FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Afrikadey!
Aug 7-10 various venues mainstage event at Prince’s Island Park
Afrikadey! 2013 is a celebration of African culture including music food dance theatre film literature and visual arts. Headliner this year is Common with other performers including Soukous Stars Yondo Sister Papa Groove and Soul In Rhythm.
403-234-9110 afrikadey.com
Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo (Canadian Rockies International Rodeo) June 28-30 Strathmore AG Society Grounds. argra.org
Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival
May–Sept The Banff Centre
Music dance films opera visual and literary arts exhibitions new media events and more.
1-888-413-8368 banffcentre.ca/events
Beakerhead
September 11-15 Calgary
A city-wide collaboration which brings the arts engineering and community groups together resulting in an entertaining and educational display of creativity and technology through interactive works of art. beakerhead.org
Banff National Park Bike Fest
June 13-16 Banff
Elite racers from across Western Canada compete on courses running through Banff. banfflakelouise.com/events-and-festivals/festivals/bike-fest
BBQ on the Bow Festival
Sept 1 Eau Claire Market
Live music by local talent and barbecue. bbqonthebow.com
Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 25-28 Prince’s Island Park
Four days and nights of music on seven stages at Prince’s Island Park downtown folk fest brings acts from around the world and provides local talent a chance to show their stuff. The 2013 lineup includes artists such as Steve Earle & The Dukes M. Ward Kurt Vile & the Violators Alabama Shakes Hayes Carll Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra and more. 403-233-0904 calgaryfolkfest.com
Calgary Fringe Festival
August 2-10 various venues in Inglewood
Music theatre film and street performers merge to create an uncensored artistic event. Local national and international artists present a multidisciplinary blend of fringe culture. 403-451-9726 calgaryfringe.ca
Calgary International Blues Festival
July 29–Aug 4 Shaw Millennium Park
Four day festival of the blues featuring acts from around the world including Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-A-Whirl Band featuring Lou Ann Barton Sista Monica Albert Castiglia Crystal Plamondon David Raitt & the Baja Boogie Band and many more. Beer gardens handicraft vendors record tent and a family area. calgarybluesfest.com
Calgary International Children’s Festival
May 22-25 in and around the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts
Featuring world-class performances from Brazil West Africa Scotland Belgium & Canada. calgarykidsfest.ca
Calgary Stampede
July 5-14 Stampede Grounds
Midway rodeo exhibitions and many musical performers. calgarystampede.com
4th Annual Calgary Ukranian Festival
June 1-2 Acadia Recreation Complex
June 1 from 11am-7pm June 2 from 11am-6pm
Mainstage performances including dance ensembles vocal artists Ukranian foods marketplace and more. calgaryukrainianfestival.ca
Canada Day
July 1 Prince’s Island Park Calgary Zoo Heritage Park & Fort Calgary.
Canmore Folk Music Festival
Aug 3-5 Centennial Park Canmore
Performers including Jim Cuddy Spirit of the West David Francey Great Lake Swimmers and more. (403)678-2524 canmorefolkfestival.com.
Carifest
June 8 at Shaw Millenium Park
Caribbean music featuring parade movie night Sunshine Festival and more. 11am-7pm. (403)774-1300 carifestcalgary.com
Dragon Boat Festival
August 10-11 Calgary
Spectator seating family activities contests cultural presentations and more. calgarydragonboat.ca
Expo Latino 2013
Aug 23-25 Prince’s Island Park
A diverse sampling of food drink and performances from the city’s large Hispanic community. The three-day event includes Reggaeton Fest and Calgary’s Hottest Latin Music Festival. 403-271-2744 expolatino.ca
Opera in the Village
August 22-25 Riverwalk Plaza East Village
A fun-filled festival of music and laughter presented by Calgary Opera and featuring a mainstage performance of The Pirates of Penzance. calgaryopera.com
15th Fairy Tales International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
May 24-June 1 Plaza Theatre
Featuring films activities and events that highlight contemporary queer culture and more. fairytalesfilmfest.com
4th Street Lilac Festival
May 26
Street festival along 4th St SW from Elbow Drive to 13th Ave 10am-6pm featuring food and entertainment vendors performers and more. 4streetcalgary.com/Lilac-Festival
Global Fest 2013
Aug 16-25 Elliston Park
An international Fireworks Festival combined with the OneWorld Festival a celebration of diversity and multiculturalism. Other events include the Human Rights Forum Night Market and Youth Forum. This popular event started in 2003 and won the city’s top tourism award in 2009. 403-569-9679 globalfest.ca
Greek Fest
June 21-23 Calgary Hellenic Society Community Hall
Featuring entertainment belly dance lessons eating and dance contests and more. 403-246-4553 calgaryhellenic.com
Inglewood Sunfest
August 3 11am-5pm 9th Avenue S.E.
A festival to celebrate the community of Inglewood and to kick off the Fringe Festival which is held there each year it includes local vendors performers and family entertainment. inglewoodsunfest.com
Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival
July 21 11am-5pm at Kensington Road & 10th St.
An opportunity to sample and judge salsas from many vendors wander the streets of Kensington and enjoy the sun. visitkensington.com/sun-and-salsa/
Marda Gras
Aug 11 10am-5pm Marda Loop
Includes the sights and sounds of New Orleans entertainment flea tables kids’ activities and more. 403-685-LOOP mardaloopbrz.com
Mayor’s Environment Expo
June 4-6 Municipal Building Atrium
Learn about environmental issues and initiatives through hands-on interactive booths displays and theatre. calgary.ca/mee
Pride Festival 2013
Aug 26-Sept 2 Parade and Street Festival Sept 1
Featuring Pride Dance and Pride Parade 12-6pm. pridecalgary.ca
ReggaeFest 2013
Aug 14-17 with mainstage performance Aug. 17 at Shaw Millennium Park featuring Ky-Mani Marley Tony Rebel Leroy Sibbles Steele Lukie D. Lil Bit and more. 403-355-5696 CalgaryReggaeFestival.com
Shakespeare in the Park
June 26–Aug 10 Prince’s Island Park
This year’s performance will be Romeo and Juliet. Wed-Sun 7:00pm weekend matinees 2:00pm. theatrecalgary.com/plays/sitp/more_info/
7th Annual Sled Island Festival
June 19-22 various venues
A four-day festival showcasing a wide variety of emerging and established musicians playing bars throughout the city — The Jesus and Mary Chain Explosions in The Sky Swans Divine Fits The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Superchunk and the list goes on — as well as films art shows comedians and more. A great way to kick off the summer. 403-229-2901 sledisland.com
Slurpee Cup
Aug 17 University of Calgary
Annual CJSW ball hockey tournament for charity. 403-220-3902 cjsw.com
Taste of Calgary
August 15-18 Eau Claire Market
International food and beverage festival. 403-293-2888 tasteofcalgary.com
Tour of Alberta
September 3-8 between Calgary and Edmonton
A first for our province the Tour of Alberta will feature world-class pro-cyclists competing over an 850-kilometre route throughout 11 host communities beginning with a prologue stage in Edmonton travelling through central Alberta the Badlands the Rockies and finishing in downtown Calgary. tourofalberta.ca
MOUNTAIN PARKS
Banff National Park
The firs national park in Canada and still one of the most popular. Explore Canada’s Rocky Mountains. 403-762-1470 pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/
Kananaskis Country
A 1600-square mile four-season multi-use recreation area 90 kilometers west of Calgary. K-Country includes Peter Lougheed Bow Valley and Bragg Creek Provincial Parks. Also encompasses Sibbald Barrier Lake Ribbon Creek the Elbow River and Sheep River Valleys and the Highwood and Cataract areas. 403-678-5508
CAMPGROUNDS
Barrier Lakes region
403-673-3985 tpr.alberta.ca
Peter Lougheed National Park
403-591-6300 koa.com
Bow Valley Provincial Park
403-673-2163 bowvalleycampgrounds.com
CITY PARKS
Calgary has close to 5300 public parks for everything from off-leash to neighbourhood greenspace to regional parks for urban hiking mountain biking picnicing and sports.
