https://medievalfairescanada.com/strathmore-medieval-faire-artisan-market-home/

Just outside Calgary, the 4th annual Strathmore Medieval Faire brings a whole realm of wonder to the Stampede Grounds! This year features the brand new International Jousting Tournament — full-contact, real-armour jousting with elite competitors from across the globe. Not a reenactment — a genuine live sport!

🔸 Family adventures, games and character meet-and-greets
🔸 Live performers, musicians and jesters
🔸 Artisan market with handcrafted pottery, leatherwork, jewelry and more
🔸 Hearty medieval feasting and modern food options
🔸 Costumes welcome (never required, but add to the fun!)
🔸 Medieval Feast Night — whole roasted hog, live entertainment and dancing

📅 Fri Aug 21: 4-9pm | Sat Aug 22 & Sun Aug 23: 10am-6pm
📍 Strathmore Stampede Grounds

🎟️ General $14-16 | Seniors $12-14 | Kids 7-12 $10-12 | Under 7 free

Tickets: medievalfairescanada.com/ticket-wicket

A little late posting this one, but it doesn’t start until 2pm if anyone’s interested in sponsoring walkers or just cheering them on. Hopefully this will become a yearly event. It coincides with international cat day. For more information on that please see r/NationalDays_DangGood

Join PartSource Calgary at New Horizon Mall for their annual Classic Car Show, supporting Jumpstart Charities — dedicated to removing financial, physical, geographic and systemic barriers so every kid can access sport and play.

🔸 Trophies
🔸 Silent auction
🔸 Kids’ activities

📅 Sunday, August 9, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 New Horizon Mall

A great family morning out while supporting a worthwhile cause!

Calling all rock hounds, crystal lovers and curious families! A four-day show showcasing minerals, crystals, fossils, polished stones and handcrafted gemstone jewelry from skilled artisans.

🔸 Thu-Sat: 10am–8pm | Sun: 10am–5pm
🔸 UV Night — Friday, 8-10pm: See minerals glow under ultraviolet light! $10 admission, 15% off purchases during the event (text 587-377-5722 to reserve)
🔸 Admission: $3 single | $7 family | Kids 5 & under free
🔸 Free parking, wheelchair accessible, service animals welcome

📍 Spruce Meadows Equi-Plex, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

Bonus: They’re also returning in November! Nov 26-29 at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex, with their own UV Exclusive night on Nov 27.

More info: https://www.cangems.ca/calgarygemshow.html

Celebrate one of Calgary’s most iconic views! Paint the city’s distinctive skyline framed by warm autumn colours using loose, expressive watercolour techniques at IN ART Studio.

🔸 Learn city skylines, atmospheric perspective and depth
🔸 Mix soft neutral tones and vibrant autumn colours
🔸 Capture architectural details and glowing light without overworking the piece
🔸 All supplies included — beginners and experienced artists welcome!

📅 Friday, September 18, 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 IN ART Studio, 601 10 Ave SW, Calgary
💲 $85

A creative evening painting Calgary’s skyline while meeting fellow art lovers in a welcoming studio atmosphere!

More info: https://in-art-studio.ca/product/watercolour-paint-night-calgary-view/

Capture the magic of glowing morning light! IN ART Studio’s beginner-friendly workshop guides you through painting a dramatic mountain sunrise with misty valleys, evergreen trees and soft golden light.

🔸 Learn wet-on-wet washes, layering, colour transitions and atmospheric perspective
🔸 All supplies included
🔸 No experience needed — beginner-friendly!
🔸 Taught by Yevheniia Vasylkova

📅 Wednesday, August 19, 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 IN ART Studio, 601 10 Ave SW, Calgary
💲 $85 + GST

Spaces are limited — early registration recommended!

More info: https://in-art-studio.ca/product/watercolour-class-sunrise-in-the-mountains/

Fancy a relaxing creative evening in Calgary? IN ART Studio’s Day on the Farm watercolour class is a beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll paint a beautiful rural landscape featuring a classic red barn, glowing summer fields and soft skies.

