Celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community during Calgary Pride Week
When: August 28 to September 6
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community during the annual Calgary Pride Week. There is a mix of virtual and in-person events being put on by Calgary Pride and local businesses around the city, including drag shows, a Pride history walk, workshops and more. Those staying close to home due to the pandemic can still partake in the fun by watching Calgary Pride’s live stream or through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Twitch.
Read more: How to Celebrate Calgary Pride 2020
Snap some photos in Calgary Farmyard’s sunflower fields
There is truly no shortage of things to do at the Calgary Farmyard. There’s an 11 acre corn maze, a farmyard petting zoo, an arcade truck, a low ropes course, minigolf, jumping pillows and more. But one of the coolest attractions is the sunflower fields, which are a great spot to snap a bright, cheerful photo. Make plans to spend a day here and have some fun.
284022 Township Rd. 224, Rocky View, calgaryfarmyard.com
Check out some of the hundreds of events happening during Alberta Culture Days
When: September 1 to 30
Normally only one weekend long, this year’s Alberta Culture Days span a whole month and will feature in-person and virtual events. There are currently 500 registered events across Alberta. In Calgary, that includes lots of art exhibitions, the Woezo Africa Cultural Festival put on by Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre, the India Film Festival of Alberta, tours at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park and more. Peruse the whole events directory here.
Donate some food to the new Calgary Community Fridge in Crescent Heights
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Following a successful GoFundMe campaign (which is still running if you want to donate), the Calgary Community Fridge launched in Crescent Heights in mid-August. The site features a fridge, freezer and shelving for dry goods and is meant to be a spot where those in need can access fresh food. Donations are welcome, so make plans to drop off anything from bottled water to vegetables this month (and beyond). You can also volunteer for a fridge coordinator shift online.
902 Centre St. N., instagram.com
Listen to live music at The Blue Jay Sessions
When: September 2 to 4
It’s been one year since The Blue Jay Sessions held its first pop-up songwriters’ circle event at Oak Tree Tavern, and this month, you can check out its anniversary edition at Mikey’s on 12th. From September 2 to 4, 18 local artists will perform in small group sessions while the audience listens in and snacks on the Southern-inspired menu of fried bologna sandwiches, whisky cocktails and more. There are two sessions each night and a few of them are already or close to sold out, so don’t wait to get your tickets.
Mikey’s on 12th, 918 12 Ave. S.W., facebook.com; showpass.com
Head to Marble Canyon for an easy hike with bridges and views
Looking for a new hiking destination this month? Marble Canyon offers a picturesque 1.3 km trail with the option of going six km further to Ochre Creek and the Paint Pots.
Read more: Visit Marble Canyon for an Easy Day Hike That Isn’t Overcrowded
Cheer on Calgary’s professional soccer team from afar
When: Various dates
The pandemic may have put a kink in the second season of Calgary’s professional soccer team, but they’re still getting a chance to play for the Canadian Premier League championship. Calgary’s Cavalry FC team is currently in Prince Edward Island for The Island Games, which will see the CPL teams play in 34 matches that lead up to a championship final. Last year, Calgary’s team made it to the championship finals and they are currently undefeated at The Island Games. For $70, you can catch all the games at onesoccer.ca.
Check out Tokyo Station, the new basement addition at Tokyo Street Market
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Tokyo Street Market has an exciting new addition in its basement. The Japanese market and restaurant recently opened Tokyo Station down there, which features grab-and-go snacks, sushi and a chef’s table available by reservation at the counter. Swing by to check it out and enjoy some tasty Japanese fare.
922 Centre St. N.E., 403-452-3794, tokyostreetmarket.com
Celebrate Wordfest’s 25th anniversary by tuning in to its online festival
When: Tuesdays from September 8 to December 8
WordFest is celebrating its 25th anniversary with 13 online events from September 8 to December 8. Held on Tuesday nights, the live online events will feature talks with pairs of notable authors, most of which are still under wraps. But you can expect to hear from Eden Robinson and Emily St. John Mandel, as well as Lawrence Hill and Zalika Reid-Benta, to name a few. Purchase an all-access pass (starting at $99) to see all the events or look for $15 single event tickets that will drop a week in advance.
