Shop from local vendors at the two new Farmers and Makers’ Market locations
When: Beltline location runs Wednesdays from May 24 to October 4; Sunalta location runs Saturdays from June 3 to October 7
The Farmers and Makers’ Market, which used to take place at cSpace Marda Loop, has branched out into two new locations this year. Running on Wednesdays in the Beltline and Saturdays in Sunalta throughout the summer, these markets will feature dozens of local producers and entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.
Beltline location at Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W.; Sunalta location at Sunalta Community Association, 1627 10 Ave. S.W., farmersmakersmarket.ca
Take part in a fundraiser run or walk to help end animal cruelty
When: June 3
Dog Jog, a fundraising walk/run event that is working to help end animal cruelty, is a great way to get some exercise, give back and have some fun with your pooch. Complete a 2.5- or five-kilometre walk or jog, then check out activities like a dog-friendly beer garden, agility course, bouncy castles and more at the outdoor festival.
North Glenmore Park, 7305 Crowchild Tr. S.W., calgaryhumane.ca
Check out amazing art at Contemporary Calgary’s L23K Fundraiser
When: June 3
Contemporary Calgary’s L23K fundraiser promises to be an exciting night filled with art, fashion and entertainment. The event features a silent auction and a live auction with pieces by artists like Cassie Suche, Paul Kuhn, Chris Cran, Billie Rae Busby and more.
701 11 St. S.W., 403-770-1350, contemporarycalgary.com
Dine on French-influenced fare at Bar Chouette
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The Beltline has a new French-influenced dining destination. Bar Chouette, which is the sister restaurant to Foreign Concept, opens on May 31 and is chef Duncan Ly’s new wine and cocktail bar.
227 11 Ave. S.W., barchouette.ca
Spend a day at the Calgary Ukrainian Festival
When: June 3 to 4
Ukrainian food, arts and culture will be on full display during the Calgary Ukrainian Festival. Expect to see dance performances, local vendors selling Ukrainian products, activities for children and more.
Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Ave. S.W., calgaryukrainianfestival.com
Learn how to play pickleball with some friends
A cross between tennis and badminton, pickleball is slowly but surely taking over the sporting world. If you’re not already an experienced player, know that there are plenty of opportunities for beginners who are looking to try the sport this summer.
Read more: How to Play Pickleball, One of North America’s Fastest-Growing Sports, in Calgary
Do some shopping at Lilac Fest
When: June 4
Calgarians turn out in droves for this annual street festival, which is free to attend. Expect more than 500 vendors and more than 70 performances along 4th Street S.W. and part of 17th Avenue S.W.
Between 12 Avenue and Elbow Drive S.W., lilacfestival.net
Spruce up your outdoor space by visiting a local garden centre
Whether you have a small balcony garden or a giant backyard, a visit to a local garden centre can help make sure your outdoor space is looking its best. Here’s a look at some of the garden centres in Calgary where you can get plants, gardening materials and more.
Read more: Garden Centres in Calgary
Ride your bike on the new West Confederation Bicycle Pump Track
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Calgary’s roster of bike pump tracks, which are “progressive circuits where riders use an up and down pumping motion to propel the bike forward instead of pedaling,” just gained a new addition. Located in the southeast corner of West Confederation Park, the newly opened West Confederation Bike Pump Track offers a mix of beginner and intermediate tracks to try, as well as seating where friends and family can sit and watch you ride.
2836 Canmore Rd. N.W., parksfdn.com
Dine on a rooftop patio
When it comes to great patios where you can enjoy a drink with some friends, Calgarians are spoiled for choice. But there’s no denying that rooftop patios often add a certain “je ne sais quoi” to an al fresco dining experience, and thankfully, Calgary has plenty of them.
Read more: 17 Great Rooftop Patios in Calgary
Celebrate emerging artists at the Ignite! festival
When: June 7 to 10
Sage Theatre casts a spotlight on emerging artists during its four-day Ignite! festival at Pumphouse Theatre this month. From musical comedies to immersive experiences, the festival promises to be an exciting celebration of the arts.
Pumphouse Theatre, sagetheatre.com
Go downhill karting at WinSport
Get ready for a rush now that Downhill Karting by Skyline Luge Calgary has returned. Book a time to race from the top of a chairlift terminal down the 1,800-metre track at WinSport with some friends or family. Choose from individual packages offering two to four rides, or get a group package to share multiple rides.
