Guide: 8 can’t-miss summer events on Stephen Ave
Photo via Travel Alberta/Sean ThonsonCuriocity Group Inc.Photo via @gregclancyphoto InstagramPhoto via YYC Heritage AuthorityPhoto via @yycjamPhoto via @fluevogPhoto via Calgary DowntownPhoto via @iamconnieoPhoto via Honens
Named as Calgary’s only pedestrian mall, Stephen Avenue features a year-round experience home to shopping, dining, and incredible entertainment. As one of Calgary’s most known and historical avenues, Stephen Ave means different things to everyone who walks it.
To some, Stephen Ave is the premier destination for shopping and boutiques; to others, it’s known for championing some of Calgary’s fave restaurants. Calgary’s busiest and most animated street is a focal point and cultural hub for tourists and locals alike. Glenbow Museum is a great landmark and the perfect place to start your Stephen Avenue adventure. Here are 8 can’t miss events happening along the street this summer!
SUMMER EXHIBITIONS AT GLENBOW MUSEUM
The newest exhibitions filling Glenbow’s galleries include the eye-popping sensory delights of “Nick Cave: Feat.” alongside a mix of exciting local, national and international artists. This visual feast will fuel your summer patio conversations for days.
When: June 29 – September 22
Where: 130 9 Ave SE
Cost: $11.00 – $18.00
LOCKED LIBRARY
The Locked Library returns to the Central Library on July 26. Featuring a one night only fairy-tale adventure, you and your team will have two hours to quest through the realm. Work as a team, solve puzzles and race to be the first to escape the enchanting new Central Library.
When: July 26 7pm-10pm
Where: Central Library – 800 3rd Street SE
Cost: $42.00/person
WALKING TOUR OF STEPHEN AVE GHOST SIGNAGE AND HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Boo! Scared yet? Join the Calgary Heritage Authority as they take you through some well-travelled downtown streets and dark alleyways– revealing some of Calgary’s ghost signs and other building histories.
When: July 29 @ 7:00pm
Where: 218 8 Ave SW (MacKay & Dippie Block)
Cost: Free!
YYC JAM
We’re playing basketball kids! The Balance Foundation presents YYC Jam & Street Festival. YYC Jam will take place over four downtown city blocks while guests will enjoy a three-on-three basketball tournament. Enjoy everything from food trucks, family-friendly activities, beer gardens prizes, and more!
When: August 10th
Where: Centre Street & 8th Ave SE
Cost: Free to watch OR $250.00/adult team to register
JOHN FLUEVOG’S THE PEANUT GALLERY PRESENTS: WATER FEATURES BY CHRIS BROOKS
Check out Chris Brook’s Water Features collection at John Fluevog. Meet the artist on August 18 and learn how the collection was inspired by encounters with waterways and experimenting with different resins. 10% of all sales will go to Alberta EcoTrust in an effort to support people and projects that protect natural systems.
When: June 5 – August 18, reception on August 18 @ 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: John Fluevog – 207 8th Ave SW
Cost: Free!
#IAMDOWNTOWN SUMMER STAGE
Take a break from the 9-5 and enjoy the sweet sounds of summer on Stephen Ave at the Summer Stage. Featuring local and touring artists, all summer stage shows are free and family-friendly. Join in on the sing-song fun with Downtown Calgary!
When: Monday – Friday from 12pm – 1pm & Saturdays from 6pm – 8pm
Where: 100 SE Block on Stephen Ave – outside of the Telus Convention Centre
Cost: Free!
STEPHEN AVENUE LIVE
Take your coffee break outside and catch the amazing lineup of street performers and live music at any of the six different stages along Stephen Ave!
When: June 10 – September 20, Monday to Friday @ 11am – 1:45pm + 3pm – 5:30pm
Where: 6 stages along Stephen Ave
Cost: Free!
176 KEYS
Join Honens as they bring beautiful sounds to Stephen Ave! Four internationally renowned pianists jump on two sets of 88 keys for performances of J.S Bach, Brahms, Copland, Rachmaninov and many more!
When: Friday, September 6, 2019
Where: Stephen Ave Walk
Cost: Free!
There you have it pals– your go-to guide for all things summer on Stephen Ave! See ya out there, friends!