calgary.ca follow the links through parks
OUTDOOR POOLS
calgary.ca follow the links through recreation to aquatic & fitness
PUBLIC TENNIS COURTS
403-268-3800 or calgary.ca follow the links through recreation to court activities
PRIVATE TENNIS COURTS
Elbow Park
800-34 Ave SW 403-287-2450 eptc.ws
Mount Pleasant Tennis Club
117-4 Ave NE 403-276-3013 mountpleasanttennis.com
Calgary Tennis Club
1445-16 St SW 403-244-5302 calgarytennisclub.com
PUBLIC GOLF COURSES
Confederation Park
3204 Collingwood Dr NW 403-974-1800
Lakeview
5840-19 St SW 403-974-1815
Maple Ridge
1240 Mapleglade Dr SE 403-974-1825
McCall Lake
1600-32 Ave NE (403)974-1805
Richmond Green
2539-33 Ave SW 403-974-1820
Shaganappi Point/Valley
1200-26 St SW 403-974-1810
MINI-GOLF COURSES
Wackyputt Kart World Family Fun Centre
5202-1 St SW
RCGA Golf Centre
710-15 St SE
Stone Creek Adventure Golf
999 Country Hills Blvd NE
Mulligans Island
Calaway Park
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Calgary Farmers’ Market
510 – 77 Ave S.E. 403-240-9113 Thur – Sun 9am to 5pm. Open year-round. calgaryfarmersmarket.ca
Cochrane Farmers’ Market at Cochrane Ranche
Hwy 1A & Hwy 22 403-851-0562 Sat 9am-1pm beginning of June until the end of September. cochrane-environment.org/farmers-market
Crossroads Market
1235-26 Ave SE 403-291-5208 Fri Sat & Sun 9 am to 5 pm outdoor farmer’s market summer only/indoor market 9 am to 5 pm year-round. crossroadsmarket.ca
Hillhurst-Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association every Wed from 3-7pm May 30-Oct 3. farmersmarket.hillhurstsunnyside.org
Kingsland Farmers’ Market
7711 Macleod Trail South 403-255-3276 Thur 9am-5pm Fri-Sun 10am-4pm. kfmcalgary.com
Millarville
Race Track 403-931-2404 Sat from 9am am to 2pm June 15- Oct 12. millarvilleracetrack.ca/farmers-market
CITY ATTRACTIONS
Calgary & Banff Ghost Tours
Walking tours throughout downtown Calgary Inglewood Beltline Kensington & Banff as presented by knowledgeable and entertaining guides giving glimpses into the mischief mayhem and murders of Calgary. 403-472-1989 calgaryghosttours.com
Calgary Corn Maze & Fun Farm
July 26-Oct. 20
Educational farm filled adventures for families including giant corn labyrinths to navigate through. 284022 Township Road 224 calgarycornmaze.com
Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Rd NE open from 9 am to 5 pm 365 days a year. calgaryzoo.org
Calaway Park
Amusement park west of Calgary on the TransCanada Hwy open weekends May 18-June 16 Fri from 5-9 pm Sat Sun & holiday Mon from 10 am-7 pm and June 20-Sept 2 daily from 10am-7pm Sept 7-Oct 14 Sat Sun & holiday Mon from 11 am to 6 pm. calawaypark.com
Canada Olympic Park
Open throughout the summer for mountain biking and more. 8am-9pm. (Hours vary per sport/event. Call for details.) winsportcanada.ca/cop
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Offers Tuesday Tours each Tues evening in July and August 7-9pm. 403-297-7927 tpr.alberta.ca/parks/fishcreek/
Fort Calgary Historic Park
Open 9am-5pm each day closed New Year’s Day Good Friday Christmas Eve Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 403-290-1875 fortcalgary.com
Glenbow Museum
130 – 9 Ave SE. Open Mon-Sat from 9am-5pm and Sun 12-5pm. 403-268-4100 glenbow.org
Heritage Park
1900 Heritage Dr SW. May 19-Sept 3 daily 9:30am-5pm then weekends until Oct 8. 403-268-8500 heritagepark.ca
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
9th Avenue and Sanctuary Road SE a 32-hectare federally designated bird reserve offering the public four kilometres of walking trails natural history education courses and guided nature walks. May 1-Sept 30 10am-5pm & Oct 1-April 30 10am-4pm closed Mondays & holidays. 403-268-CITY
Kart World Family Fun Centre
5202-1 St SW. Mon-Fri 3-8pm Sat & Sun 11am-8pm *weather permitting. 403-253-8301 kartworldcalgary.com
Shaw Millennium Park
1220-9th Ave SW open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Lessons available through Calgary Parks & Rec during July & Aug. 403-268-3800 to register.
TELUS Spark
220 St. George’s Drive NE 403-817-6800 open Sun-Wed 9am-4pm Thur 9am-9pm Fri & Sat 9am-5pm. sparkscience.ca
ORGANIZATIONS
Jim-Bows Archery Ltd.
