Guide: 8 unreal ways to celebrate this Canada Day Long Weekend
Photo via @lemonberry_caPhoto via @calstampedersPhoto via @craftbeermarketPhoto via WikipediaPhoto via @marketspotyycPhoto via @eastvillageyycPhoto via Eau Claire MarketPhoto via @nmc_canadaCuriocity Group Inc.
If any day captures the spirit and pride that Canadians have, it’s July 1st. Canada is turning 152 this year and we’ve teamed up with the Grey Cup champs, the Calgary Stampeders, to bring you 8 ways to celebrate this Canada Day long weekend!
Whether you’re a football fan or not, attending a Stampeders football game is something you have to experience. As an added incentive, the Gridiron Gardens are back this year as your pre-game tailgate destination at McMahon. They’re also bringing us new game themes and new stadium food. What are you waiting for?
Calgary Stampeders Game
This game is special as the Stamps pay tribute to the best fans in the CFL! Everyone in the stadium will have a chance to win amazing prizes throughout the game. There will also be an epic halftime show from the Dueling Piano Kings! Deck out in your best red, white, and black outfits and cheer on our home team this Canada Day long!
Where: McMahon Stadium
When: Saturday, June 29 @ 5pm
Cost: Starting at $36.50 + fees
Canada Day Beer Fest
Why not take advantage of the long weekend and start celebrating early? CRAFT Beer Market is hosting a Canada Day Beer Fest with over 15 breweries to sample and all-day happy hour! Drink happier knowing that part of the proceeds will go to The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Where: CRAFT Beer Market
When: Sunday, June 30 @ 1pm-4pm
Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door. Tickets include 20x 4oz beer samples
Canada Day Long Weekend OVO Tribute
Is there a better time than Canada Day than to pay tribute to the 6ix God himself? Commonwealth is going to be spinning originals and remixes of all our OVO faves from the late night into the early morning. We know you know the words to these anthems so come sing and show us your best Drake move.
Where: Commonwealth Bar & Stage
When: Sunday, June 30 @ 9pm
Cost: Free until 10:30pm, regular cover after
Block Party at Max Bell Centre
MarketSpot YYC and True Rhythm are bringing back their 6th Annual Canada Day Block Party. This is a free family event in celebration of our home and native land. You’ll be supporting locals as you shop the MarketSpot YYC vendors, listen to acts by True Rhythm, and enjoy local food trucks throughout the day!
Where: Max Bell Centre
When: Monday, July 1 @ 1pm-11pm
Cost: Free
East Village, Riverfront Ave, & Chinatown
This collaboration of events is probably one of our favorite Canada Day activities. This includes Fort Calgary performances and food trucks, East Village, Riverfront Ave, and Chinatown food, vendors, and entertainment. Walk along the river as you make your way from East Village onto Riverfront Avenue, and then to Eau Claire Market while enjoying all the Canada Day Festivities. Don’t forget to bring slather on the sunscreen!
Where: East Village to Riverfront Avenue
When: Monday, July 1 @ 10am-9pm
Cost: Free
Canada Day at Eau Claire Market
End your Canada Day celebrations at Eau Claire Market. One of Calgary’s favorite places to celebrate- and for good reason. Festivities start at 11am and include live entertainment showcasing Canada’s diversity, crafts, face painting, airbrush tattoos, a petting zoo, free ice cream (while supplies last), and a licensed drinks area for the adults. Prices Island Park also has some of the best views of the City of Calgary Fireworks Show on Centre Street Bridge so be sure to hog your spot!
Where: Eau Claire Market
When: Monday, July 1 @ 11am-9pm
Cost: Free
Studio Bell
If you haven’t been to Studio Bell, Canada Day is your chance! They will have new exhibits highlighting iconic Canadian artists, pop-up performances, and activities for the whole family! Best of all, they are offering free admission to their five floors of exhibitions. Cap of your day at King Eddy Rooftop for a few beers and bites!
Where: Studio Bell
When: Monday, July 1 @ 11am-5pm
Cost: Free
The Mac and Cheese Festival
Let’s face it, even if half of us are lactose intolerant, we can all agree that mac and cheese is a dish sent from above. On Canada Day, North America’s largest food festival celebrating everything mac and cheese is in Calgary. With over 50 variations of mac and cheese, you’ll want to get your Lactaid pills out for this one.
Where: Olympic Plaza
When: Saturday, June 29 – Monday, July 1 @ Noon-7pm
Cost: Free
There is so much to do this year, so plan your schedule accordingly. Let’s not forget to raise a glass to Canada for being such an amazing home to all of us.
