7 Things You Need to Do In Calgary This Summer
Summer in Calgary is the best. Our summer season is often short, flanked with cold temperatures and soft snowflakes. And if you've been here long enough, you know that Calgary does not lack when it comes to incredible, fun activities for everyone. From the hiking trails just a short drive away to the festivals for the music and outdoor enthusiasts, Calgary wastes no time in celebrating summer. I have been fortunate enough to live here for a while now, and summer is definitely my favorite time of year here. So I rounded up seven things you need to do in Calgary this summer.
Festival City
I love festivals. Music festivals. Maker festivals. Salsa festivals. If I could go to every single one, I would. Festivals are a great way to get out and enjoy the spirit of the city. You'll also get to meet some of the incredible entrepreneurs, makers and movers that make this city turn. For a complete list of festivals, check out Visit Calgary.
Food Truck Frenzy
Okay, who doesn't love a good food truck? Or a picnic by the river? Started to connect people, food and communities over food, YYC Food Trucks puts on a incredible event every couple months called Food Truck Frenzy. This is where a ton of food trucks and pretty everyone in the city descends upon East Village to nosh on some delicious street fare, enjoy some local music and have a great time. Check out YYC Food Trucks for the next event.
Country Thunder
Country fans, you've known about this for a long time. Not only are there some incredible country artists performing during the Calgary Stampede, but this year we get a double dose of country music with Country Thunder. From August 19-21, we will welcome Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Chad Brownlee, Jess Moskaluke and more. So if you're a country fan, this is a not to be missed event. There are still tickets left, so head on over to the website to grab yours!
Calgary Stampede
This one is a given. Whether you are a #YYC native or you are relatively new to this city, checking out the Calgary Stampede is a must! There is something for absolutely everyone! Foodies (and people like to eat an enormous amount of fried food at one time) will enjoy the midway's fried, frozen, sweet, savory, and did I say fried (and served on a stick) delights. A complete list of new and unique foods coming to the midway this year, check out this blog post. Music lovers will love the lineup at the Virgin Concert series (Zac Brown Band, anyone?) and the Coca-Cola Stage. The classic stampeders will enjoy the rodeo and chuckwagon races, while the show tune lovers will dig the Transalta Grandstand Show. The Stampede gets underway July 8 and the fun doesn't stop until July 17. I could write a entire blog series on this event, so I suggest heading over to the website to overwhelm yourself with everything you can do.
Calgary Zoo
Okay, maybe this one is just for me. I love the zoo, and with the number of baby animals born this year, how can I not go?! The zoo offers some pretty cool programs as well. You can be a zoo keeper for a day or attend zoo school. Seriously, where do I sign up?! The zoo is a great place to take your kiddos (it can get a bit crazy, so prepare) with some great family programs. And if the zoo is not your thing, get your brain working and inspired with Telus Spark right next door. Check out the website for all the attractions and programs available.
Beakerhead
This is my kind of festival. Led by the brilliant Jay Ingram and Mary Anne Moser, Beakerhead is a mashup of science, art and technology. From glow-in-the-dark petri dish specimens to crane rides to giant mechanical spiders to engineered food, this event is not to be missed. The next event is September 14-18. Check out the website for details.
Opera in the Village
So I've heard really good things about this event, and unlike every other event on this list, I have not experienced it - yet. I will make sure I fix that this summer. This event takes place over two weekends in August with performing rotating every hour between 2-7 pm. For more details and to buy tickets, check out the website.
Other Events
There are so many events that I could (and wanted) to write about. However, I know you guys don't want to read a novel here, so here is an additional list of things you should check out, too.
- Music Mile
- Fort Calgary (Check out their brunch, y'all. It's uh-mazing!)
- Taste of Calgary
- Raft down Bow River
- Heritage Park
- X Fest
- Glenbow Museum
What are you favorite things to do in Calgary over the summer?
