Upcoming Events

Calgary Story Slam has been fostering a community of live storytellers since 2012. Usually an open mic event, this Grand Slam edition will crown a “Master Storyteller” based on the entertaining yarns competitors have been spinning throughout the performance season. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $5 cash upon entry.

Be a part of Calgary’s drag underground in a very literal way on June 27 at Sub Rosa. The subterranean venue beneath The Guild on Stephen Avenue is hosting “Your Holy Trinity” of Perla Coddington, Abeiya Mirage and Stephanie Prince for evening of extravagance. All tickets include a glass of sparkling wine.

Girls age 7 to 14 the women in their lives are invited to this outdoor daytime event with Nature Alberta. The event will feature presentations by women working in nature, biology and environmental sciences, plus a “BioBlitz” where participants learn to identify wild species. Registration is required: email naturekids@naturelaberta.ca to participate.

Okotoks’s Marketsquare organization is hosting three days of outdoor shopping fun this summer. As always, the events will feature local artisans, businesses, entertainment and food trucks, but this year have the added oomph of a beer garden. The markets will be held in Ethel Tucker Park adjacent to Okotoks Public Library.

You might have witnessed Ka Muso Kai’s swordsmanship at this year’s Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. Now, you can try out a two-sword style of Japanese combat for yourself. Five different sessions are offered over the course of July 5 to 7 with guest instructor Colin Hyakutake Watkin (Menkyo, Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu and 12th Shihan of Kagéryu). Sessions are open to all levels of ability, teenagers and older.

If you thought parading during Stampede was limited to kick-off festivities on July 5, think again. The First Nations Parade takes places on July 6 and daily July 8 to 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. — weather permitting. Members of all five Treaty 7 Nations march their way from the corner of 9th Ave. and 1st St. S.W. to Fluor Rope Square (Olympic Plaza) where a friendship dance (including song, dance and commentary) will take place. Then, it’s off to the Westin Hotel on 4th Ave. S.W. for photo sessions.

Photograph by AJ Baxter

Sponsored by Avenue

Bring your pup down to Bowness for the 7th annual Puppy Pancake Brunch. During the event you’ll be able to snag a free pancake breakfast for your pooch, visit local vendors’ booths, get a caricature drawn and have the chance to get some goodie bags and raffle prizes.

Photograph courtesy of Bon A-Pet-Treat! Pet Store and Bakery.

Bring your dog to University District for a day of outdoor treasure-hunting and fun. The free event will feature live entertainment, food trucks, a market, dog-centric contests and more. The pooch competition portion runs 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with prizes for biggest dog, cutest dog, best dressed and best trick.

Calgary’s first festival dedicated to promoting waste reduction comes to life on July 20 in the East Village. There will be expert speakers as well as vendors of waste-free or waste-reduction products and services. The event will be held outdoors on the promenade next to the George C. King bridge and is to free to attend.

Calgary’s Central Library becomes the biggest escape room in the city for one night only. Teams have two hours to “quest through the realm” in this knight-themed evening of fun. While the challenges are geared towards adults, children are welcome to attend. All proceeds support Calgary Public Library Foundation.