Listen to music at the JazzYYC Summer Festival
Running from June 29 to July 3, JazzYYC’s Summer Festival features 14 performances at six different venues. Artists such as The Heavyweights Brass Band, The Larnell Lewis Band, Laila Biali and more will be sharing their smooth jazz sounds around the city. Ticket prices vary, or you can get a full festival pass for $150 if you plan on attending a few shows. On July 3, you can also head to Jack Long Park in Inglewood for the JazzYYC Jazzwalk, a free and family-friendly afternoon of live jazz music, beer gardens and food trucks.
Multiple locations, jazzyyc.com
Celebrate Indigenous culture at Central Public Library
On July 1, head to the Central Public Library to mark Canada Day and learn more about Indigenous culture and history. The event includes remarks from Indigenous Elders, a film on Indigenous ways of knowing and art activities led by Sage and Cedar Art Therapy. There will also be traditional Treaty 7 games and beadwork workshops. This free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
800 3 St. S.E., 403-260-2600, calgarylibrary.ca
Visit the Museum of Failure at Southcentre Mall
The Museum of Failure is a travelling exhibit that will be showing for the first time in Canada. Launching on July 1 at Southcentre Mall, the exhibit takes a look at some of the biggest flops in history, from failed inventions to bad marketing ideas. Among the lineup of failures are the stories of New Coke, Google Glass and something called “Colgate Frozen Dinners.” Stop by to learn about the importance of failure when it comes to innovation. Admission to the Museum of Failure starts at $19 and includes access to the audio guide and interactive virtual tour elements.
Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road S.E., museumoffailure.com
Attend an Indigenous concert and market in Bridgeland
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On July 1, the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association is hosting an Indigenous outdoor concert and art market. Listen to the sounds of musicians and songwriters like Walker and The Tribe, Will Belcourt and Cobra Collins as you peruse the works of local artists and dine on dishes from local food trucks. The concert and market, open from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., are free to attend, so bring a blanket or some chairs and enjoy the celebration.
917 Centre Ave. N.E., 403-263-5755, brcacalgary.org
Go rollerskating at Deerfoot City’s Block Party
Back for the third year in a row, Deerfoot City’s Block Party starts on July 1 and promises to be a fun, retro experience. Bring along some vintage roller skates for the roller rink, check out the 215-foot-long road mural and other local art, play totally radical games, or grab some food and shop at the Artisan Collective Market. The Block Party runs until August 30 and is free to attend.
901 64 Ave. N.E., 403-274-7024, deerfootcity.com
Attend the Gorilla Breakfast at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
On July 2, head to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to learn all about the resident gorilla troop and their newest member, an adorable baby gorilla named Eyare. This event, which gives you early morning access to the grounds before they open, includes a pancake breakfast and an interpretive talk about the gorillas, their social structures and why they’re so interesting to watch. The Gorilla Breakfast runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., and tickets (which include admission to the zoo) are $60 for adults and $45 for children. When in the gorilla building, masks must still be worn to protect the animals from COVID-19.
210 St. Georges Dr. N.E., 800-588-9993, calgaryzoo.com
Eat brunch and watch a drag show at Eatcrow
Eatcrow recently launched its brunch menu, and what better way to celebrate than with a drag show? On July 3, join the Eatcrow team and drag show host Farrah Nuff from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for some delicious brunch options, as well as entertainment from Hire Heels YYC. Tickets are $10, with limited spots available. But don’t worry: if you miss out this time around, the drag brunch will be taking place every Sunday going forward.
1131 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-455-4661, eatcrowyyc.com
Order some ice cream during YYC Summer Scoop Fest
What fun is a July long weekend without ice cream? Until July 3, participating ice cream shops, in partnership with Meals on Wheels, will be offering special ice cream creations as part of the new YYC Summer Scoop Fest. If you opt into the event, you will receive a “Summer Passport” to keep track of the frozen treats you’ve tried. When your passport is full, you can enter a prize giveaway. A portion of the proceeds go directly toward supporting Meal on Wheels. Some of the ice cream treats include affogato from Amato Gelato, milk and cookies ice cream from Holy Cow and Dave’s key lime pie from Noto Gelato.
Multiple locations, mealsonwheels.com
Eat sandwiches at the newly opened Earl of Sandwich
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This popular American sandwich chain, which opened its very first restaurant inside Walt Disney World Resort, has made its way to Calgary with a new location at South Trail Crossing. Head there to taste some delicious hot sandwiches like the “Cannonballs!” meatball sub, the Holiday Turkey (complete with cranberry sauce, gravy and cornbread stuffing) or the Original 1762 with roast beef and horseradish sauce. Earl of Sandwich also serves breakfast items, cookies, wraps and more.
4307 130 Ave. S.E., 587-353-3275, earlofsandwichusa.com
Go swimming at Sikome Lake
Sikome Lake is an icon of summer fun in Calgary. This year, Sikome officially opened on June 24, just in time for the warm weather. Grab a blanket, some snacks and anything else you need to enjoy a day at the beach in the middle of Calgary. Admission starts at $5 for adults and $3 for children.
22 Sikome Circle S.E., 403-297-7842, albertaparks.ca