It’s here! Not only has Summer 2023 finally arrived, but it’s off to an exciting start with Canada Day and the Stampede hot on our heels. From food festivals and concerts to fireworks – here are the 40 best things to do in Calgary this July.
EVENTS AND FOOD
HIT THE YYC SUMMER SCOOP FESTIVAL
Got a sweet tooth? Featuring unique creations, fantastic flavours, and tasty toppings the YYC Summer Scoop Festival will continue into July, all in the name of a good cause.
When: Until July 7th, 2023
Where: See locations above
Cost; Costs vary
CELEBRATE CANADA DAY AT STUDIO BELL
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Live music, new exhibits and more! Canada Day is going to be action-packed at the National Music Centre this year – plus they’ll offering FREE admission! Check out the link above for more information and have fun, Calgary!
When: Saturday, July 1st, 2023
Where: 300-851 4 Street SE, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
SPONSORED PICK: TRY THIS TASTY SUMMER COCKTAIL AT HUDSONS AND YOU’LL BE ENTERED TO WIN A DOGSLEDDING ADVENTURE
If dogsledding has always been on your bucket list, Hudsons Pub could make that happen for you! During their Sled Dog Days of Summer, if you try one of their delish Sled Dog or Slush Pup cocktails, you’ll be entered to win a dogsledding getaway to the Rocky Mountains. A sled dog is a draft beer mixed with liquor and flavoured slush. A slush pup is a mix of your favourite pop and an ounce of liquor, topped with flavoured slush.
When: Thursday, June 6th to August 8th (Winner announced on @hudsonspub Instagram on August 11th, 2023)
Where: Hudsons Pub
OR WATCH THE CANADA DAY FIREWORKS
This upcoming Canada Day, check out Calgary’s annual fireworks display happening at Stampede Park. Bring lawn chairs, snacks and your loved ones, then get ready to celebrate!
When: Saturday, July 1st, 2023
Where: Stampede Park – 650 25 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 11 pm
Cost: FREE
SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT THE FREE CURRIE MARKET
This exciting urban market is being held in the historic community of Currie – and it’s free to attend. This new outdoor market features delicious eats, local artisans, live music, cold brews, and more! Connect with the community and savour the sweet vibes of summer every Saturday in July and August.
When: Every Saturday, July and August 2023
Where: Parade Square, 4040 Breskens Dr. SW
Time: 12 pm – 8 pm
Cost: FREE
WATCH THE CALGARY STAMPEDE PARADE
It’s back! 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: Friday, July 7th, 2023
Where: See the parade route above
Time: 9 am
Cost: FREE
PARTNERSHIP PICK: PARTY FOR A CAUSE AT THE ACE HIGH STAMPEDE KICKOFF
It’s another year of Stampede, and this is a kickoff event you can feel good about. Ace High Stampede Kickoff is hosting its 2nd annual event to raise money for the Trellis Society, a local nonprofit that provides community services in Calgary. The event will be hosted at the historic Deane House in Inglewood for upscale Western vibes that are only steps away from the Stampede grounds. Plus all food and drinks are included in the ticket price.
When: Friday, July 7th, 2023
Where: The Deane House, 806 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: $250 per person
HIT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
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YAHOOO! The midway, the food, the music, and the rodeo are back in action and we could not be more excited. This summer giddy up for a celebration of resilience, and our city’s love for rides, deep-fried grub and denim.
When: Friday, July 7th – 16th, 2023
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Cost: $23+
SPONSORED PICK: HEAD TO 17TH AVE FOR FREE WESTERN-THEMED MOVIES IN THE PARK
Get your popcorn ready because Summer On 17th is bringing the silver screen to life! Join them in Tomkins Park for an awesome western-themed movie weekend filled with laughter, suspense, and heartwarming moments.
When: Friday, July 14th-16th, 2023
Where: Tomkins Park
Cost: FREE
PINK PANCAKE BREAKFAST
While midway games and corporate parties are a ton of fun, nothing beats the sweet smell of maple in the morning and this July, you can kick off a season’s worth of parking lot parties at Southcentre where they’ll be hosting their Pink Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy!
