Milky Way Nights
July 14, 16, 17, and 18 | Rothney Astrophysical Observatory | science.ucalgary.ca
The wonders of the universe enchant us all, but under the city lights, it’s rare to get that chance to see what’s out there. Take the opportunity at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, which opens its doors to the public for a few nights in the summer. Look through the telescopes real astronomers use and ask them questions about the universe. A New Moon on July 14 offers optimal viewing conditions to spot planetary nebulae and globular clusters in all their glory. Tickets are only 10 buck, so snag yours fast.
Electric Cinema Club
July 16 | Sweet Loretta | sweetlorettabar.ca
Movie night just got an upgrade. Electric Cinema Club is a new, monthly film screening series at the grooviest bar in town, programmed and hosted by Celina Vides and Adam Keresztes. Each $20 reservation nets you a guided pre-show conversation, access to specialty-themed cocktails, a limited-edition souvenir, and tasty popcorn. This month’s edition presents True Stories, a musical satire directed by (and starring) David Byrne.
17th Ave Night Market
July 17 | Western Canada High School | vibrantcity.ca
Head over to the front lawn of Western Canada High School from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for an evening of 17th Ave vibes without the usual nightlife chaos. Enjoy tunes from live DJs as you grab snacks and drinks from local vendors and shop with small businesses and artisans for unique goods. This night market emphasizes relaxing, strolling and chatting, so if you’ve had a long day at work or are just looking to unwind, the 17th Ave Night Market is the place to be.
YYC Ice Cream Fest
July 17 to August 16 | Multiple venues | yycicecreamfest.com
There’s nothing like a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. Hit up ice cream shops around the city and sample unique flavours. Vote for your favourite to win the title of Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop and the special Golden Scoop award, which goes to the best-selling ice cream. For every ice cream sold, $1 to $3 goes towards Calgary Meals on Wheels to provide nutritious meals to Calgarians.
Little Mermaid
July 18 to 26 | Big Secret Theatre | werklundcentre.ca
Dive under the waves with Little Mermaid, a fresh music re-interpretation from Flipside Theatre, Calgary’s Filipino theatre company. Jewel (not Ariel) is a bold young mermaid with dreams bigger than the ocean. She gets one glimpse of the human world, takes a risky bargain, and you know the rest. With inventive puppetry and brand new music, this production offers a fresh take on a story you probably watched 1000 times on VHS. This show is presented in association with the Philippine Festival Council of Alberta (PFCA) and Forte Musical Theatre.
Clue
July 21 to 26 | Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com
Was it Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the candlestick? Or Professor Plum in the library with the wrench? Find out this month with Clue, a comedy play based on the Hasbro board game and the beloved 1985 film. A rare non-musical show for Broadway Across Canada, Clue is a fast-paced romp that’ll have you gasping for air from laughter. It only runs about 80 minutes, with no intermission, so you can catch a weeknight show and still get to sleep on time.
Historic Calgary Week
July 24 to August 3 | Multiple venues | chinookhistory.ca
History buffs and proud Calgarians alike will go off at Historic Calgary Week, an 11-day celebration of Calgary’s past, shared through walks, tours and presentations. This year’s festival theme is “Chinook Country: Influences and Icons,” highlighting key figures from Calgary’s past that shaped the city we know today. Don’t forget to head over to the Central Library during the fest to check out the photography exhibition displaying modern photos of historic locations.
Inglewood Sunfest
July 25 | 9th Ave. S.E. | inglewoodsunfest.ca
As the Ramones said, “We’re out here having fun in the warm [Calgarian] sun.” This annual festival lights up Inglewood’s main street with live entertainment, food trucks and patios for you to really get into those summer vibes. Check out the over 200 vendors showcasing at Sunfest, selling artisan goods, displaying small-business wares, and promoting community organizations.
The Day of the Dog
July 26 | 8th Ave. S.E. (Between 4TH + 6TH) | petapaloozawest.com
Enjoy a day out with your furry friend this month at the Day of the Dog festival. Take your pooch for a dip in the 120-foot pool for a party featuring a DJ, pool floaties, canine cabanas for your dog to get some shade and swag for you and your pooch. If you’ve got a particularly competitive canine companion, enter them into one of the dog races. And guess what? The festival is free, so you’ve got no excuses (unless you are soulless and really don’t like dogs).
Calgary Fringe
July 31 to August 8 | Multiple venues | calgaryfringe.ca
Explore Calgary’s indie theatre scene at the 20th annual Calgary Fringe Festival. Catch performances spanning genres, from improv to drama, comedy, drag or anything in between. Check out The Kinkonauts’ show Couch Surfing, Steven Morton’s The Late Great Mormon Drag Queen, or just take a risk on a show you know nothing about. That’s the fun (and the danger) of Fringe: you never know what you’re going to get. Regular tickets are $20, and all of the proceeds (excluding surcharges) go back to the artists.
Dungeon Fest
August 1 and 2 | Hotel Blackfoot | dungeonfest.ca
We promise this festival isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Dungeon Fest is for lovers of tabletop roleplaying games, wargames and card games like Magic: The Gathering. Over the course of two days, jump into games familiar and unfamiliar and play with your fellow TTRPG fans. Between games, be sure to check out the underground musicians playing at the fest. Tickets are $33.28 for a single day or $54.58 for a weekend pass, available on eventbrite.ca.
Tour de Bowness Race + Festival
August 3 | Mainstreet Bowness | mainstreetbowness.com
This year marks the 23rd annual Tour De Bowness, and each year this cycling event keeps upping the ante on the fun for all. During the largest amateur cycling event in the province, sample food from local food trucks and restaurants, and hit the market to shop for handmade goods from local vendors. Catch live musicians on the Tim Hortons stage throughout the day, and even more live entertainment on the street. The festival is free to attend and full of impeccable vibes for the whole family.
