Categories: Things To Do

15 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this weekend (August 16-18)

Summer is flying by, so there’s no time to waste! Luckily, for those who want to get out and about, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around Calgary.

From markets and explosive festivals to waterparks and bouncy castles—here are 15 things happening this weekend.

Heritage Park Market Nights

Looking for a unique gift for someone special or just want to support local? This September, Calgarians are encouraged to enjoy the food, drinks, and shops at Heritage Park’s 2024 Night Market.

When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., Calgary
Time: 3 pm – 9 pm
Cost: Free

GlobalFest

Kaboom! This weekend, Calgary’s GlobalFest will return, filling the sky with vibrant colours. 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: $19.50+

Sponsored pick: Free Summer Skate with AOR 

This year we’re lacing those skates up a little early- AOR is hosting a free community skating event this weekend! Get ready to glide into a good time at the iconic Winsport Arena and participate for a chance to win great prizes. There’ll be free skate & helmet rentals available. Plus you can also do it all for a good cause by donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities® while you’re at it!

When: Saturday, August 17 from 1 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: Winsport Arena – B (Joan Snyder) 88 Canada Olympic Road SW Calgary, AB
Cost: FREE! Click here to reserve a spot

4th Street Night Market

Shop under the stars! This weekend, head over to 4th Street and browse local art, clothing, food and more. There’s so much to see and do, so don’t miss it.

When: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
Where: Central Memorial Park, Calgary
Time: 5 pm –10 pm
Cost: Free Admission

Sponsored pick: Biggies Roller Rink 

Biggies Mobile Roller Rink is a full-service, 90s inspired mobile roller rink ready to be booked for your next wedding, corporate event, festival, or fundraiser! With an all-inclusive package that has everything you’ll need including skates, the rink floor, and even an insta-worthy photo booth that’ll transport you back in time! Want to check out the rink in action? Don’t miss the Biggies pop-up at Southcentre Mall’s Centre Court, every day until Saturday, September 7!

When: Until September 7th, 2024
Where: Centre Court at Southcentre Mall
Cost: $5

Big Bounce Canada

Bigger is better! This weekend, the “largest touring inflatable event in the world” returns to Calgary with colourful slides, hurdles and climbing towers. The best part? It will be fun for all ages!

When: Saturday, August 17th – 25th, 2024
Where: 
Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Cost: $45+ for adults

Sponsored pick: Happy Hour at Yellow Door Bistro

Check out Yellow Door Bistro for their happiest of hours! From Wednesday to Sunday, between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, enjoy unbeatable happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers. With free parking and just steps away from the Saddledome, it’s the perfect pre-game or pre-concert spot. Don’t miss out on 50% off all full bottles of wine, $10 feature cocktails, and select appy specials like $2 freshly shucked oysters, $4 warm marinated olives, and more. Cheers to great food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere!

When: Every Wednesday to Sunday
Where: Yellow Door Bistro, 119 12 Ave SW

Discovery Canyon

This summer, rent or bring your own inflatable tube, hop on in and sail the lazy river, lounge about on their beach, or go golfing on the course at Discovery Canyon in Red Deer. It’s fun, free, and will get you out and about.

Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: Free + $6 tube rentals

Sponsored pick: Summer Skirmish at The Military Museums

History buffs, get ready! The Summer Skirmish event hosted by The Military Museums is on this weekend. Experience 2000 years of warfare through exciting re-enactments and demonstrations. From Viking raids to medieval duels, gladiatorial combat to interactive displays and modern military exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Your ticket grants you access to all museum galleries for the entire weekend—get your ticket now!

When: Saturday, August 17th to 18th, 2024
Where: The Military Museums, 4520 Crowchild TR SW
Cost: $0-$65

High River Sunset Drive-in

It’s drive-in season! Once the sun has gone down and the shades come off, toss a few pillows into the car, and catch Ant-Man (2015), Fantastic Voyage (1966), Groundhog Day (1993), and The Truman Show (1998) at the High River Sunset Drive-in.

When: Friday, August 16th-17th, 2024
Where: 64137 Highway 543 East, High River, AB, Canada, Alberta
Cost: $40 per vehicle

Sponsored pick: National Thrift Shop Day

Get ready to shop until you drop! National Thrift Shop Day is just around the corner on August 17, and Goodwill is inviting you to come along for a fun-filled day of thrifting in Calgary. Stop by your local Goodwill on National Thrift Shop Day to enjoy great deals and some seriously sweet thrifted finds!

When: Saturday, August 17th
Where: Multiple Goodwill locations in Calgary

Bowden Sunmaze

Flowers, fun and a ton of fun! This weekend, visit the Bowden Sunmaze and get lost in their flower field, get some fresh air, and grab a bite to eat. Bring your friends and family, or score a few points with someone special. It’s going to be enchanting.

When: Now open
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $15+

Sponsored pick: Afternoon Tea at Oxbow

Looking for something fun, sophisticated and delicious to do in the city? Oxbow is your new destination for afternoon tea! Every Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM, indulge in a carefully curated menu of afternoon tea favourites with some Oxbow originals, enjoyed over the perfect blend of tea. Book your reservation today, or just head on over – walk-ins are always welcome!

Where: Oxbow (1126 Memorial Dr NW)
When: Every Sunday
Cost: $65 per person

2024 BUMP Festival

Last chance! This weekend, take a self-guided tour of some incredible murals created for the 2024 BUMP Festival or attend their big closing party – the Trinity KiKi Ball & Rave  A complete map can be found at the link above!

When: Until August 18th, 2024
Where: See locations above
Cost: Free

Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash Waterpark

Make a splash at Sylvan! Located in one of Alberta’s favourite mountain towns, The 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: Until September 2nd, 2024
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Cost: $18 (one hour)

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