Visit WildScapes garden sculptures at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: Now until mid-September
All summer long on the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo grounds, check out WildScapes, a brand-new exhibition featuring garden sculptures. These artistic installations are completely made of plants and show animals you can find around the zoo, including giraffes, tigers and more. There are 10 different sculptures to find so spend your day scoping out the best ones for a photo-op.
210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Listen to some smooth tunes at JazzYYC’s summer festival
When: June 28 to July 2
Could there be a better way to spend a long weekend than enjoying it with a bit of jazz? Join JazzYYC for its summer festival featuring five days full of performances from award-winning jazz musicians and performers at iconic venues throughout the city. Grab a festival pass for all five days, a five-ticket bundle or single-show tickets.
Multiple venues, jazzyyc.com
Watch the Pan-American show jumping tournament at Spruce Meadows
When: June 28 to July 2
Head to Spruce Meadows for the Pan American, a yearly show jumping tournament with riders from across North America competing in a variety of jumping events over five days. Plus, on July 1, there will be special activities like the Kids Zone with pony rides and face painting, live entertainment and Globequest, a Canada Day-themed scavenger hunt where you can win special prizes.
18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W., 403-974-4200, sprucemeadows.com
Eat French-inspired cuisine at a new contemporary wine and cocktail spot
From the team behind Foreign Concept, Bar Chouette is a new wine and cocktail bar with French influences. Bar Chouette serves a menu of snacks with simple French sensibilities with a modern twist, plus a cocktail menu in the same vein and a worldy wine menu.
227 11 Ave. S.W., barchouette.ca
Check out a new music festival focused around hip-hop
When: July 1
Presented by Keep the Grind Records, Summer’s Night Festival is the first of its kind in Calgary — a hip-hop-focused festival featuring tons of local artists and vendors. Taking place at containR art park, Summer’s Night Festival explores art, music and culture with local artists like Tinywiings and JDASHME, as well as international talent. Catch some music, hang out at the Annex Ales beer gardens and browse the ReLove vintage market at this new-to-Calgary festival.
1020 2 Ave. N.W., keepthegrind.ca
Take part in Canada Day festivities
When: July 1
A number of events will take place around the city on Canada Day, including several in and near downtown Calgary. At Fort Calgary, there will be an Indigenous powwow and artisan market, walking tours and cultural booths. Nearby, St. Patrick’s Island will have family friendly activities like stilt walkers and face painting, while Olympic Plaza will feature a number of local bands and cultural performances. Starting at 11 p.m., you can watch fireworks shooting off from Stampede Park, which will be visible throughout the city from all the usual viewpoints including Scotsman’s Hill, McHugh Bluff and along the Bow River in East Village. The Stampede grounds will not be accessible during the fireworks.
Try a specialty fried chicken sandwich at Birdie
Birdie, a chicken-centric joint with a bevy of sandwich flavours, offers a new way to satisfy your fried-chicken cravings. With flavours ranging from chipotle to tandoori to traditional, Birdie has something for everyone. Add a creamy milkshake and some fries or homemade macaroni salad to complete the experience.
Read more: Birdie is Calgary’s New Chicken Sandwich Destination
920 Northmount Dr. N.W., 403-255-8293, @birdieyyc
Shop at the new summer market in Currie
When: Every Saturday in July and August
In the trendy neighbourhood of Currie, visit the Currie Market, a new outdoor outdoor artisan market running from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Parade Square. Explore the 150 local vendors the market has to offer and enjoy the live music, food trucks and licensed bar area while you’re at it.
4040 Breskens Dr. S.W., curriemarket.com
Go for a swim at one of Calgary’s outdoor swimming pools
Spending any extended period of time in Calgary’s summer heat can be stifling. Luckily, the city is home to eight public outdoor swimming pools to splash away the days and stay cool.
Read more: What to Know About Calgary’s Outdoor Swimming Pools