48 Super Fun Calgary Things You Gotta Do in 2018
Now that we're saying goodbye to 2017, it's time to turn over a fresh page. Maybe you weren't the person you wanted to be this year. You didn't make as many friends as you wanted, you didn't develop a good workout schedule, or maybe you just didn't get outside and do the things you want to do. Whatever it may be, it's time to leave it in the past and take advantage of the new year ahead of us.
The best way to make the most of the new year is to set goals, or even have a bucket list of things you'd like to accomplish in mind. If you're not really the list type, that's okay, because we are, and we've made the perfect 2018 bucket list for you to make the most of your year in YYC.
From the Calgary Stampede in July, to Zoolights in December, and all the fun concerts, festivals, events, and shows in between, we've got you covered; all you have to do is grab your friends, clear your schedule, and get exploring.
Super Fun Things To Do In January & February 2018
Super Fun Things To Do In March & April 2018
Super Fun Things To Do In May & June 2018
Super Fun Things To Do In July & August 2018
Super Fun Things To Do In September & October 2018
Super Fun Things To Do In November & December 2018
For Super Fun Things To Do In January & February 2018, Click "NEXT".
January
Put on your jersey and head to a Calgary Flames game
No matter if you're an avid fan, or know nothing about hockey, a Flames game is always super fun. Great tickets might be pricey, but if you sit in the nosebleeds and have a few 'dome beers, you'll have just as much fun.
Belt out a tune at Ducky's Pub
If you've never tried karaoke, there's no time like the present. Plan a night out at Ducky's with your crew, and see who can do the best rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On' or 'Barbie Girl', or whatever other songs may be in your karaoke repertoire.
Go for a stroll through Fish Creek Park
It's easy to sit around eating leftover Christmas sweets, but if you really want to stick to your goal of getting fit this new year, you'll want to get outside as often as you can, no matter the weather. Take your dog, or your friend on a walk through Fish Creek and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Avoid the cold weather in the TD Devonian Gardens
If the cold Calgary weather is getting too much, just head up to the 4th floor of the CORE Shopping Centre and hang out in the Devonian Gardens for a few hours. It's a great spot to sip on a latte, or hold an impromptu photoshoot.
February
Enjoy a show at Theatre Calgary
The theatre is a great way to forget about the cold. Hide away for a few hours, and watch an interesting, remarkable story play out in front of you. Shakespeare's Twelfth Night will be showing all through February, get your tickets quickly!
Jam out at Block Heater Music Festival
You've got a few months to wait until the Calgary Folk Music Festival, but in the meantime, this smaller festival showcases incredible local, national, and international musical talent. From February 15th - 17th you can enjoy tons of live entertainment.
Do some reading with the Loft 112 Book Club
On February 6th, the bi-monthly Loft 112 Book Club meeting will be held. They'll be reading "Jesus on the Dashboard" by Lisa Murphy-Lamb, and the author will be in attendance, so you'll be able to get your book signed.
Get some treats for your boo at the Valentine's Market
This sweet holiday is right around the corner, and you want to make sure you get the best of the best for your s/o. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 7th, you can visit this Downtown Market, and get all your shopping done.
For Super Fun Things To Do In March & April 2018, Click "NEXT".
March
Watch a Calgary Hitmen game
We know that Flames tickets aren't in everyone's budget. For a much lower price, though, you can still enjoy a quality hockey game at the Dome. Some people even prefer WHL games to NHL games!
Learn a thing or two about photography with Bertie Gregory
On March 4th, any Calgary photography buff will want to find themselves at Arts Commons. The infamous National Geographic photographer Bertie Gregory will be giving a seminar on animal photography and preservation.
Have a laugh with Cheech & Chong
On March 22nd at the Grey Eagle, you'll find Cheech & Chong, telling their infamous jokes and making the whole crowd laugh. These two have had a very successful career, and hopefully are just as funny live as they are online.
Check out the LIGHTS concert
Canada's very own LIGHTS will be in Calgary on March 27th. Get tickets, and head down to Macewan Hall to hear this beautiful voice live. I remember growing up listening to her, and I'm super excited to attend her show.
