full of goodies, hit the link above link, and enjoy a bite to eat in one of our picks for Calgary’s best picnic-friendly gardens.
VISIT WITH THE ANIMALS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This summer 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+
GO GLAMPING
Need a break from reality? Why not go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars? This August, check out one of the many incredible glampsites in and around Alberta. It’s high time we all get some fresh air, don’t you think?
RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK
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Looking to do something a little more fast-paced this summer? Adrenaline junkies are encouraged to ride the coaster or eat all the carnival food their stomachs can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park which is now open to the public.
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
RUN THE 5 KM BUBBLE CHASE
On your marks, get set, GO! This summer bolt for the finish line during the 2022 Alberta 5k Bubble Chase, an all-ages race through colourful suds, soapy surprises, and obstacles.
When: Saturday, August 20th
Where: Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, Airdrie
HAVE A BEER ON A CALGARY PATIO
The warmer weather is in full swing! 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 favourite spots and enjoy!
RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in Stanley Park – after all, there’s really no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm
HIT ONE OF CALGARY’S OUTDOOR POOLS
With temperatures well into the high 20s, city-slickers are going to need somewhere to cool off and we just don’t think we’re all going to fit comfortably into the Bow. This August, why not consider checking out one of the many spray parks, outdoor or wading outdoor pools throughout Calgary!
FEEL THE SAND UNDER YOUR TOES AND VOLLEY
Calgary isn’t blessed with coastline beaches, palm trees, or consistent weather, but there are places we can go to forget that – and man, are we thankful. This summer, take off those shoes, rally your pals and get competitive at one of the city’s sandy volleyball courts.
RENT A SCOOTER AND CRUISE BANFF
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Can’t afford Italy – but long for Euro-type travel, scenic views, and historic streets? This season, rev a two-wheeler and cruise Alberta’s favourite national park on a unique scooter tour of the area. There’s really nothing like feeling the mountain wind through your hair.
Where: 327 Railway Avenue, Banff, AB
Cost: $50+
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
Cost: $20
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 favourite!
Cost: FREE
And there you have it, folks! 45 things to do in Calgary this August Now get out there and don’t forget the sunscreen!
