Photo via River Bend Golf and Recreation Area / Facebook
The sun’s in the sky, the grass is green and the temperatures are still in the high 20s – but it won’t last forever. From concerts to waterparks, drive-in movies and food festivals, there’s a ton to do and you won’t want to miss a beat! Not sure what’s happening in and around the city? Here are just 26 things you have to do in Calgary before summer is over.
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
Looking for more fun in the sun? Adrenaline seekers are encouraged to ride the coaster or eat all the carnival food their stomachs can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park.
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $49.95
Up for a bit of a drive? This August visit the High River Sunset Drive-In, for a series of double features! This year’s lineup includes a good mix of classics and family-friendly favourites – so don’t miss it!
When: Friday, August 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th 2023
Where: 64137 Highway 543 East, High River, AB, Canada, Alberta
Cost: $40 per vehicle
Ready to ride?! Red Deer’s epic Canyon Coaster is approximately 1,345 metres, can travel at a speed of 40 km/hr, has a 440-foot vertical drop in total and is now open for the season! Check out the link above for more information!
Where: 38433, Range Rd 264A, AB
Time: 11 am-6 pm
Cost: $25
Brought to life by the Sunalta and Scarboro Community Associations, Movie In The Park is a joy year after year. Not only is this event a ton of fun (no matter what they’re showing) it’s also FREE to attend so keep checking back for more info!
When: Friday, September 8th, 2023
Where: 1747 14th Ave SW Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: FREE
They’re back! This summer, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing, and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Cobb’s Adventure Park is finally open for the season and in our opinion, there’s really no better way to get outdoors than this.
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Tickets: $21.95+
Feel like you’ve hiked every trail in the Rockies? Why not take a short drive to Drumheller, where guests can actually explore million-year-old hoodoo structures? Of course, because they’re extremely fragile and super old, your route will be limited to the designated trail, but it’ll be unlike anything you may have seen before.
Where: Directions here
The warmer weather is here and 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!
Located at The Rise, a 9-metre natural amphitheatre on St.Patrick’s Island, Calgarians are encouraged to cozy up for a family favourite shown after dark. This year, enjoy the Super Mario Bros. Movie for FREE, it’s going to be a blast!
When: Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Where: Directions here
Time: 9 pm
Cost: FREE
This summer, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun and fun. Hotel Arts will be THE place to wind down and catch a tan on the weekends.
Where: 119 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB
Looking for something romantic? This summer, check out one of the many dark sky reserves in and around the city – the best of which are listed in the link above. You can thank us later!
Strawberries, raspberries, and saskatoons? Later this summer 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?
There’s nothing like it! This summer (when they’re in full bloom) wander the beautiful Sunflower fields of Bowden and snap a few pics in celebration of the warmer season. It’s going to be magical.
When: August TBA
Where: 34530 RR#14 Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: $14+
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+
Looking to get out with your friends? There are some amazing spots for mini-golf around Calgary that are just waiting for you and yours. Ready to check them out? Visit the link above for our favourites.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a cruise! This summer, 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: $53+
Great Scott! This summer head to Trico Centre for a showing of the iconic film Back to the Future. This event is FREE for Trico Centre members and $5 for non-members. Don’t miss out!
When: Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: 11150 Bonaventure Dr. SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm
Cost: FREE+
Who said it wasn’t possible to drink and exercise at the same time? This summer, get a group together and pedal your way through Calgary’s inner-city hitting the best bars, pubs and breweries along the way! Book your trip now by checking out the link above.
When: See available dates here
Where: See available tours above
Time: See times above
Cost: $599
There’s no better way to cool off this summer than by floating the Bow. This season, grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit the city’s winding river. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory Calgary adventure.
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 11th, September 8th, and September 15th, 2023
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
From Calgary 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 favourites!
Don’t hang up your hats after Stampede! This August, Country Thunder and all of its crazy shenanigans, artists, and food trucks will be back with Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Jon Pardi.
When: Friday, August 18th – 20th, 2023
Where: 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary – Prairie Winds Park
Cost: $300+
With two immersive stages located on Calgary’s Bow River Waterfront, Zen Fest is described as an “end-of-summer gathering” with a dancefloor, a licensed cantina serving beer, wine, and spirits, art installations, and some of your favourite food trucks. Hit the link above for this year’s lineup!
When: Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Where: Waterfront Park – 5225 101 St NW, Calgary
Time: 2 pm – 11 pm
Cost: $78+
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 13th, 2023
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 19th and 22nd Street
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Free
It’s back, Calgary! The city’s most explosive festival officially has dates set for 2023. Like the years before it, Calgarians will be able to cuddle up close in Elliston Park under a sky illuminated by stars and fireworks. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, August 17th – 26th, 2023
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $21+
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: Saturday, August 26th – September 4th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
There you have it! 26 things you have to do in Calgary before summer is over. Have fun out there!
A bittersweet celebration.
Cheers to drinks in high places!
Three-day music festival at the beach?? Sign us up!
Live from New York, It's Saturday night!