Check out the Trailer Park Boys live
We've all seen the shows, now you can see them in person. This show might just be the perfect gift for your boyfriend or your dad. Either way, you'll probably have a laugh. The boys can be found at the Southern Jubilee Auditorium on April 3rd.
Embrace your inner Elle Woods at Legally Blonde: The Musical
Everyone knows and loves her. I grew up watching Legally Blonde on repeat, and the older I get, the more I relate to Elle. The show runs from April 20th - June 24th at Stage West Theatre Restaurant.
Get tipsy at the California Wine Fair
The weather may just be warming up in Calgary, but we're still dreaming of those California beaches. Purchase your tickets for April 12th, and you can taste some of the best wines the west coast has to offer at Hudson's on 8th.
Spend a day playing at the Rec Room
This new spot has been making big waves in YYC. You can do everything from Virtual Reality to old school arcade games, all while ignoring your adult responsibilities and sipping on your favourite drinks.
For Super Fun Things To Do In May & June 2018, Click "NEXT".
Get a little nerdy at Otafest
Any anime fans in Calgary will want to attend this event. Purchasing a ticket gets you access to three days of anime and Japanese themed fun, and all sorts of events. This years festival welcomes Kim Chi from RuPaul's Drag Race, which I'm personally super excited about.
Visit the Nickel Galleries
School may be over, but you can still visit the library. The Nickel Galleries are located in UofC's TFDL library, and are totally free to explore and enjoy. There's always something new for you to check out.
See what Stephen Ave has to offer
As the weather gets warmer, the allure of exploring our city gets bigger and bigger. May is a great time to get outside, all the snow should be melted, and the days are getting longer. Take a walk down Stephen Ave, and check out all the super unique shops and restaurants.
Head out on an epic brewery road trip across Alberta
Maybe it's just me, but the coming of summer always puts me in the mood to enjoy a drink. Alberta happens to have an incredible brewery scene, all across the province, and there's no time like the present to enjoy it.
Visit the Calgary Zoo
The zoo is always fun, no matter how old you are. Spend a day hanging out with all your favourite animals, and learning about animal conservation and much, much more.
Check out the Glenbow Museum
If art is something that interests you, the Glenbow should be your new favourite hangout. It's always got new exhibits to keep you busy and interested, and will look super cool on your Instagram feed. Tickets are reasonably priced as is, but they're even cheaper for students.
Catch a show at Shakespeare by the Bow
From mid-June to late August every year, you can watch some incredible local performers give their take on a Shakespeare classic. Cost is technically free, but they do ask that you donate what you can. Lay out a blanket, soak up the sun, and enjoy some entertainment.
Go on a hike through Sunshine Meadows
Take a day trip up to beautiful Banff, and enjoy all the amazing views it has to offer. There's plenty of other hiking options, but Sunshine Meadows just happens to be one of the best spots.
For Super Fun Things To Do In July & August 2018, Click "NEXT".
Celebrate Canada Day the Calgarian way
There's always plenty going on in Calgary on Canada, no matter if you're looking to watch the fireworks with your family, or spend the day going on a crazy pub crawl. You've got plenty of options, but you'll definitely make some amazing memories.
Get crazy at the Calgary Stampede
It's everyone's favourite time of year. The Calgary Stampede not only has amazing food, entertainment, and rides, but it also gives you an opportunity to get all your friends together and make some crazy summer memories.
Visit the Farmers Market
If the best part of summer isn't the farmers markets, then I don't know what is. They give you a chance to get outside, buy some fresh produce, check out local vendors, and meet amazing new people.
Check out as many YYC food trucks as you can
Nobody does food trucks like Calgary. We have an abundance of options, and some of the best, most unique flavours you'll find anywhere. Try and find a new one to try every week of July!
Attend the No Greater Love Music Festival
On August 11th and 12th, you'll want to make a trip just West of Calgary, to the foot of the Rockies. This year's lineup includes names like Tenth Avenue North, Zach Williams, and Plumb. It's sure to be a great time.
Go for a dip in Sikome Lake
We may not have beaches in Calgary, but this is as close as it gets. Sikome is a great little spot to enjoy the sun, go for a swim, and grab a bite to eat. Admission is relatively cheap, so it won't break your bank.
