DandyFest 2024
Dandy Brewing Company has officially been around for a decade, and you can celebrate the local brewery’s exciting milestone during DandyFest on September 7. The outdoor beer festival features samples from North American breweries and cideries, live music and more. Visit thedandybrewingcompany.com for more information and tickets.
High Park: Movies with a View
Hosted by the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association, Movies with a View is a series of outdoor movie screenings that have been taking place at High Park, a rooftop public park on the City Centre Parkade, all summer. On September 12, you can catch the last free screening featuring the Academy Award-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Bring your own snacks (or buy some popcorn at the event) and settle in for a cinematic evening with a view. Visit beltlineyyc.ca/movies for more information.
SkyCastle Roller Rink
Skate the night away at the newest addition to the local roller skating scene. Located within New Horizon Mall, SkyCastle Roller Rink offers “learn to skate” and “roller dancing” classes, arcade games and a bar with drinks and food. Skate rentals are available for $8. Visit skycastleroller.ca for more information and tickets.
Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers
Written and performed by Makambe K. Simamba, this powerful one-person show follows the after-life journey of Slimm, a 17-year-old Black boy in a hoodie, as he grapples with the life he lived and the death he didn’t choose. The opening show of the Handsome Alice Theatre 2024/25 season, Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers, runs from September 12 to 28 at the Big Secret Theatre in Arts Commons. Visit handsomealice.com for more information and tickets.
Gems of the Park
On September 14, Heritage Park will transport you back to the 1920s during its Gems of the Park fall fundraiser. Don’t miss an exciting night filled with dinner, silent/live auctions, 1920s-themed activities along the promenade and more, all while celebrating Heritage Park’s 60th anniversary. Visit heritagepark.ca for more information and tickets.
Calgary International Film Festival
From September 19 to 29 CIFF is marking its 25th anniversary with lots of exciting films and events. Whether you’re interested in Alberta-made productions, animation, action films or horror, there’s something for everyone in the movie lineup. You can also check out special events like PechaKucha Night Calgary #46: Lens on September 24, which features 400-second, 20-slide presentations exploring the theme of “lens.” Visit ciffcalgary.ca for more information and tickets.
Beakerhead
For its 11th year, Beakerhead makes the move to Telus Spark from September 20 to 22. Casting a spotlight on science, engineering, technology and art, the festival offers an exciting and inspiring weekend of programming. From a fire-breathing aluminium bronco sculpture to a giant, interactive octopus installation that plays music, there’s no shortage of fascinating things to check out. Visit beakerhead.com for more information and tickets.
YYC Pizza Fest
Calling all pizza fans, it’s officially your favourite month of the year. YYC Pizza Fest is back from September 20 to October 6 with delicious pizza creations from local restaurants. Part of the proceeds from these featured festival pizzas will go toward supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels, so try as many as you can and vote for your favourite pies online. Visit yycpizzafest.com for more information.
Pumpkins After Dark
These are not your average jack-o’-lanterns. At Pumpkins After Dark, you’ll see more than 10,000 pumpkins with incredible carvings. Walk through the experience to see all the displays, enjoy some treats and check out live pumpkins carving demonstrations. This year’s event runs on select days from September 20 to October 31 at WinSport. Visit calgary.pumpkinsafterdark.com for more information and tickets.
Night Light festival
The last weekend of September may also be the brightest, as Victoria Park lights up with light-art installations, projection-mapped architecture and more during the second Night Light Festival. From September 26 to 28, the free event highlights local artists through installations and live performances that are sure to dazzle the whole family. Visit nightlightvicpark.ca for more information.
The Beach YYC
Summer might be over but that doesn’t mean you can’t still hit the beach. The Beach YYC is the city’s only indoor beach with more than 700 tons of sand spread across 13,000 square feet in Ramsay. Whether you’re looking to join a beach volleyball or ultimate frisbee league, for a fun private event space for friends or a corporate group or even for a unique kids’ party idea, The Beach YYC will provide an experience you won’t soon forget. Beach-curious but don’t want to commit to a league or private rental — drop-in passes are also available. Visit thebeachyyc.ca for more information.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, falls on a Monday this year, so some local organizations will be observing the day on September 29 with special programming and events. Heritage Park will have a day of programming on the 29 and self-identified Indigenous people will receive free admission. Visit heritagepark.ca for more information. Arts Commons will host a series of events to celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing on the 30 itself. Activities include an Indigenous Makers Market in the lobby of the Jack Singer and the Elders Story Project in the Jack Singer Concert Hall starting at 6:30. Visit artscommons.ca for more information.