Go on an Indigenous walking tour with Many Chief Tours
When: Weekly from Friday to Monday
Many Chief Tours launched in August and offers a great opportunity to explore Indigenous history through walking tours. The tours are guided by Tarra Wright Many Chief, who is part of the Blood Tribe in the Blackfoot Confederacy. She currently offers a two-hour Mohkinstsis tour on St. Patrick’s Island from Friday to Monday at 10 a.m., and will be offering a Siksikaitsitapi Medicine Wheel tour next spring as well.
Hear from local experts at the Made in Alberta Online Conference
When: September 22 to October 1
Avenue will be revealing the winners and runners-up of the second Made in Alberta Awards soon, but the fun doesn’t end with that announcement. Learn how to grow your business at the Made in Alberta Online Conference where you’ll hear talks on video storytelling, packaging design, wholesale pricing and more. Be sure to also check out some of the winning products at one of the upcoming markets at Calgary’s Southcentre Mall from September 26 to 27 and Edmonton’s Kingsway Mall from October 3 to 4.
Check out the new pump track at South Glenmore Park
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Take your bike skills to the next level with a visit to the new South Glenmore Bicycle Pump Track. The circuit features a 110 metre asphalt track for beginners and children and a more difficult 204 metre asphalt track, which cyclists navigate by pumping their bike forward.
South Glenmore Park, 3520 90 Ave. S.W. (nearest parking lot), parksfdn.com
Drive to High River for the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
When: September 23 to 27
This might be one of the coolest events you attend all summer. From September 23 to 27, make the 45-minute drive to High River for the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, where hot air balloons and their pilots will gather for five days of competition flights. The festival’s popular annual Balloon Glow night is currently being evaluated, so check back later to see if it will go on in some form this year.
heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com
Grab a bite at Kensington’s new snack bar, Eat Crow
Earlier this year, Brasserie Kensington transitioned into a new snack bar called Eat Crow. Pair cocktails like the Corn Pop old fashioned or the Texan paloma with the root vegetable tartare, sweet and sour chicken, the crow burger and handmade perogies. Brunch is also offered on weekends.
100, 1131 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-457-4148, eatcrowyyc.com
Experience SensoryBox with Ghost River Theatre
When: September 23 to 26 and October 1 to 3
Ghost River Theatre has a new sensory theatre experience. SensoryBox features performer Mike Tan, who will speak to audience members as they explore a box filled with unknown items while blindfolded. You can experience SensoryBox at West Village Theatre with only 20 audience members in attendance or have the box delivered to your home and follow along over Vimeo. Tickets are pay-what-you-can starting at $5.
Check out the Beltline’s newest colourful murals
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Over the past three years, the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) has brought more than 30 stunning murals to the Beltline community. In the past month, nearly 20 more new murals have been added for the 2020 edition, and you can check them out now. Take yourself on a walking tour to admire all the latest additions.
Various locations, yycbump.ca
Bring your dog with you to a patio
The only thing better than sitting on a patio is sitting on a patio with your favourite pooch. Here are some of the restaurants and cafes where you can do that in Calgary.
Read more: 18 Pet-Friendly Patios in Calgary
Watch some movies during CIFF
When: September 24 to October 4
The Calgary International Film Festival returns for its 21st edition this month with lots of exciting new films to check out at in-person screenings or virtually at home. The full film lineup will be revealed on September 8, but you can already look forward to the fact that there will be 10 local features and a shorts package as part of the new Alberta Spotlight programming.
Try the roll cakes or cannelés at Kan You Cake Bakery in Victoria Park
Kan You Cake Bakery is one of the newest (and tastiest) additions to Victoria Park. Drop in to pick up some beautifully made pastries and treats like cannelés, chocolate terrine, tarts and roll cakes that come in flavours like caramelized apple, matcha, coffee espresso, mango and more. Be sure to snag a bag of the Oreo meringues to enjoy later too.
220 14 Ave. S.E., kanyoucake.com
Drive to a small Alberta town to try some tasty food
Looking for an excuse to visit a small Alberta town like Rosedale, Nanton or Bowden? From hot perogy plates to a “Crop Circle Salad,” these snacks will make you glad you made the trip.
Read more: 5 Snacks That are Worth the Drive to Small Alberta Towns