21 Of The Best Things To Do At Home And Around Calgary This August
Alright, we know we sound like a broken record, but July just flew by didn’t it? In fact, the last several months have come and gone in what feels like the blink of an eye. Time really flies when you’re restricted doesn’t it? Luckily, not everything this summer was cancelled due to COVID precautions. If you’re ready, this month, there will be a ton of exciting and new events, festivals, and activities to get up to. Don’t believe us? Here are 21 of the best things to do in Calgary this August, starting with something very important!
MOTOR NIGHTS DRIVE-IN
After a top-notch first weekend of programming, Curiocity & YYC Food Trucks are keeping the drive-ins coming in August! We aren’t ready just yet to reveal our schedule or what movies are playing, but if you missed out on the first go-around then we’d highly recommend keeping an eye on it this time.
When: TBA
Where: Cochrane & District AG Society – 43080 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane
MASKS ARE MANDATORY NOW, GET A REUSABLE ONE!
This might actually be the most important thing you do all month, Calgary! Now that masks are mandatory in all public buildings, you’re going to need a comfortable, reusable face covering. Maybe even several to match outfits and occasions, because who knows how long this will last!
When: Now!
Where: See locations here
Time: Anytime
Cost: Prices may vary
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME DURING HISTORIC CALGARY WEEK
Historic Calgary Week will be taking place online this year! This annual tradition held by The Calgary Public Library and Chinook Country Historical Society typically celebrates the city’s rich history by making presentations and offering fun and informative tours. This year though, all events will take place online! Uncover your city’s history!
When: Until August 3rd, 2020
Where: Online here
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free
VISIT THE FARMERS MARKET IN HILLHURST
This month, shop around, get some fresh air, and support local by browsing the vendors at this season’s Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market! For those who are ready to go out and resume everyday life, they’ve taken the necessary precautions to keep you all as safe as possible. They’ve even exclusively given the 60+ crowd their own hours!
When: Every Wednesday
Where: 1320 5 Avenue NW, Calgary
Time: 2:30 pm- 7 pm
Cost: Free
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ALBERTA
This month we encourage you to taste the prairies, from comforting small-town bites to big city chef-driven menus. Gas up your car and crank that road trip playlist, because this month we’re kicking off Alberta on The Plate – a multi-course fixed price culinary festival showcasing the best in provincial eats.
When: Friday, August 7th – Sunday, August 15th
Where: See participating restaurants here
Time: Whenever
Cost: Prices to vary
BROWSE THE MILLARVILLE MARKET
Enjoy a beautiful morning or local vendors, organic foods and sunshine at the Millarville Market. Grab a cold lemonade or a tasty bite at one of their food trucks and breathe in the out-of-city air.
When: Every Saturday
Where: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Cost: Free
JOIN A BARRE BELLE CLASS IN MCMAHON STADIUM
Hey, fit fam. This month, get your sweat on in one of Calgary’s safest outdoor spaces. Barre Belle is holding a massive barre class in YYC’s McMahon Stadium! Bring a mat, and weights or resistance bands, if you want, and claim a spot on a McMahon yard line for the sweatiest one of a kind experience!
When: Saturday, August 8th
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary
Time: 12 pm
Cost: $25
LIVE STREAM THE FLOATING LANTERNS PEACE CEREMONY
Every year the Floating Lanterns Peace Ceremony aims to bring the community together in hopes of a better tomorrow! This year, because of COVID restrictions, the event will take place online instead! Grab a warm beverage, curl up on the couch and enjoy hundreds of beautiful lights float across Olympic Plaza.
When: Saturday, August 8th
Where: Online here
Time: 7 pm
Cost: Free
SQUEAL AND EEK AT THE PAWS-PLAY PET PARADE
This month, animal parents of every breed and species will gather in Eau Claire Park for a distance friendly pageant of furry perfection and pop culture. Any and all well-behaved animal and their human are encouraged to participate, and costumes can super simple or crazy elaborate depending on your pet’s comfort level, as long as it’s put on out of kindness.
When: Saturday, August 22nd
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave SW Calgary
Time: 1 pm
Cost: Free
BROWSE THE CALGARY NIGHT MARKET
Rally your pals, and leash up your pup, this month we see the return of Bridgelands beloved night market. Shop local, grab a bite and enjoy! This is kind of a summer tradition, so you know you can’t miss it!