Take a trip to the Royal Tyrrell Museum
Before summer ends, take one last road trip out to Drumheller, and spend the day digging for dinosaur bones and exploring the history of the great giants. There's plenty of fun to be had, and a ton of cool photo ops.
Check out any new exhibits at TELUS Spark
You may be out of school, but you can still learn something new. TELUS Spark is the spot to go if science is your thing. The exhibits are always super informative and interactive, and will keep you entertained for hours on end.
For Super Fun Things To Do In September & October 2018, Click "NEXT".
September
Do your back to school shopping at Cross Iron Mills
Go back to school in style. Head north of Calgary, to Cross Iron Mills for a day of shopping at all your favourite stores. Be sure to save up, because whenever you shop here, you're bound to drop a lot of money.
Plan a picnic in one of Calgary's beautiful parks
Before the weather turns cold again, you'll want to take every opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous weather. Pack all your favourite foods in a bag, spread out a blanket, and spend the day chatting, reading, sunbathing, and eating in the park.
Check out Studio Bell
Not only is Studio Bell beautiful, it's also home of the National Music Centre, the perfect spot to take any music lover in your life. There's plenty to do here, for a super great, affordable price.
See what Chinatown has to offer
One of the most cultural, beautiful areas of town, there's always plenty to do in Chinatown. Grab some authentic, delicious food, pose for a few pictures, or stop in the abundance of shops and grocery stores.
October
Explore Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm
Fall is the best time to visit this spot. There's pumpkins everywhere, baby animals to be pet, hay rides to be enjoyed, and a corn maze to be explored. Be sure to take a few pictures for your Instagram.
Head to the top of the Calgary Tower
This is something that should be on every Calgarian's bucket list. Pay a small fee and head to the top of our beautiful tower to look down at the sights of Downtown below. Hope you're not scared of heights.
Get a little spooky at ScreamFest
This yearly Calgary tradition is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. Check out a selection of haunted houses, and Halloween themed carnival games. Dress up in your best costume, and get ready to scream.
Go on a roadtrip to some of Alberta's most haunted spots
If Halloween is really your thing, you probably love all things spooky and scary. Pack your car with Halloween treats, and hit the road to check out everything from haunted hotels, to creepy restaurants.
For Super Fun Things To Do In November & December 2018, Click "NEXT".
November
Hit the slopes at one of Alberta's best ski resorts
Winter is right around the corner, and that means it's time to strap on your skiis or snowboard. Alberta is, of course, home of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, meaning that we've got some of the best skiing spots.
Treat yourself to a boujee af spa day
Winter becomes a stressful time for a lot of people, so it's the most ideal time to treat yourself to a spa day. Calgary is full of great spots, whether you're after a facial, massage, nail day, or all of the above.
Get ready for midterms at one of these cool Calgary spots
November means midterms, and midterms means no social life. That doesn't have to be entirely true, though. Some people like to study in their bedrooms or at the library, but if you're a social butterfly like me, maybe it's time you check out a cafe or shisha bar.
Go ice skating at Olympic Plaza
Ice skating is a Calgary winter tradition, and luckily, the city is full of great spots. Olympic Plaza is particularly beautiful, and offers free skate rental for those of you who don't have any.
December
Check out the cities' beautiful holiday decor
Every year, Calgary becomes lit up with the most beautiful holiday displays at this time of year. Every mall, shopping centre, and park is incredibly decorated and just waiting to be photographed.
Zoolights
A Calgary winter favourite, everyone needs to check out Zoolights. The dates for 2018 have yet to be released, but it will probably run from late November until early January, giving you plenty of time to check out this fantastic display.
Christmas in Kensington
Snap a picture with santa, take a sleigh ride, or catch a free movie. There's plenty to do in one of Calgary's trendiest neighbourhoods. Dates for 2018 have yet to be released, but keep your eyes peeled over the coming months.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Every year, the CPR train rolls through Calgary to celebrate the holidays. There is no cost to watch the train, but a donation is encouraged. There's always live entertainment, and plenty of fun to be had. Dates will be released over the coming months.
