Check Out the Italian-Inspired Restaurants at The Oliver
Located inside The Oliver apartment building (still under construction) is a collection of five new Italian-inspired eateries, four of which are open for business and ready to check out now. Pazzi Pizzeria is a Neopolitan-style pizza joint featuring made-from-scratch dough and plenty of unique toppings, while Treno Coffee & Prosecco is where you can enjoy a latte or cappuccino during the day, and a glass of prosecco in the evening (Treno also serves simple sandwiches and toasts for breakfast and dinner). There’s also Luca Mercato, a market selling fresh to-go meals, grocery essentials and baked goods, and Fleetwood Lounge, a chill spot for cocktails and shareable plates. Coming soon is Luca Restaurant, an Italian fine-dining spot.
524 10 Ave. S.W., oliveron10th.com
Watch a Teatre Performance at Calgary Fringe Festival
Running from July 29 to August 6, the Calgary Fringe Festival is back for its 16th year. Calgary Fringe brings more than 20 performances to the city, ranging from comedy and drama to variety shows and magic — a wide assortment that’s sure to have something for everyone. There are also a number of live-streamed and recorded options available to watch online. Shows will be taking place at different Calgary venues, all of which can be found here. Tickets for all performances are $20, and proceeds go directly toward supporting the artists.
Enjoy the Summer Weather at Inglewood Sunfest
On July 30, Inglewood Sunfest will be taking over much of Inglewood. Held along 9th Avenue S.E. between 11th Street and 14th Street, Inglewood Sunfest will bring food trucks, artisan crafts, circus performers, street shows and more to the neighbourhood. Trucks like Dumpling Hero and Pink Door Pizza will be serving up snacks, and Village Brewery will operate the family-friendly beer gardens. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to experience some fun in the sun, Inglewood-style.
Go Caving in Canmore
On a hot summer day, you might not want to go hiking up a mountain, so why not go inside one instead? Canmore Cave Tours offers the incredible experience of exploring Grotto Mountain’s Rat’s Nest Cave, one of the longest caves in Canada. Throughout the guided expedition, you will see amazing cave formations and underground water flows, and at the end of the tour, you’ll be given the chance to turn off your headlights and experience the dark and quiet. This activity is not for the faint of heart or the claustrophobic — you’ll be squeezing through some pretty tight spaces. Canmore Cave Tours will supply you with everything you need, including headlamps, overalls and safety equipment. Prices start at $135, and some options offer the opportunity to rappel down a giant cave wall.
129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, 403-678-8819, canmorecavetours.com
Eat Asian-Inspired Tapas at Lily Asian Bistro
Lily Asian Bistro is a new, Asian-inspired tapas restaurant serving up small plates that are meant for sharing with friends. Dishes include Japanese rice balls stuffed with salted umeboshi, fried tofu with Korean barbecue sauce and charred octopus with a tomato and ginger emulsion. The restaurant also offers yakitori-type skewers, as well as a create-your-own-bao menu. The cocktails are another highlight here — try the Shokunin, made with Japanese Suntory whisky, prosecco and dragon fruit.
1438 17 Ave. S.W., 587-353-5459, lily-yyc.com
Celebrate Heritage Day at Olympic Plaza with Calgary Folk Arts Council
August 1 brings the Heritage Day Festival to Olympic Plaza, in partnership with the Calgary Folk Arts Council. After being on hiatus for two years, this family-friendly festival will feature a variety of multicultural food vendors, as well a face-painting station, live performances, artists booths and more. The Heritage Day Festival is a free event, running from noon until 6 p.m.
228 8 Ave. S.E., calgaryfolkartscouncil.ca
Rent a Raft and Float Down the Bow River
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Looking for a refreshing, water-based activity to try this long weekend? Look no further than the Bow River — during the summer months, it fills up with groups of rafters who want to enjoy a leisurely float with family and friends. Rental companies like Lazy Day Raft Rentals and Paddle Station can set you up with a raft, paddles, life jackets and anything else you need for a day of floating down the Bow. Just head to either company’s respective starting points, hop in and enjoy the ride. When you hit the finish line, staff members take your raft from you, leaving you with none of the hassle of packing things up at the end of your journey.
paddlestation.ca; lazydayraftrentals.com
Watch the Summer on 17th Ave Street Performances
Head down to 17 Avenue S.W. for Summer on 17th, a free, summer-long event featuring performances nearly every day at Tomkins Park — musicians, DJs, dancers, artists and other performers have all been joining in the street-fest fun. This Heritage Day long weekend, performances will include music by Lulahh N’ the Classic Crew, Peter Boyce and Serges Soucy. A full list of events can be found here.
Tomkins Park, on the corner of 17 Avenue and 8 Street S.W., 17thave.ca
Learn About South Asian Culture at the Incredible India Festival
On August 1 at the Westin Calgary Airport, the Incredible India Fest, held in partnership with Sparq Productions, will be celebrating Indian culture in Calgary by bringing together the best of the best when it comes to South Asian artists, dancers, performers and musicians. Head to this free festival to experience Indian food, Bollywood dance performances, arts, crafts and fashion all afternoon.
671 Aero Dr. N.E., 403-452-5406, sparqproductions.com
Spend Heritage Day at Heritage Park
It just makes sense, doesn’t it? During Heritage Day at Heritage Park, guests can visit the Indigenous encampment to enjoy traditional Blackfoot song, dance and drums, or check out vintage cars thanks to the Nifty Fifty’s Ford Club. They can also take a relaxing ride across the Glenmore Reservoir aboard the newly reopened S.S. Moyie paddlewheel boat. General admission is $30, and all Heritage Day activities inside the park are included.
1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca