Happy Sunday and congratulations on making it through the first weekend of the Stampede! This time around, we’ve got even more countryfied events, outdoor activities and concerts – so let’s get into it. Here are 15 exciting things to do in Calgary this week.

RENT A GLOWING KAYAK

 

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Need a break from the Stampede grounds? 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 on Waterfront Park.

When: Open now
Where: Waterfront Park – 5225 101 St NW, Calgary
Cost: $35+ / hour

HIT THE CALGARY STAMPEDE

YAHOOO! The midway, the food, the music, and the rodeo are back in action. This week, giddy up for a celebration of resilience, and our city’s love for rides, deep-fried grub and denim.

When: Until July 16th, 2023
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Cost: $23+

SPONSORED PICK: SEE CHAD BROWNLEE, CAPITAL CITIES & MORE AT WILDHORSE SALOON

Get ready for an epic Stampede experience at Wildhorse Saloon! With unforgettable concerts, incredible private events, and more, this is the place to be this Stampede! Feel the energy as The Rural Alberta Advantage, Tokyo Police Club, Dean Brody, and Chad Brownlee ignite the stage with their sensational performances, host your private events, and enjoy their unreal space with activities like life-size Jenga, Connect Four, Cornhole, and more!

When: Until July 15th, 2023
Where: Wildhorse Saloon Stampede Tent – 500 6th Avenue SW
Cost: $25

SHOP THE FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET 

Craving something green after all of those mini donuts? The Farmers and Makers market will be THE place! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks!

When: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Where: 1221 2 St SW, Calgary, AB | 1627 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Time: see times above

SPONSORED PICK: CHECK OUT ASHANTI, LIL TECCA, DISCO LINES & MORE AT NATIONAL SALOON THIS STAMPEDE

We Calgarians all know & love National as one of the go-to spots for an incredible night out. Well, they’re bringing that same energy to National Saloon with their unreal concert series this Stampede & you don’t wanna miss it! With a diverse lineup of genres from country to EDM, there’s something for every music lover. Witness the dynamic performances of Lil Tecca on July 10, the iconic Grammy Award-winning Ashanti on July 13, the exhilarating show of Disco Lines on July 14, & more!

When: Until July 15th
Where: National Saloon Festival Tent – 330 11 Ave Sw
Cost: $10+

SEE SOME WILDSCAPES AT THE ZOO

 

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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 enjoy!

When: Until mid-September 2023.
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
Cost: $29.95

SPONSORED PICK: FIND FREE PANCAKE BREAKFASTS WITH THE INTERACTIVE 2023 STAMPEDE BREAKFAST MAP

Can you believe it’s been 100 years since the first pancake breakfast at the @calgarystampede? What started as a chuckwagon driver cooking flapjacks to entice people to learn about the sport has turned into a beloved tradition that brings our community together. Well, we’ve curated an interactive map filled with all of the stampede brekkies happening around the city to mark the occasion & you can check it out here!

When: Wednesday, July 5th-16th, 2023
Where: Citywide
Cost: FREE

THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET

This Friday, 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

SPONSORED PICK: YOU CAN WIN AN AWARD & PRIZES FOR BEING ALBERTA’S BEST THRIFTER

The Goodwill Thrifting Hall of Fame is back for its second edition and they are currently accepting nominations! There are six different categories including Antique Finds, Fashionable Finds, Donor of the Year and more. And you can nominate the thrifting legends around you (including yourself). Winners will take home a grand prize package and a trophy and get a chance to attend a live award ceremony in Calgary in their honour.

When: Nominations open from now till July 28th, 2023

CATCH THE OXFORD STOMP

 

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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
WhereWildhorse Saloon500 6 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am
Cost: $59+

SPONSORED PICK: OKOTOKS DAWGS ALL-STAR GAME

The @okotoksdawgs are hosting the 2023 Western Canadian Baseball League All-Star Game! The festivities are taking place at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, Alberta on July 15th, 2023!

Rally your family, date or friends and enjoy an evening of baseball, beers and good times just a quick 15 minutes outside Calgary!

When: July 15th, 2023 at 5pm
Where: Seaman Stadium, Okotoks, Alberta.
Cost: $15-$35 per person

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 Friday, 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

SPONSORED PICK: AUDITION FOR CANADA’S ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

Have you ever thought about competing on a reality TV show? Auditions are open for season 2 of Canada’s Ultimate Challenge. Brave the physical challenges and daring obstacle courses for the chance to become a champion. Casting closes at 11:59 PM on July 23rd

RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK

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, now open for the season.

Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $49.95

BUCKAROOS STAMPEDE POP-UP

This year, give a warm western welcome to Buckaroos, a new pop-up at the Pioneer on Stephen Avenue. This temporary party spot will feature live music, in-house food and tasty drinks for the 10 most exciting days of 2023.

When: Until July 16th, 2023
Where: 117 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Time: 11 am – late

And there you have it, 10 things to do in Calgary this week. Enjoy!