Summer is still with us and it has proven to be quite beautiful if not somewhat tempestuous when it comes to the August weather. We get blistering hot days and rainy cold days but in the end, we always manage to get out and have a good time. Fun can be a subjective thing but the good news is you will always find what you are looking for in our fun-loving metropolitan.
Whatever you are looking for whether it is music, food, art, or sports, all you have to do is to step outside and look for it. Here are some good suggestions if you are looking for an enjoyable time out.
Calgary International Blues Festival
When: July 29 – August 4
Where: Shaw Millennial Park
Welcome to the 20th anniversary of the Calgary Bluesfest. Music lovers of all kinds can jam, slam, and enjoy a whole weekend filled with music and fun. Expect to find vendors, workshops, and world-famous musicians of the genre. On the mainstage, you will find Angelique Francis, Chris Cain, and the Johnny Max Band giving us some soulful rhythms and an exciting show. Don’t miss it!
Haunted Calgary’s Fear Around the Campfire
When: August 3
Where: Fish Creek Park
Do you love a good ghost story around the campfire? Haunted Calgary is providing an eerie evening full of creepy stories told by brilliant local authors who have created these spine-chilling tales just for the night. However, that is not the only entertainment of the evening. People will indulge in some “Gore-met” smores and a chance to walk in a haunted forest. Do you dare explore the unknown?
A Taste of Calgary
When: August 1-5
Where: Calgary Parking Lot #6, 311 8 Street S.W
Hurray! One of Calgary’s favourite food festivals is coming back to Calgary and for five flavoursome days. Local, unique restaurants from all over the city are going to bring their most delicious dishes for everyone to try. It is a free event to attend and all you have to do is purchase tickets to bring them to the vendors. As you have your tasty treats, you have a chance to enjoy the beer garden and some live music. Feeling hungry yet?
Marda Gras Street Festival
When: August 11
Where: Marda Loop
A family-friendly (and pet-friendly as it turns out) event which also happens to be Calgary’s longest running street festival is happening in the vibrant neighborhood of Marda Loop. This year they are having a pet pageant and photo booth where you can show off your four-legged friend. You can meet some interesting local business people and entertainers along with your kids enjoying the Kids Quarter.
Globalfest
When: August 15-24
Where: Elliston Park
Get ready for some culture and light. In celebration of our multi-cultural city, we have a show where fireworks and orchestrated music come together and make some magic. Each night during the festival a new country is being featured. This year we will take a peek into Spain, Brazil, Mexico, USA, and have a Canadian finale. It’s not just fireworks but international food, performances, and many other activities.
Country Thunder
When: August 16-18
Where: Fort Calgary
Prepare to get your country on and stomp your way to some fun. You will be able to dance the night away at our historic sight with Luke Combs, Hardy, Elle King, and many more. If you spent the day in the museum and think, I would like to go to a fantastic concert then you will want to spend a fun couple of evenings at the Confluence. Bring a picnic and enjoy some good tunes.
Summer Skirmish
When: August 17
Where: The Military Museums
Epic battles, seeing history, and throw in a little theater, you got a one amazing show. The only thing is, it is not on TV or any kind of screen but live at our Military Museum. Re-enactors will dress up as Vikings, knights, gladiators, and many more to give us a look into some famous historical wars that went on in the world. Prepare to travel back in time and see some amazing acts.
Great Outdoor Comedy Festival
When: August 23-25
Where: Prince Island Park
Prince Island Park is about to get crazy with comedy. This year the famous comedians coming to us is Russell Peters, Tom Segura, and Iliza Shlesinger and they are bringing a whole bunch of other funny people with them. Sometimes you just need a laugh. What better way to do that on a beautiful day while taking a walk in the park?
Calgary Pride Parade and Festival
When: August 31-September 1
Where: Prince Island Park
Calgary gets to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a two-day festival that features a colourful parade and a vibrant celebration at the park afterwards. It is a way to rejoice the inclusivity and diversity in our city. One can expect a marketplace, kid’s corner, beer gardens, live concerts, and history walks. It promises to be a fun and animated event where everyone is welcome.
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If the above does not appeal to your sense of adventure, we have all kinds of patios, hiking trails, and outdoor activities to engage in. No matter what your idea of a good time is you have an abundance of choices. Just don’t be afraid to go out and explore all of your options.