WinSport, Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., downhillkarting.ca
Attend a show jumping tournament at Spruce Meadows
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When: Multiple dates
Don’t miss the chance to see some of the top equestrian show jumpers in the world at Spruce Meadows this summer. In June, there are three tournaments: The Continental from June 8 to 11, the National from June 14 to 18 and the Pan American from June 29 to July 2.
18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W., sprucemeadows.com
Watch a movie at the Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival
When: June 9 to 18, 2023
This month, the Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with more than a dozen film screening events over 10 days. Check out the lineup of feature-length films and shorts online.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., fairytalesfilmfest.com
Check out one of the upcoming summer night markets in Calgary
Take advantage of the brighter and longer summer evenings by attending one of the upcoming night markets going on around the city. With options in Inglewood, University District, Heritage Park and more, you’re sure to find some great local products.
Read more: Summer Night Markets in Calgary
Join Avenue for the 2023 Innovation Event
When: June 14
Avenue’s fourth annual Innovation Event takes place at Platform Calgary this month. There will be talks and panels throughout the day on women in tech and leadership, psychedelic-assisted executive leadership training, venture capital funding in Alberta and more. The day ends with a cocktail hour, a Food of the Future display and a chance to mingle with other attendees.
Read more: What to Expect at Avenue’s 2023 Innovation Event
407 9 Ave. S.E., showpass.com
Snack on a roti bun at Calgary’s first PappaRoti location
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Malaysian café company PappaRoti has expanded into Alberta with its first Calgary location. Swing by the new Beltline eatery to try one of its famous roti buns, which come in flavours ranging from original to Strawberry Fields to Maple Eh!.
333 11 Ave. S.W., 403-262-4439, papparoti.ca
Go on rides at an adults-only midway night at Heritage Park
When: June 16
Channel your inner kid (without any kids around) when Heritage Park’s midway opens for three adults-only nights this summer. Bring some friends to ride the Big Eli Ferris Wheel, visit the Claresholm General Store and Vulcan Ice Cream Parlour, and enjoy a drink from the cash bar during Night at the Midway. If you can’t make it in June, you can also experience Night at the Midway on July 28 or August 11.
Heritage Park, heritagepark.ca
Grab a bite at a new brunch restaurant
Brunch may just be the most popular meal of the day in Calgary, and now, there are four new spots where you can get your fill of French toast, eggs Benedict and more.
Read more: 4 New Brunch Restaurants in Calgary
Check out giant animal plant sculptures at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: June 17 to mid-September, 2023
We all know that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is home to many animals, but this summer, it will also be hosting a different kind of animal. WildSpaces, which runs from June 17 to mid-September, will feature 10 huge animal topiaries, which are plant sculptures in the shapes of animals like giraffes and snakes. WildScapes is included in the price of admission and memberships.
210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Attend an event for National Indigenous History Month
June marks both National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, and several Calgary organizations are hosting events to mark the occasion. A few of the upcoming events include Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary running from June 18 to 24, Calgary Public Library programming throughout the month, Indigenous Science Month at Telus Spark and the 2023 Walk for Reconciliation.
Go to concerts, comedy shows, art events and more at Sled Island
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When: June 21 to 25
Sled Island, one of Calgary’s most popular festivals, returns with an impressive lineup this month. Along with more than 200 musical acts, the lineup also includes comedy shows, art exhibits and events like karaoke and a drag brunch.
Multiple locations, sledisland.com
Bring your family to a Nordic rodeo and pancake breakfast
When: June 24
Can’t wait for Stampede in July? Get in the Western spirit early at the Edgemont Community Association’s Nordic Rodeo and Stampede Breakfast. The event will feature mini ski jumps, a laser biathlon and a pancake breakfast during the first two hours of the event from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Edgemont Community Association, edgemont.ab.ca
Grab your clubs and spend a day golfing
It’s officially golf season, and whether you want to visit the driving range, take a lesson or spend a day on one of the city’s golf courses, there are plenty of ways to get outside with your clubs. There are even special events and deals you can try, including family nights and times where you can play for a reduced fee.
Go shopping for collectibles at a comic and toy expo
When: June 25
If you love comics and collectibles, don’t miss the Red & White Comic and Toy Expo. This event has been running since 1988 and will feature more than 100 vendor tables and an all-ages costume contest.
Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Ave. S.E., comicandtoy.ca