15 Best Things to Do in Calgary This July

by Alana Willerton

Spend a day relaxing on a local beach

Take advantage of Calgary’s sunny summer weather by having a beach day with some friends or family. You can relax by the water with a book, enjoy a picnic together and more.

Read more: A Summer Guide to Calgary’s Local Beaches

 

Have a blast at the Calgary Stampede

When: July 4 to 13

The Calgary Stampede is back! Whether you attend it for the midway games, the animals, the music, the food or all of the above, there’s no shortage of things to do during the 10-day festival.

calgarystampede.com

 

See some classic movies at The Grand

When: July 11, 18 and 25 (plus dates in August and September)

The Grand theatre is showcasing some beloved films with its Classic Summer Film Series. Depending on the night, upcoming movies include Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Casablanca, Grease, Scream and more. The movie nights feature snacks and a full-service bar.

The Grand, 608 1 St. S.W., thegrandyyc.ca

 

Go to a new National Music Centre exhibit about Oscar Peterson

When: Opens July 16

The latest exhibition to launch at Studio Bell’s National Music Centre, Timeless: 100 years of Oscar Peterson, is all about the great Canadian composer and jazz pianist’s story and music. Featuring everything from his musical instruments to performance footage, this exhibit provides an in-depth look at a remarkable artist.

Studio Bell, 850 4 St. S.E., studiobell.ca

 

Dine at a new brunch spot in Glenbrook

Freo is one of Calgary’s newest spots to indulge in a delicious breakfast or lunch experience. Visit the new restaurant in Glenbrook for dishes like a wild mushroom and truffle omelette, a crispy pancetta and tomato confit bowl, matcha pancakes, the house spicy chicken burger and more.

120, 3003 37 St. S.W., 587-353-3777, freoyyc.com

 

Spend a day celebrating Latin culture at Fiestaval

When: July 18 to 20

Celebrate Latin culture at this three-day festival in Eau Claire Plaza. Expect more than 30 food vendors, beer gardens, a market and tons of exciting performances by dance groups, DJs and musicians. Admission is free.

Eau Claire Plaza , fiestaval.ca

 

Try fun ice cream creations during YYC Ice Cream Fest

When: July 18 to August 17

There’s no better time to go for ice cream than during YYC Ice Cream Fest, a food festival that invites anyone with a sweet tooth to try featured ice cream creations at participating eateries and ice cream shops. Each time the featured treat is sold, $1 to $3 will go towards supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels. You can also vote for your favourites online to help crown the winner in three award categories.

Multiple locations, yycicecreamfest.com

 

Enjoy a River Café picnic basket in Prince’s Island Park

What could be more summery than a picnic along the river? River Café helps make that experience easy to accomplish with its summer picnic baskets that you can pre-order online. Get one of the set baskets for two, or mix-and-match dishes like Gull Valley tomato salad, smoked salmon sandwiches, baked goods and more. Once you have your basket in hand, find a spot within Prince’s Island Park to settle in and enjoy.

25 Prince’s Island, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com

 

Take your pup for some dog-friendly ice cream

When: Starting July 19

Take yourself and your pooch down to Village Ice Cream for a cold treat this month. The local ice cream shop is launching a dog-friendly ice cream on July 19 called Freddie’s Cheesy Cracker that features a coconut milk base, shredded cheddar cheese and cheesy crackers. The Canadian Animal Task Force will receive $1 from each sale of a Dogs of Village scoop or pint.

Multiple locations, villageicecream.com, @villageicecream

 

Shop for tasty treats at Avenue‘s Best Things to Eat and Drink Market

When: July 19

Every year, Avenue highlights some of the best things to eat and drink in the city. On July 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can shop for many of those products (and ones from previous years) all in one spot at the Best Things to Eat and Drink Market. Expect more than 15 local vendors selling chocolate bars, spices, curry, kombucha and more.

Read more: All the Vendors Coming to Avenue’s 2025 Best Things to Eat and Drink Market

Rangeview Drive S.E.

 

Make your own mini doughnuts at home

If you find yourself missing the tastes and treats of Stampede once it’s over, fear not — you can still make one of its most beloved treats at home with some friends or family.

Read more: How to Make Homemade Mini-Doughnuts

 

Listen to your favourite artists at the Calgary Folk Music Festival

When: July 24 to 27

Prince’s Island Park will be lit up with music and community spirit during the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Celebrating its 46th anniversary this year, the line-up includes artists like Dengue Fever, Sierra Ferrell, Starpainter, Emily Wurramara, Tall Tall Trees and more. Single-day tickets and four-day passes are available.

Prince’s Island Park, calgaryfolkfest.com

 

Check out Calgary’s new Eau Claire Plaza

Eau Claire Plaza underwent a redesign and celebrated its grand opening on July 2. Go for a walk through the new space to see additions like an urban beach, a water misting feature, various seating offerings and more.

Read more: Calgary’s Newly Revitalized Eau Claire Plaza Has an Urban Beach, Green Spaces and More

Eau Claire Plaza, calgary.ca

 

Shop from local vendors and see fun performances at Inglewood Sunfest

When: July 26

For one day only, Inglewood’s main strip will be filled with more than 200 local vendors, food trucks, performances and more when this annual festival returns on July 26. Head down between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to explore the celebrations and local businesses in the area.

9th Avenue S.E., inglewoodsunfest.ca 

 

Take a raft down the Bow or Elbow Rivers

Few things say summer in Calgary like floating down the river in a raft. Whether you have your own raft or want to rent one from a local business like Lazy Day Raft Rentals, don’t miss your chance to do this quintessential Calgary summer experience with some friends this month.

Read more: How to Float Down Calgary’s Bow or Elbow Rivers Like A Pro This Summer

The post 15 Best Things to Do in Calgary This July appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

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