When: Wednesday, July 12th, 2023
Where: 100 Anderson Rd SE, Calgary, AB
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Cost: FREE
SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT THIS FRENCH-INSPIRED PARTY HAPPENING AT FORT CALGARY, PRESENTED BY GREY GOOSE VODKA
Calgary, get ready to transport yourself to the South of France from July 19th to 23rd at The Lawn Club presented by GREY GOOSE Vodka! You’ll have the chance to spend the afternoon at Fort Calgary enjoying a leisurely game of Pétanque, sipping on GREY GOOSE vodka cocktails, and indulging in delish chef-made crêpes.
When: Wednesday, July 19th – July 23rd, 2023
Where: Fort Calgary – 750-9 Avenue Se
Cost: $35
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. Have fun!
When: Friday, July 14th, 2023
Where: 10th Ave and 10th Street SE
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
DO THE TIME WARP AT THE NANTON GRAIN ELEVATOR
Ready for a unique and memorable experience? The Nanton Grain Elevator often shows crowd-pleasing films including Rocky Horror Picture Show, which will take to the screen this July.
When: Saturday, July 15th, 2023
Where: 2119 19 Avenue, Nanton
SHOP THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
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Shop until you drop! This month, guests from all over the city are encouraged to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore an iconic Calgary hot spot. Enjoy!
When: Saturday, July 22nd, 2023
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
OR ENJOY A FLICK AT THE GENESIS LAND DRIVE-IN
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ double feature? This July head to Airdrie for a drive-in series kick-off showing films that include The Lion King (2019) and Jurassic World (2015). The best part? All proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie.
When: Friday, July 28th, 2023
Where: 200 East Lake Crescent Northeast Airdrie, AB
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $20 per car
HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AT THE PET-A-PALOOZA
Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza is back and it’s totally FREE to attend. Hit the link above for more information on this year’s event.
When: Saturday, July 29th and 30th, 2023
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
Cost: FREE
FIESTAVAL LATIN FESTIVAL
From salsa lessons, a kid’s area, and 25 authentic Latin food vendors, to their 70 artisan and community vendors and beer garden, Calgary’s annual Fiestaval will be one you won’t want to miss, especially because it’s actually FREE to attend!
When: Friday, July 21st – 23rd, 2023
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
ENJOY THE INGLEWOOD SUNFEST
Bouncy castles, local bands and street performances? This year’s Inglewood Sunfest 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 29th, 2023
Location: 9th Avenue SE from 11th to 14th Street
Cost: Free
SHOP HERITAGE PARK AFTER DARK
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Every Saturday until September 2nd, Calgarians can spend an evening under the stars filling their bags with artisan goods and their stomachs with food and drinks from one of the attraction’s tasty eateries. From clothing to art, Heritage Park’s Night Market will practically have it all, making it what we can only describe as a ‘one-size fits all event,’ and it’s totally FREE!
When: Every Saturday until September 2nd, 2023
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: FREE
VISIT THE CALGARY OPEN MARKET
Fresh veggies and fruit shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg – luckily this month, those in a bind will have one more place where they can eat better and spend less. Set to reopen every Thursday, the Calgary Open Market will sell fresh produce and desserts, eggs, bread coffee and more for pay-what-you-can prices.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Meadowlark Park Community Association – 623 58 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Cost: FREE to attend
ARTS, CONCERTS, SPORTS & CULTURE
SEE PITBULL LIVE
Mr. Worldwide! This July, Pitbull will kick off the Calgary Stampede at the Scotiabank Saddledome and music lovers will not want to miss it. For more information and tickets, check out the link above.
When: Friday, July 7th, 2023
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $195+
OR ONE OF THE MANY STAMPEDE CONCERTS
Whether you’re a country lover, an R&B fan, or can’t wait to check out an EDM set, there’s always something for everyone during this year’s Calgary Stampede. Check out the link above for the concerts you can check out in 2023.
