Explore a colourful, inflatable installation at Telus Spark
When: July 1 to August 1
Described as “walking through a larger-than-life kaleidoscope or a stained glass window,” Telus Spark’s new Luminarium installation is a truly unique experience. The inflatable structure features 21 colourful rooms for guests to explore while listening to an immersive soundscape.
Read more: Explore This Kaleidoscopic Inflatable Maze at Telus Spark
Telus Spark, 220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Nominate the best restaurants in Calgary for Avenue‘s 2023 Best Restaurants list
We’re looking for the best restaurants in Calgary and want to hear from you! Nominate your favourite restaurants across 25 categories until July 25, then come back in August to vote. The results will be revealed in Avenue‘s March 2023 print issue and online.
Read more: Vote for the Best Restaurants in Calgary
Check out failed innovations at the Museum of Failure
When: Starting July 1
As the name suggests, the Museum of Failure is home to more than 130 innovations and products that have, well, failed. This is the first time that the exhibition has come to Canada, so be sure to swing by Southcentre Mall to learn more about failed products ranging from Colgate beef lasagna, to a Hula Chair designed to help with ab workouts while working, to the Titanic itself. Look for the external entrance beside Decathlon and Eddie Bauer.
Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., museumoffailure.com
Pick up some treats at a new chocolate shop in East Village
View this post on Instagram
Cochu has been earning awards and loyal fans for years, and now, you can visit the chocolate shop in person at its beautiful new shop in East Village. Pick out some bonbons, a chocolate bar or two, or even try some drinking chocolate.
429 8 Ave. S.E., cochu.ca
Get in the Stampede spirit at The Outlier
When: July 7 to 16
Want to get in the Stampede spirit without going to the grounds? The Prairie Emporium is hosting The Outlier, a series of exciting events during Stampede that include a drag brunch, a “top secret show,” a country swing night, a Stampede kitchen party and more.
The Prairie Emporium, 300, 334 53 Ave. S.E., showpass.com
Relax on a patio
Patio season is in full swing and there is no shortage of options in Calgary. Whether you’re looking for a great rooftop patio or a patio that’s still comfortable on a cooler day, we’ve got you covered.
Read more: 19 Great Rooftop Patios in Calgary
Read more: 9 Calgary Patios For Cold Days
Have a blast at the Calgary Stampede
When: July 8 to 17
The Calgary Stampede is officially back in full swing for the first time in two years. Whether you attend for the rodeo events, the midway games, the animals, the music or the food, there’s no shortage of things to do over the 10-day festival.
Read more: A Guide to Live Music at the 2022 Calgary Stampede
Read more: How to See Kevin Costner During the 2022 Calgary Stampede
Read more: 45 New Midway Foods to Try at the 2022 Calgary Stampede
Check out LaunchPad Golf’s new location
View this post on Instagram
Play some simulated golf (with a real club and ball) at LaunchPad Golf’s new Heritage Pointe location that opened at the end of June. The venue also has a restaurant so you can enjoy snacks and drinks while you play a game or two.
31 Heritage Pointe Dr., launchpadgolf.com
Take part in a virtual, western-themed run
When: July 8 to 17
This month, Run Calgary is hosting the Flapjack 15, a virtual, western-themed run/walk over the 10 days of Stampede. Supporting Youth Centres of Calgary, the race can be run whenever you want during those dates and participants will get cool swag like western-themed race bibs and a finisher’s medal that doubles as a lapel pin.
Watch emerging artists perform a Shakespeare comedy
When: July 8 to August 7
Shakespeare by the Bow is hitting the road. Instead of performing in Prince’s Island Park, this year’s production will once again feature its cast performing in various outdoor spaces around the city (weather permitting) from July 8 to August 7. This year’s chosen Shakespeare play is a comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and you can see a full performance schedule here.
Multiple locations, theatrecalgary.com
Go on a food bike tour
When: July 9, 16, 23 and 30
Chef Table Living, which was already operating in Edmonton, recently launched food bike tours in Calgary. Running on Saturdays, the 5.25-hour guided tours stop at Canela, Hutch Cafe, Donna Mac and Peasant Cheese for some tasty treats.
Go see the tallest mural in the world
View this post on Instagram
You can now visit the tallest mural in the world in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood. Spanning around 95 metres, the new mural was recently completed by German graffiti artist DAIM with the help of local artists and in collaboration with Beltline Urban Murals Project.
123 10 Ave. S.W., yycbump.ca
Have fun at an Alberta amusement Park
Spending the day at an amusement or water park is a classic summer activity. And luckily, there are at least five parks within a short drive of Calgary that promise plenty of fun. Whether you’re looking to cool down in a wave pool or spend the day riding roller coasters, these indoor and outdoor options are sure to please.
Read more: 5 Amusement and Water Parks Within Three Hours of Calgary
Go see an exhibition by renowned First Nations artist Robert Houle at Contemporary Calgary
When: Until September 18
Don’t miss the chance to see Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful, which is currently on display at Contemporary Calgary until September 18. The exhibition covers 50+ years of Houle’s work through installations, drawings and paintings that look at themes of “Sacred Geometry, The Spiritual Legacy of the Ancient Ones, Beyond History Painting, The Aesthetics of Disappearance, Residential School Years, and Sovereignty.”
701 11 St. S.W., 403-770-1350, contemporarycalgary.com
Check out Broadway Across Canada’s production of Hamilton
When: July 12 to 31
After its initial Calgary stop was postponed, Calgarians can finally see the Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton right in their own city. The musical follows the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, using hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway music.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgary.broadway.com
Play a round of disc golf with some friends
A combination of frisbee and golf, disc golf is a great outdoor activity to try at any of the temporary or permanent courses in the city. Here’s a look at how to play, where you can play and where you can get equipment this summer.
Read more: How to Play Disc Golf in Calgary
Break a sweat at an outdoor barre class at McMahon Stadium
When: July 23
This is not your typical workout. On July 23, you can take part in an outdoor barre class at McMahon Stadium with Barre Belle. If you can’t make it this month, there will be another outdoor class here on August 20 as well.
McMahon Stadium, 1817 Crowchild Tr. N.W.
Order a standing egg sandwich at Cafe Ambient
View this post on Instagram
Head to Chinatown for a bite at this new Korean cafe. The eye-catching menu includes croffles, standing egg sandwiches, drinks like a toffee nut latte and more.
201, 111 2 Ave. S.E., @cafe__ambient
Attend the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Showcase
When: July 29
Earlier this year, the National Music Centre started a new Indigenous programming initiative, and now, you can see the participating artists perform at the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Showcase on July 29. Don’t miss the chance to see Ojibway experimental jazz musician Chuck Copenace, a project by Métis singer-songwriter and guitarist Brandon Baker called Electric Religious, Cree country artist Jade Turner, Cree pop-R&B singer-songwriter Melody McArthur, and Nehiyaw-Dene and Métis spoken word/rap artist Zoey Pricelys Roy at Studio Bell.
Performance Hall, 850 4 St. S.E., studiobell.ca
Go rafting, stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking down the Bow River
Few things say summer like floating down the river, and you can do that with Paddle Station’s help. Simply book your preferred water vessel, head to the Shouldice paddle station and start your journey down the river to St. Patrick’s Island. 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.