MONDAY
This week starts with a holiday, so celebrate the extra weekend day at the Tour De Bowness Race and Street Festival. Whether you love cycling or couldn’t care less, the street festival is a blast. Shop local vendors and food trucks, watch live entertainers and musicians perform on the street and stage, all while cyclists zoom along a nearby loop in the criterium race. The fest is family-friendly, dog-friendly and free – the perfect way to wrap up a long weekend.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday, check out Yuk Yuk’s for a set from Romanian comedian Victor Pãtrãşcan, called “Stand Up in Broken English.” Known as the “comedy nomad,” Pãtrãşcan has performed in over 60 countries – and even been banned from a few of them. His signature style is insightful but silly observations, unscripted moments, and a bit of crowdwork – but only with those who volunteer, so you don’t need to fear the front row. Tickets are $30 on Eventbrite, or $60 at the door.
WEDNESDAY
There’s more than just indie theatre at the Calgary Fringe Festival – this Wednesday Fringe After Dark hosts a karaoke night over at Festival Hall. Be the star in your own show, or just cheer on your friends that are brave enough to take to the stage. The event is for folks 14 and older, and is free to attend.
THURSDAY
When you watch a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, you’re never just watching a movie, it’s a whole party. Fringe is screening the film on Thursday, so put on your fishnets and head back to Festival Hall. Brush up on your “Time Warp” moves and get ready to sing, dance and laugh the whole evening. This screening is another free fringe after dark event, also for audiences 14 plus.
FRIDAY
Alberta on the Plate kicks off on Friday, the festival where restaurants put together a set menu highlighting the best of the best in local ingredients. Some participating Calgary favourites to check out include Village Brewery, Posto Pizzeria and Eighty-Eight Brewing.
SATURDAY
Speaking of Eighty Eight Brewing, the beloved brewing company turns eight years old on Saturday. Head over to the taprooms parking lot for an outdoor bash complete with three live DJs, palm trees and splash pools. And be sure to come thirsty, because Eighty-Eight is dropping a limited edition birthday beer at the party.
SUNDAY
Close out the week with one more festival at Marda Gras, Calgary’s oldest street festival that takes place in Marda Loop. This family-friendly fest packs lots of fun into one day, with four stages featuring music and dance performances, and kid-friendly entertainment on the new Kids Quarter stage. Bring your dog along to take part in the Pet Pageant, and shop from over 250 local businesses. Don’t worry about the traffic – Marda Gras has a monitored bike valet for storing your bicycles, scooters and strollers, and there’s a free shuttle bus to and from the military museums so you can park away from the hustle and bustle.