CATCH THE OXFORD STOMP
Featuring Alan Doyle, The Sam Roberts Band, and The Strumbellas, Calgarians are in for an evening of unforgettable performances at the 2023 Oxford Stomp. This year, like those before it, this event will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Calgary Food Bank so get your tickets and enjoy!
When: Friday, July 14th, 2023
Where: Wildhorse Saloon500 6 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am
Cost: $59+
SEE SOME WILDSCAPES AT THE ZOO
From 21-foot-tall giraffes and snakes made entirely of plants, Wildscapes at the Calgary Zoo is a topiary event that features large living sculptures that have been hand-crafted to look like familiar creatures. Get tickets at the link above!
When: Until mid-September 2023.
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
Cost: $29.95
CHEER ON THE STAMPS
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We love a good ol’ football date! This July, grab a beer, your partner’s hand and cheer the Calgary Stampeders to victory at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium! For more information or to snag some tickets, head over to the link above!
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
JAM OUT AT THE CALGARY FOLK FEST
With thousands of fans, Calgary’s Folk Festival is also expected to return with great music, good food and sunshine. Check out the link above for the complete lineup!
When: Thursday, July 27th – 30th, 2023
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
CATCH A SHAKESPEARE ON THE GO SHOW
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: Friday, July 14th – August 6th, 2023
Where: See locations above
Time: See times above
Cost: FREE
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
LOUNGE ON AN ALBERTA BEACH
From Calgary to Jasper, 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 favourites!
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: $13.50+
HAVE A BEER ON A CALGARY PATIO
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 favourite spots and enjoy!
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 spring, take off those shoes, rally your pals and get competitive at one of the city’s sandy volleyball courts.
RENT A GLOWING KAYAK
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With a single launch bay at the Waterfront Park, those looking to explore, lounge, and experience something new can do so to the soundtrack of their choosing, from behind the paddle of a glowing boat. Gear up and head down for the magical glowing kayak experience.
Where: Waterfront Park – 5225 101 St NW, Calgary
Cost: $35+ / hour
PLAY A ROUND OF MINI GOLF AT WINSPORT
A little competition never hurt anyone right? This month those looking for a day of fun and sun are encouraged to check out Winsport’s 18-hole course. The best part? It’s totally affordable to do so!
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $13+
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 July, 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: $51 +
RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK
Looking to do something a little more fast-paced this spring? Adrenaline junkies are encouraged to ride the coaster or eat all the carnival food their stomachs can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park, now open for the season.
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $49.95
COOL OFF IN ONE OF CALGARY’S OUTDOOR POOLS
With temperatures well into the 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 month, why not consider checking out one of the many spray parks, outdoor or wading outdoor pools throughout Calgary?
CHECK OUT SYLVAN LAKE AQUA SPLASH
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We’re in for a long hot summer and there’s no better place to escape it all than by taking a trip to the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Park – a giant inflatable on-water park with obstacles, trampolines, and launch pads.
When: Opens July 1st, 2023
Where: 5104 Lakeshore Drive, Sylvan Lake
Cost: $18 for one hour
OR DISCOVERY CANYON
Located in Red Deer Alberta, this unique tube park is another perfect-for-summer destination. Rent or bring your own inflatable donut, hop on in and sail the lazy river, lounge about on their “beach” or go golfing on their course. There’s an entire day’s worth of fun stuff to do – for less.
Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $5 tube rentals
RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in Stanley Park for FREE every Sunday – after all, there’s really a 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
Cost: FREE
TAKE A DIP IN A SWIMMING HOLE
Summer is here and so is some serious heat. The best place to hide away from the sun? Under the water! Grab your swim trunks, your flippy floppies and click the link above for a link to some extremely refreshing swimming holes in and around Calgary.
And there you have it! 40 things to do in Calgary this July. What will you check out first? Let us know and remember to stay safe and have fun. We’ll see you out there.
