August long weekend is a busy time for Albertans. Some choose to go camping or travel, but if you don’t have plans to leave the city, here is a list of things to do in Calgary over the long weekend.
Go to the Calgary International Blues Festival
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The Calgary Blues Music Association is putting on its annual Calgary International Blues Festival for four days and nights from July 26 to August 1. The festival will be held on the main stage at Shaw Millennium Park, featuring artists like Donald Ray Johnson, Steve Hill and many more. After dark, there will also be nightly Twilight Blues Dance Parties where you can dance the night away.
1220 9 Ave S.W., 403-668-7144, calgarybluesfest.com
Attend Calgary Fringe Festival
Last year the Fringe Festival wasn’t able to happen because of the pandemic, but this year it is back and will look a little different from past years. This year’s festival will be happening from July 30 to August 7, showcasing live theatre performances, Fringe watch parties and much more. Check the website for more information and make sure to buy tickets ahead of time as there will be limited space.
Various locations, 403-451-9726, calgaryfringe.ca
Shop at the Calgary Night Market
Take a stroll through Eau Claire and stop by the Calgary Night Market on Saturday, July 31 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shop products from local vendors and enjoy some treats from Calgary food trucks. This event is free and is pet-friendly so you don’t have to worry about leaving your four-pawed friend at home.
200 Barclay Parade S.W., calgarynightmkt.com
Float down the bow
Floating down the bow is an activity that many Calgarians love to do. Whether you’re an experienced floater or new to the game, check out this article that outlines everything you need to know about floating down the bow river safely.
See a movie at Telus Spark’s Drive-In
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Drive-in move theatres have been a popular attraction for many people this year and Telus Spark is playing movies all summer for you to watch from the safety of your car. This long weekend, you can see Inside Out on Friday, and Cars and Mortal Kombat on Saturday. Tickets are $39 per car and you can also choose to add on a snack that will be brought directly to you.
220 Saint George’s Drive N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Check out ZooNights
Have a date night or a family outing at ZooNights. The Calgary Zoo will be keeping its doors open later than usual this weekend so you can see the animals and enjoy some special entertainment around the zoo. The extended hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the last entry is at 7 p.m.
210 St. George’s Drive N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Eat at Eighty-Eight Brewing Company’s new restaurant Mixtape
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Located inside Eighty-Eight Brewing Company’s taproom is Mixtape, a new restaurant that offers a variety of sandwiches and snacks to go alongside Eighty-Eight’s craft beer. Try the Montreal-style sesame bagel sandwich available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, the ice cream sandwich or the brown butter chocolate cookie.
2600 Portland St S.E. #1070, mixtapeyyc.ca