Although many Calgarians and visitors from all over are dusting off their boots for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, there are still many events around the city that don’t require your jeans and a cowboy hat.
The Calgary Stampede may not be exactly what everyone is looking for during these hot summer days. Luckily, there is still something for everyone in the city of Calgary, even during Stampede week.
Wanting to support local? These might be the right fit.
Indigenous Art Market: From July 7 to 16, 2023 visitors are welcome to attend the Indigenous Night Market being hosted at the Telus Convention Centre: 136 – 8 Avenue SE. This market is a free event and is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Currie Market: A new outdoor artisan market featuring more than 50 local vendors selling crafts, clothing, antiques, collectibles and more. Currie Market is every Saturday in July and August from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The market is free to the public, welcomes all ages, is pet-friendly and has live entertainment. Attendees can find the market at 4040 Breskens Dr. SW.
Wanting to stay in the Western spirit in a more educational space?
Try Prairie Persuasion at Gasoline Alley Museum. Prairie Persuasion is a temporary museum exhibit exploring communication and propaganda in Southern Alberta from 1860 to 1950. The exhibit is operating from May 20 to August 27, 2023, and is open daily between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Heritage Park’s website.
Looking for some outdoor activities?
Shakespeare On The Go: The team for Shakespeare On The Go will be hosting their opening night of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on July 14, 2023. This family-friendly event consists of seven emerging artists showcasing their adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous play, A Midsummers Night. The opening show on Friday will be at Jack Long Park at 7 p.m., however, is subject to change. Updates can be found on the event’s website. The show is free to attend with opportunities for donations, is suitable for all ages and is easily accessible. If attendees can’t make it to the opening night, the show is running in various locations until Aug. 6, 2023.
Milky Way Nights: Join University of Calgary astronomers at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) from July 13 to July 15 to view unique deep-sky objects through a variety of telescopes. The event runs from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. and ticket information is available on the RAO website.
WildScapes: The Wilder Institute at the Calgary Zoo is offering larger-than-lifesized animal sculptures this summer. With some sculptors being over 20 feet long and tall, these topiaries promise to offer striking backgrounds for photos on a family day out. More information and tickets can be found on the Calgary Zoo’s website. The zoo is also offering a wide range of events during stampede week which can also be found on their website.
Calaway Park: If you’re looking for the rides and the carnival atmosphere, but without the crowds, you can head west to Calaway Park.
Don’t forget the city’s more than 75 parks that are awaiting visitors each and every day.
Looking for a fun night out away from the hustle and bustle of the festival tents during the Stampede?
Dancing Queen Calgary: Calling all ABBA and Queen fans! The Palace Theatre is hosting an ABBA x Queen Dance Party on July 13, 2023. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the event ends at 2 a.m. The event is for people 18 years and older and tickets can be purchased here.
Paint Nite: The Original Paint and Sip Party kicks off Thursday, July 13, 2023. This event is being hosted at Boston Pizza in Seton and will offer attendees a personal paint class with all supplies included. Boston Pizza is offering three appetizers for the prize of two and half-priced sangrias for attendees. Tickets can be purchased here.