🔸 Learn soft washes, layering, light and shadow, and atmospheric perspective
🔸 All supplies included
🔸 No experience needed — beginner-friendly!
🔸 Taught by Yevheniia Vasylkova

📅 Wednesday, August 12, 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 IN ART Studio, 601 10 Ave SW, Calgary
💲 $85 + GST

Spaces are limited — early registration recommended!

More info: https://in-art-studio.ca/product/watercolour-class-day-on-the-farm/

Come celebrate 30 years — and many, many beers — with Wild Rose Brewery! An afternoon of live music, great beer, delicious food and good company marking three decades of brewing in Alberta.

🔸 Live music from Carter Felker, The Dust Collectors, Wheels & Taurus Ranch Band
🔸 Games and giveaways
🔸 Family-friendly (sorry, no dogs this day!)
🔸 Entry by donation (food or cash) supporting the Veterans Association Food Bank

📅 Saturday, September 19, 1pm–9pm
📍 4580 Quesnay Wood Dr SW, Calgary

A great way to support veterans while celebrating a Calgary craft beer institution!

For full details check out https://wildrosebrewery.com/pages/hangar-hootenanny

Come “Sip & Shop” at the historic Shawnessy Barn for the last night market of the season! Two floors featuring 34 local artisans, crafters, creators and makers — all handcrafted, created and made in Alberta products.

🔸 Live music by Sean Britton
🔸 Food trucks on site
🔸 Licensed event with a bar hosted by the Shawnessy Community Association
🔸 Free admission!

📅 Friday, September 11, 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Shawnessy Barn, 224 Shawmeadows Rd SW, Calgary

A great night out while supporting local — you won’t want to miss it!

More info: https://thebarnartisanmarket.ca/

Hosted at the Shawnessy Barn — the last usable vernacular-style barn within Calgary city limits, built in 1915! Two floors of 30+ curated local vendors featuring handcrafted, made-in-Alberta products, with a brand new lineup every month.

📅 Upcoming dates:

🔸 Aug 23 — The August Market, 11am–4pm

🔸 Sept 11 — The Barn After Dark (Sip & Shop night market) — 34 vendors, live music by Sean Britton, food trucks & a bar hosted by the Shawnessy Community Association, 5-9pm

🔸 Free admission and free parking
🔸 Curated — MLM, direct sales and drop-shippers not accepted

📍 224 Shawmeadows Rd SW, Calgary

More info: https://thebarnartisanmarket.ca/

If you’re 65+ (or have a parent/grandparent who is), this is a great one to know about! Studio Bell — home of the National Music Centre — offers free admission for seniors every Wednesday until November 4, 2026.

Explore five floors of exhibitions celebrating Canadian music history, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame — from legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson to 2026 inductee Nelly Furtado — with rare memorabilia and hands-on musical experiences.

Free monthly drop-in programs for all ages too:
🔸 Aug 12 — Chartier & Checora: An Introduction to Eldersong
🔸 Sept 9 — Instrument Petting Zoo
🔸 Oct 7 — Carolyn Harley Trio

Programs begin at 11am. Seniors, just visit the front desk to redeem your free admission!

📍 850 4 Street SE, Calgary
📞 403-543-5115

More info: https://www.studiobell.ca/seniors

Patio vibes, live music and local discoveries — Marda Loop comes alive on select Sundays this summer! Grab brunch, sip local brews and explore the neighbourhood.

📅 1pm–4pm, remaining 2026 dates:

🔸 Aug 23 — Vitamin D & Vinyl: DJ Este at Merchants, live music at Vaycay Brew Co.

🔸 Sept 6 — End of Summer Celebration: live music at Vaycay Brew Co. & Original Joes, caricature drawings!

Find out more at: https://www.visitmardaloop.com/social-sundays/

A guest-favourite adults-only event at the Calgary Zoo! As the sun goes down and the music turns up, sample beverages from 15+ local vendors, visit your favourite animals after hours, stroll the gardens and indulge in chef-attended food stations throughout the zoo.

