7 Unique Things To Do In Calgary This Weekend August 16 to 18, 2019
Festival season is in full swing and you need to take advantage of it before it comes to a screeching halt. There are tons of things to do in Calgary this weekend and we don’t want you to miss any of them. The festivities include a whole lot of music, culture, food, and fun.
This weekend will be one for the books if you're a fan of country music, theatre, Chinese food, Latino culture, or all of the above. We've got all that and more for you below.
Get those day planners out, you’re going to want to hit these festivals and events this weekend, YYC!
Country Thunder Alberta
Price: Weekend: $179.00, Single day: $75. VIP tickets available.
Address: Prairie Winds Park
When: August 13 - 16
Why you need to go: This energetic country music festival has been kickin’ for 23 years and for good reason. Talent includes Jake Owen, Jason Aldean, Terri Clark, and so much more. This year’s lineup is simply can’t-miss. Join thousands of other country lovers for a boot stompin’, beer drinkin’ good time. Hurry, they’ve only got 1000 single day tickets left and they are selling fast.
Carifest
Price: Free events & ticketed events, see website
Address: Shaw Millenium Park
When: August 16 & 17
Why you need to go: Carifest is Calgary’s own Caribbean music and cuisine festival. Bands will come together from around Canada to enchant you with the sounds of steel drums, maracas, guitar and more. There will also be a parade on Saturday with hundreds of masqueraders dancing to Caribbean Music down Stephen Ave. to Millennium Park. Get ready to eat and dance your heart out.
Expo Latino
Price: Weekend pass: $40 - Day pass: $29
Address: Prince’s Island Park
When: August 16 - 18
Why you need to go: We hope you’re fired up for Western Canada’s largest Latin festival held in Calgary every summer. Expect food trucks, food vendors, a beer garden, artisans, corporate vendors, and so much music. This year’s festival is uniting with the International Salsa Festival so if you like salsa music and dancing, you’re in for a real treat.
Chinatown Street Festival - Experience The Silk Road
Price: FreeAddress: 3 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
When: August 17, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Why you need to go: The perfect event for family fun, this annual exhibition aims to celebrate Asian culture and Chinatown heritage every year. A memorable cultural experience that welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year. Eat, play, shop. You’re going to love this.
HoneyFest 2019
Price: $25
Address: 1020 2 Ave NW, Calgary
When: August 17, 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Why you need to go: HoneyFest by Canada’s newest indie label, Electric Honey Records is a one-day music festival in the lively Kensington neighbourhood of Calgary. You’ll enjoy eight live bands, beer gardens, and food trucks from late afternoon onwards. Some of the proceeds from this weekend’s event will go to bee rehabilitation in Canada.
Cirque du Soleil Luzia
Price: $79+
Address: Stampede Park
When: August 17, 4:30 & 8:00 p.m., August 18, 1:30 p.m.
Why you need to go: Inspired by the richness and vibrant nature of Mexican culture, this Cirque performance can’t be missed. If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing Cirque du Soleil before, you probably want to go back. If you haven’t, you simply must. Here’s your chance, Calgary!
Shakespeare By The Bow Final Weekend
Price: By donation
Address: Price’s Island Park
When: August 16 & 17, 7:00 p.m., August 18, 2:00 p.m.
Why you need to go: Shakespeare By The Bow is presenting one of Shakespeare’s finest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This fun and impressive performance features local actors of all ages and is a great way to enjoy an evening or afternoon while supporting local arts. This weekend is your last chance for the year!
There you have it, seven things to keep you busy and living your best life this weekend in Calgary. Though picking will be impossible, some serious good times are guaranteed.
B.C. Premier David Eby, back, and outgoing premier John Horgan embrace during a swearing in ceremony where Eby became the province's 37th premier at the Musqueam Nation, in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck