See large-scale photography by Meryl McMaster at Glenbow at The Edison
When: On now until September 1
The latest exhibition at Glenbow at The Edison, nikihci-âniskotâpân bloodline covers the impressive career of Canadian artist Meryl McMaster. The artist delves into her mixed nêhiyaw/Métis and Anglo/Dutch ancestry through a mix of large-scale photography and film work, which guests can view for free until September 1.
Glenbow at The Edison, second floor, 150 9 Ave. S.W., glenbow.org
Learn about AI at a new Telus Spark exhibit
When: On now until September 8
As the reach and impact of AI continues to grow around the world, many people want to learn more about it. Telus Spark dives into the subject head on with its latest exhibition, which uses digital media and art to examine everything from the roots of AI to the relationship between machines and humans.
Telus Spark, 220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Check out Canada Day festivities around the city
When: July 1
Many local attractions around the city are holding Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Head to Heritage Park for a day of live concerts, treats and a parade; Spend the day at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland where there will be an Indigenous showcase and powwow arena, an Indigenous artisans market, food trucks and a main stage evening show; Or enjoy free admission and music by Canadian artists at the National Music Centre.
See a musical all about music star Patsy Cline
When: July 2 to September 1
The last show of Stage West’s 2023/24 season casts a spotlight on a beloved music star: Patsy Cline. A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline covers many of Cline’s most popular songs from “Walkin’ After Midnight” to “Crazy,” as well as her career accomplishments.
727 42 Ave. S.E., 403-243-6642, stagewestcalgary.com
Head to Mexifest with some family or friends
When: July 4 to 7
This month, head downtown with your family and friends for Mexifest, an annual celebration of Mexican culture that showcases delicious eats, music and dancing. There will also be a wrestling ring and an artisan market.
Calgary Parking Authority Parking Lot 6, 311 8 St. S.W., mexifest.ca
Relax and stretch at a rooftop yoga class
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When: July 5, 13, 20 and 27
Local yoga and pilates studio Junction 9 is taking its classes to the next level this summer with a series of rooftop yoga and mat pilates sessions. On select dates in July, August and September, you can relax and stretch to music while taking in views and (hopefully) some sun. The Summer Sessions are open to all experience levels.
919 9 Ave. S.E., 403-474-9118, junction9.ca, @junction_9
Take part in a virtual, western-themed run
When: July 5 to 14
This month, Run Calgary is hosting the Alberta Boot Flapjack 15, a virtual, western-themed run/walk in support of Youth Centres of Calgary. The race can be run whenever you want between July 5 to 14, and participants will get cool swag like western-themed race bibs and a finisher bolo tie.
Go on a craft beer walking tour in Inglewood
There’s a new way to experience Calgary’s robust beer scene. The newly launched Calgary Sip & Stroll offers guided craft beer walking tours where you get to enjoy delicious beers and learn more about the breweries behind them. The company’s first tour option takes guests to three Inglewood breweries and runs around two and a half to three hours long.
Go rafting or kayaking down the Bow River
Few things say summer in Calgary like floating down the river, and you can do that with Paddle Station’s help. Choose your preferred water vessel, make a booking and head to the Shouldice Park paddle station to start your journey down the river until you end up at The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s west parking lot. The best part is that there’s no fussing with equipment at the end — the Paddle Station crew handles it all when you’re done.
Shop for cool new apparel while enjoying some ice cream at CampLand
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For years, The Livery Shop in Inglewood was the home of popular local brands Coutukitsch and Camp Brand Goods. In June, it became CampLand, a dedicated Camp Brand Goods storefront featuring the company’s casual apparel line, outdoor accessories and other lifestyle products. Pop by to shop in the newly revamped space, and while you’re there, be sure to swing around the back to grab an ice cream from the new Made by Marcus takeout window.
1110 10 Ave. S.E., campbrandgoods.com, @campland.ca
Spend the day by the pool at Hotel Arts
Sometimes, you just need a pool day. When that day comes, head to Hotel Arts to lounge beside its outdoor pool while snacking on jerk chicken dumplings, tamarind glazed pork ribs or ahi tuna tataki. Non-hotel guests can reserve a pool spot through OpenTable any day of the week (there may be a $40 pool usage fee for each person).
119 12 Ave. S.W., freestylesocialclub.ca
Have a blast at the Calgary Stampede
When: July 5 to 14
The Calgary Stampede is back! Whether you attend it for the midway games, the animals, the music, the food or all of the above, there’s no shortage of things to do over the 10-day festival.
See an outdoor movie with incredible views
When: July 18
High Park, a rooftop park in downtown Calgary, will be the site of a cool outdoor movie series this summer. The Movies with a View series features one outdoor movie screening per month from June to September, with films ranging from Paris is Burning to Everything Everywhere All at Once. This month’s screening is on July 18 and features director Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. Admission is free.
340 10 Ave. S.W., beltlineyyc.ca
Order a takeaway pizza from Una Pizza + Wine’s newest location
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Fans of Una Pizza + Wine will be happy to hear that the local chain has a new location in Willow Park. Dedicated to takeaway and delivery, the new location makes it even easier to get your hands on items like its arancini, kale Caesar salad, rigatoni bolognese and, of course, its pizzas ranging from the 4-Maggi to to the Sweet + Spicy Prosciutto. Pop in to pick up some tasty bites or order online.
408, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-453-1183, unapizzeria.com
Spend a day celebrating Latin culture at Fiestaval
When: July 19 to 21
Celebrate Latin culture at this annual three-day festival in Olympic Plaza. Expect more than 30 food vendors, beer gardens, a market and tons of exciting performances by dance groups, DJs, bands and musicians. Admission is free.
Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. S.E., fiestaval.ca
Try fun ice cream creations during YYC Ice Cream Fest
When: July 19 to August 5
There’s no better time to go for ice cream than during YYC Ice Cream Fest, a food festival that invites anyone with a sweet tooth to try featured ice cream creations at participating eateries and ice cream shops. Each time the featured treat is sold, $1 to $3 will go towards supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels. You can also vote for your favourites online to help crown the winner in three award categories.
Multiple locations, yycicecreamfest.com
Enjoy a River Café picnic basket in Prince’s Island Park
What could be more summery than a picnic along the river? River Café helps make that experience easy to accomplish with its summer picnic baskets that you can pre-order online. Get one of the set baskets for two, or mix-and-match dishes like Gull Valley tomato salad, smoked salmon sandwiches, baked goods and more. Once you have your basket in hand, find a spot within Prince’s Island Park to settle in and enjoy.
25 Prince’s Island, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com
Shop for tasty treats at Avenue‘s Best Things to Eat and Drink Market
When: July 20
Every year, Avenue highlights some of the best things to eat and drink in the city. On July 20 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can shop for many of those products all in one spot at the Best Things to Eat and Drink Market. Expect more than 15 local vendors selling ice cream, cream puffs, Thai curry sauces, tea, salsa, pierogies and more.
Read more: All the Vendors Coming to Avenue’s 2024 Best Things to Eat and Drink Market
Heirloom Green S.E.
Make your own mini doughnuts at home
If you find yourself missing the hustle and bustle of Stampede once it’s over, fear not — you can still make one of its most beloved treats at home with some friends or family.
Read more: How to Make Homemade Mini-Doughnuts
Listen to your favourite artists at the Calgary Folk Music Festival
When: July 25 to 28
Prince’s Island Park will be lit up with music and community spirit during the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, the line-up includes headliners like The Roots, Cowboy Junkies, KT Tunstall, James Vincent McMorrow and more. Single-day tickets and four-day passes are available.
Prince’s Island Park, calgaryfolkfest.com
Shop from local vendors and see fun performances at Inglewood Sunfest
When: July 27
For one day only, Inglewood’s main strip will be filled with 200+ local vendors, food trucks, performances and more when this annual festival returns on July 27. Head down between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to explore the celebrations and local businesses in the area.
9th Avenue S.E., inglewoodsunfest.ca