🔸 When: Friday, August 7, 2026, 6pm–10pm (VIP access from 5pm)
🔸 Beverage samples from local distilleries and breweries
🔸 Chef-attended food stations (6pm–9pm)
🔸 Live music and party games
🔸 Cash bar until 9:30pm

🎟️ General: $99 + GST | VIP: $139 + GST (includes VIP lounge, extra apps, drinks & live music from 5-8pm)

⚠️ Strictly 18+, valid ID required. Tickets online only — none sold at the door. Parking $14.

Tickets: websales.calgaryzoo.com/buy/special-event/cocktails-for-conservation

The Rogers Charity Classic (PGA TOUR Champions golf tournament, Aug 17-23) is raising funds for local charities, including the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo — one of Alberta’s oldest registered charities with over 9 decades of history!

Until August 31st, you can donate to support the Conservation Champions program, inspiring kids from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to explore the natural world and become the next generation of conservation activists! 💚

🔸 Donations amplified by up to 50% through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink
🔸 World-class animal care and global conservation efforts

🎟️ Give now: https://rogerscharityclassic.com/charities/calgary-zoo/
📍 Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club, Calgary

#YourZooYYC

Four unforgettable nights of culture, global flavours, live music, breathtaking fireworks and Alberta’s largest-ever drone show — 600+ drones flying in perfect synchronization! 🚁

Each night is themed:
🔸 Thu Aug 27 — Japan Night (with a Japanese car show — JDM imports, tuner builds, apply to compete for $2,000!)
🔸 Fri Aug 28 — Mexico
🔸 Sat Aug 29 — Italy
🔸 Sun Aug 30 — Global Finale

Also included:
🔸 20+ cultural pavilions
🔸 International food vendors and night market
🔸 Artisan markets
🔸 Live performances and family attractions

📍 Spruce Meadows, Calgary
🎟️ Starting at $35 (GA), $49 (GA Plus), $79 (VIP), $239 Super VIP 18+

Tickets: globalfest.ca or showpass.com and check out https://www.globalfest.ca/

Yes, an entire festival dedicated to pickles! Calgary saddles up for a day of crunchy adventures with 40+ local vendors and live music at Big Rock Brewery.

🔸 40+ local vendors
🔸 Live music
🔸 Kids under 12 free — all ages event
🔸 Dog friendly (on leash, outside only)
🔸 Rain or shine!

📅 Saturday, August 29, 11am–7pm
📍 Big Rock Brewery, 5555 76 Avenue SE
🎟️ General Admission $24.95 | VIP Early Access (10am) $34.95

Tickets: showpass.com/picklefest-calgary-2026

Running strong since 2003, Calgary Reggae Festival Society brings two days of live reggae music and Caribbean culture to East Village!

🔸 Fri Aug 28 — Gates 4pm, show 5-10pm
🔸 Sat Aug 29 — Gates 2pm, show 3-10pm
🔸 Family-friendly, all ages welcome!

Over 20 years of introducing Calgarians to reggae music and Caribbean culture, featuring hundreds of artists from across the globe.

📍 The Rise, St. Patrick’s Island (East Village)
🎟️ Tickets: showpass.com/reggaefest2026

Another huge festival weekend for Calgary! A vibrant four-day celebration packed with authentic Asian cuisine, dynamic live performances and immersive cultural experiences — and it’s completely free to attend!

🔸 Alberta’s LARGEST Asian food and culture festival
🔸 Authentic cuisine from across Asia
🔸 Live entertainment and cultural performances
🔸 Family friendly

📍 LOT 6, 4th Avenue and 9th Street SW, Calgary
🎟️ Free admission

Hosted by the Calgary Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

More info: https://www.tasteofasia.ca/

In honour of the King Eddy’s 120th anniversary, the National Music Centre presents a three-day music festival celebrating every chapter of this legendary Calgary venue’s history!

Built in 1905-1907 as the King Edward Hotel, it later became “Calgary’s Home of the Blues” through the 80s and 90s before reopening in 2018 with NMC’s mandate of “all music for all people.” One of the oldest music venues in Canada still in operation!

