Things to do in Calgary this August

Is it August already? It seems like just yesterday that the kids ran from the hallowed halls of school and into the bliss that is the summer holiday. The patios downtown opened up, the flowers bloomed, and we took a collective, contented sigh saying, "Ah yes! It's finally summer!"

And it still is! Don't let the looming September threaten your summer fun. It may be August, and you may have already spent July exploring Calgary events, but there are still plenty of things to do in Calgary to round out your summer experience.

We've broken down things to do in Calgary in August by type; there's something in the city for everyone! This is by no means an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out the City of Calgary's event calendar, the city's tourism page, Eventbrite, and other similar sites for even more Calgary events.

Food Events in Calgary

If you love to eat you'll love the things to do in Calgary this August that center on all the goodies you can ingest.

Craving Kensington – Ongoing 6PM to 9PM, Kensington district

This is the family-safe version of a pub crawl. It's the Calgary event where you do a walking tour and take in five of Kensington's food destinations. Wear comfy shoes and bring your appetite. Learn more at www.albertafoodtours.ca/tour/craving-kensington.

Dinner En Dogge – August 4, 8PM, Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association

Celebrate your pet with a formal dinner for you and your dog! The meal includes fine eats for both of you, and a swaggy bow tie for your proud pupper. This is one of those unique things to do in Calgary that is a must for every dog lover.

Avenue Dinner Series – August 15, Time and Location varies

Avenue creates unique dining experiences for its readers, and this next one in August will take place at Alloy. This Calgary Event is for a good cause, as part of the proceeds go to The Alex Community Food Centre. Click here for more information and tickets.

Sashay, Fillet! – August 30, 7PM, Hotel Arts

You love RuPaul's Drag Race, and you love good food – now enjoy both at this Pride-influenced culinary event. Sashay, Fillet! Features five local chefs from award-winning restaurants competing for the gastronomic approval of Top Chef Canada's Mijune Pak and Yuhua Hamasaki of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10. Tickets and more information are on Eventbrite.

Kids & Family Events in Calgary

Summertime is family time. These family-friendly things to do will keep your minions active all summer long.

Interactive and Supervised Play – August, Time and Locations Vary

Help those little ones learn the importance of being active with Park n' Play and Stay n' Play, two park-themed Calgary events that run throughout the summer. The programs are weather-dependent, so dress accordingly and be prepared to stay with your child at the location. Learn all about it on Calgary's event calendar page.

PJ Masks Meet & Greet – August 17, 2018, Northland Village Mall

Is your kid a PJ Masks fan? The plucky team is making an appearance this month. This free event is for kids, but it's a Calgary event that will have mom and dad reliving their childhoods too.

Movie at the Meadows – Wednesdays in August, Spruce Meadows

Drive-in movies have a nostalgic appeal, and you can get that feeling again with Movie at the Meadows. Just swap your car for a cozy blanket or lawn chair for this Calgary event, and enjoy a fun flick with your family under the stars. Check out Spruce Meadows' website for all the details.

Festivals in Calgary

Big-impact events that celebrate food, art, and culture – these Calgary events are summer favourites every year.

Calgary Fringe Festival – August 3-11, Inglewood & Downtown Core

It's just not summer in the city without one of its most famous festivals! The Fringe tops one of the most exciting things to do in Calgary this August. Festival performers from around the globe delight audiences of all ages in an exciting lineup of performance art. It's not to be missed!

Strathmore Stampede – August 3-6, Strathmore Exhibition Grounds

Already missing the Calgary Stampede? Want to see the running of the bulls? Chuckwagons? Cowfolk? All the cattle and horses you can handle? Well, giddyup pardner, and race on down to the Strathmore Stampede. You'll be yelling "yeehaw!" to this Calgary (adjacent) event.

Heritage Days – August 6, Heritage Park Historical Village

For new and established Canadians alike, this is the festival where everyone comes together to celebrate how our cultural differences make for a better nation. The wealth of traditional foods, cultural dances, traditional attire, and boutique pop-up shops are a delight for all your senses. When it comes to things to do in Calgary, Heritage Days is one of the city's most popular events.

Taste of Calgary – August 9-12, Eau Claire Festival Plaza

Calgary is home to thousands of restaurants offering everything from grandma's comfort food to taste-bending molecular gastronomy. The best place to get an overview of the city's most exciting foods is at Taste of Calgary. A highly-anticipated annual event, admission is free and taste sample tickets are just a dollar each.

Calgary Pride Festival – August 24-September 3, Various Locations

Music, education, parties, and of course – the parade. Pride is about showing the world that who you are and who you love doesn't matter. Love is love and deserves to be celebrated. Participation is open to everyone for this Calgary event. Learn more at Pride Calgary.

Music Events in Calgary

Although some of Calgary's biggest music festivals passed by in July, there's still time to catch these two events.

Calgary International Blues Festival – July 30-August 5, Shaw Millennium Park

It's the only time having the blues is a good thing! If you are looking for something different to do in Calgary, check out this lineup of Sue Foley, Popa Chubby, Jim Byrnes and more. Calgarybluesfest.com has more information, along with more blues-themed events happening around the city.

Chasing Summer Festival – August 4 & 5, Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds

This is a festival that can't be missed by those who love EDM. The line-up includes DJ Snake, RL Grime, Cash Cash and many more. Let loose by learning more about it right here.

As mentioned, this is not an exhaustive list. Our city is teeming with Calgary events for every age and every interest. Here at Justin Havre & Associates, we don't just stop at helping clients buy and sell their homes. We love Calgary and help our clients engage in the city we all call home.