When: Friday, August 21st
Where: 917 Centre Ave NE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm
Cost: Free
GET SOME FRESH AIR AT THE PRIDE PARK PICNIC
Grab a bite from you local Inglewood eatery, a coffee from a local java bar, or bring something from home then and lay down a picnic blanket in Pearce Estate Park for a distance friendly gathering in support of small businesses and the LGBTQ community!
When: Saturday, August 22nd
Where: 1440 17a st SE, Calgary, Alberta
Time: 12 pm
Cost: Free
DRINK UP AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK ADULT NIGHT
Okay, we’re putting our foot down, you’ve watched more than enough Netflix in the last few months. This August, shake it up with Adult’s Only Night at Cobb’s Adventure Park. What could be better than a nice glass of wine and dozens of cuddly kangaroos? Nothing, that’s what.
When: Saturday, August 22nd
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $40
COMPETE IN A CITY-WIDE SCAVENGER HUNT
This month, take on the Great YYC Staycation 2020! This incredible initiative is meant to support local businesses while also getting participants out and about to explore their own city! Compete in local and virtual challenges throughout the city, earn points, and win prizes!
When: Until Sunday, August 23rd
Where: Download app here
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free
FLOAT THE BOW
It’ll be a beautiful month for a good float down the Bow! We wish it was easy as hopping into a dingy with some snacks and a pair of sunglasses, but you’re going to need to plan ahead! Luckily, that’s something we’re able to help you guys with! Check out the link above for a few tips for floating down the Bow River.
When: Whenever!
Where: See launch points here
Time: Anytime!
Cost: Prices will vary
CHECK OUT THE ART AT THE 2020 BUMP FESTIVAL
This August, check out the “largest and most exciting” BUMP Calgary lineup to date! With unique programming to adapt to our new and crazy world, this contemporary art festival has beaten the odds and will delight, astonish, and capture the city’s spirit this summer.
When: Wednesday, August 26th – August 29th
Where: Beltline – Calgary Inner-City
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free
INDULGE IN CALGARY’S BEST SUMMER EATS
Summer will be over within a blink of an eye, and although we haven’t been able to spend the majority of it on a beach somewhere, we have been able to hit the YYC patio circuit! Unfortunately, with only two months left, and only so much room in our stomach, we’ll need to be strategic. Check the link above for our list of Calgary’s best seasonal foods/drinks!
When: Whenever!
Where: See locations here
Time: Anytime!
Cost: Prices will vary
SNAP SOME PICS AT ONE OF PARK CALGARY’S MASTERPIECES
We hope you’re camera ready, folks! This summer, Park has teamed up with several artists to create more than one incredible, interactive art installment encouraging social distancing and positivity! Check out what they’ve been up to on their website here
When: Until the end of September
Where: See locations here
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free
HAVE A PERFECT-FOR-YOU DATE IN THE PARK
Fingers crossed for beautiful weather this month! River Cafe has been giving Calgarians one of the most special inner-city dining experiences for the past 29 years. Check out one of their newest offerings, a customizable picnic! Create your own menu, pick your favourite bottle of wine, your basket and enjoy!
When: Whenever!
Where: Where ever!
Time: Anytime!
Cost: Prices will vary
TAKE A LIL’ TRIP
This August, get out there for a few hours and see or do something different! We hope you’ve got a killer playlist, folks because we’re taking a drive! Fuel up, grab some road snacks, and check out one of our favourite spots just outside of Calgary listed in the link above!
When: Anytime
Where: See locations here
Time: Anytime
Cost: Free +
HIT CALAWAY BEFORE IT CLOSES DOWN FOR THE SUMMER
Gravol, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes at the ready, Calgary! Calaway Park is officially open for the 2020 season – but it won’t be for long! These guys have taken a ton of precautions, like timed entry, an attentive cleaning staff, a mandatory health questionnaire, and more to make sure everyone is safe!
When: Until Monday, August, 31st
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: $41.95+
TAKE SOMEONE SPECIAL ON A SUMMER DATE
It’s probably been a minute since your last in-person date. That can be terrifying, which is why we put together a list of fail-safe activities in Calgary for all of you lovebirds to check out this month. Even if the date sucks, at least you’ll have seen or done something fun, right?
When: Whenever
Where: Locations around Calgary
Time: Whenever
Cost: Prices vary
There you have it folks, 20 things to do around the house, or around the city this Augst! We told you it was going to be an exciting one! Have an amazing month, friends! Be safe, be smart and stay busy!