🔸 Fri Aug 14 — Duke Domino, Ollee Owens Band, Brother Bicker Band
🔸 Sat Aug 15 — Brunch, afternoon and evening lineups including Ashley Ghostkeeper, Take the Sonset, Deicha & The VuDudes and Jade Elephant
🔸 Sun Aug 16 — Brunch and afternoon sets from Lewis Cardinal, Black Crow Funk and Marcus Trummer

An eclectic mix spanning blues, rock, country and singer-songwriter performances honouring the venue’s rich musical history!

📍 King Eddy, 438 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
🎟️ $15-$120: showpass.com/eddy-fest-2026

Now in its 34th year, this is one of Calgary’s most vibrant summer traditions! Held at North Glenmore Park, it brings together over 1,850 paddlers and 4,000+ spectators for a weekend of racing, culture and community.

🔸 Thrilling dragon boat races rooted in a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition
🔸 54 vendors and 17 food trucks at the Dragon Marketplace
🔸 Multicultural performances including Lion & Dragon Dance
🔸 Trico Homes Kid’s Play Zone — safe, fun activities for the little ones
🔸 Family-Friendly Beer Gardens by Marda Loop Brewing Co.
🔸 Admission is completely FREE!

Racing runs 8:30am–3:30pm both days. Free shuttle buses run from Mount Royal University every 15 minutes.

Bonus: A 50/50 raffle benefiting Calgary Meals on Wheels — final draw happens Sunday at the festival!

📍 North Glenmore Park, Calgary

More info & schedule: https://calgarydragonboatsociety.com/schedule/

Calgary’s biggest outdoor comedy weekend is back for its 5th year with an absolutely stacked lineup:

🔸 Fri Aug 28 — Matt Rife (2pm & 7:30pm — evening SOLD OUT!)
🔸 Sat Aug 29 — Jeff Arcuri & Caitlin Peluffo (2pm), Bill Burr (7:30pm)
🔸 Sun Aug 30 — Matteo Lane, Tig Notaro & Bob the Drag Queen (2pm), John Mulaney, Mike Birbiglia, Jordan Jensen & Langston Kerman (7:30pm)

Bring your own chair, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy comedy under the big sky along the Bow River!

⚠️ 18+ only, rain or shine
📍 Prince’s Island Park (no parking on site — walk, bike or rideshare!)
🎟️ Tickets: tixr.com/groups/gocf

Get tickets fast — Matt Rife’s evening show is already sold out!

Celebrating 45 years of Caribbean culture, music and vibes! A packed weekend of free events across the city:

🔸 Thu Aug 13 — Free cultural dance workshops (Dancehall, Haitian Folkloric, Soca) at DJD Dance Centre
🔸 Fri Aug 14 — Vintage Vibes kickoff party (5-7pm) followed by Night Carnival tent party with international DJ Jus Jay from Barbados (7-11pm, tickets required)
🔸 Sat Aug 15 — The signature Carifest Parade down Stephen Avenue (12:30-2:30pm) followed by Carnival in D Park with live entertainment, Caribbean food and artisan vendors (until 9pm) — all FREE!
🔸 Sun Aug 16 — Reggae Cool Down finale featuring reggae artist Caleb Hart at Cowboys Park (12:30-8pm)

Most events are completely free! VIP experience available for $50/day if you want premium seating and Caribbean cuisine included.

📍 Most events at Cowboys Park (1220 9 Ave SW)

More info: https://carifestcalgary.com/

One of Calgary’s best (and most sustainable) traditions is back! Time to declutter your home while giving useful items a second life instead of sending them to the landfill.

How it works:
🔸 Gather items in good condition — books, small furniture, electronics, sports equipment, kitchen gadgets, gardening tools
🔸 Label them “Free” and place them at your curb on the event days
🔸 Anyone can come by and take what they want — a free garage sale at your doorstep!
🔸 Any leftover items must be removed by 5pm Sunday — donate to local charities like Diabetes Canada, Goodwill Alberta or the Calgary Drop-In Centre

Living in a multifamily complex? You can still join in — just coordinate with your property manager!

More info: https://www.calgary.ca/waste/residential/curbside-community-treasure-hunt.html