4416-5 St NE (403)250-7713. jimbowsarchery.ca
Alberta Disc Golf
Played at Forest Lawn Baker Park Park 69 and Centenary Park. albertadiscgolf.com
Alpine Club of Canada
A club providing members of all skill levels with rock snow and ice climbing courses as well as regular climbing outings bouldering sessions social events and more. 403-678-3200. acccalgary.ca
Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area
A 4800-acre day use area dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the provision of conservation education. Available for conservation education hiking and the enjoyment of nature. Access by appointment. 403-931-1042 crossconservation.org
Apollo Calgary
Provides a positive and fun environment through sport and social activities within the community. apollocalgary.com
The Banff Centre for Mountain Culture
The Banff Centre promotes understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and creates opportunities for the international mountain community to share experiences ideas and visions. Program highlights include: Banff Mountain Photo Competition Book Festival Film Festival and Summit. 1-800-413-8368 banffmountainfestivals.ca
Bow Waters Canoe Club
BWCC offers paddlers an extensive tour schedule lessons activities and social events. Winter activities include backcountry and nordic skiing. 403-235-2922 bowwaters.org
Calgary Balloon Club
Actively promotes the sport of ballooning in the community. calgaryballoonclub.org
Calgary Canoe Club
The CCC offers recreational educational and competitive canoe and kayak programs. Boats and equipment are available to members as well as for rent to the public. Located on the north shore of Glenmore Reservoir. 403-246-5757 calgarycanoeclub.com
Calgary Hash House Harriers
A sociable running and cycling club which caters to all levels. 403-254-9014 onon.org/asm
Calgary Kayak Club
CKC provides a loose framework for Calgary paddlers to organize kayak-related events. Organizes kayak polo and Kananaskis Whitewater Festival in May. calgarykayakclub.com
Calgary Lawn Bowling Club
1238 -16 Ave SW. 403-245-4341. calgarylawnbowlingclub.ca
Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance
CMBA promotes advocacy education and stewardship of the land which cyclists use. Group rides road trips and trail days available to members. cmbalink.com
Calgary Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts
An all-season outdoor club offering hiking cross-country skiing snowshoeing cycling backpacking and other outdoor activities. corehike.org
City of Calgary Parks – Environmental/Nature Services
Offers environmental education and natural history programs as well as info on natural areas outdoor experiences and Calgary’s pathway system. Call 3-1-1 or 403-268-2489. calgary.ca/parks
Calgary Pathway Advisory Council
Established in the spring of 1989 at the request of Calgary City Council CPAC represents all Calgary pathway user groups and advises on issues of pathway development maintenance and management. 403-537-7560
Calgary Regional Trail Riders
CRTR promotes safe enjoyable trail riding. Activities also include club socials camping parades and equestrian education. calgaryregionaltrailriders.com
Calgary Roadrunners Club
Offering group training running clinics and fun runs for distance runners of all ages and abilities. calgaryroadrunners.com
Calgary Rowing Club
North Glenmore Park 403-249-2880
Calgary Ski Club
CSC offers recreational and social activities year-round such as downhill and cross-country skiing hiking and cycling. Promotes education and safety awareness while having fun. 403-282-4122 calgaryskiclub.org
Calgary Sport & Social Club
Co-Ed sports league provider. 403-244-7529 calgarysportsclub.com
Calgary Weekend Hikers
A casual members-only hiking club for all levels offering weekday weekend and overnight trips. calgaryweekendhikers.com
Calgary Yacht Club
Located on Chestermere Lake CYC offers individuals and families a chance to enjoy the recreational competitive and social aspects of sailing. 403-272-3300 cyc.ab.ca
Elbow Valley Cycle Club
A club offering bicycling events including day weekend and Wednesday evening rides mountain bike trips Golden and Silver Triangle tours bike clinics hiking and winter ski trips. Also acts as advocate for a better cycling environment. elbowvalleycc.org
Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club
A club offering orienteering events for all age groups and fitness levels. Participants use a map and compass to navigate around a pre-set course while enjoying the natural environment along the way. orienteeringcalgary.ca
Ghost River Rediscovery Society
Aims at empowering people of all ages and cultures to discover the natural world the worlds between cultures and the worlds within themselves. 403-270-9351 ghostriverrediscovery.com
Glenmore Sailing Club
Welcomes sailors of all ages and abilities offering races regattas youth programs and more. 403-238-2044 glenmoresailingclub.com
Hook & Hackle Club
A fishing club offering regular meetings fly-tying classes socializing guest speakers and demonstrations. hookandhackleclub.org
Hostelling International — Southern Alberta
An international organization which provides a network of safe friendly and affordable accommodation and services to more than 5000 hostels in over 70 countries.
#203 1414 Kensington Road NW 403-283-5551 hihostels.ca
Nature Calgary
A society which encourages the appreciation study observation and protection of the natural world through field trips meetings and publications. naturecalgary.com
Rocky Mountain Ramblers
A club offering ambitious hiking and cross-country skiing trips as well as social events for outdoor enthusiasts. ramblers.ab.ca
Seniors Outdoor Club of Calgary
A year-round club that organizes outdoor trips for seniors. 403-270-7447
Single Volunteers Society of Calgary
Serves the community through volunteer activities and at the same time provides single people with the opportunity to meet in safe and non-threatening environments. singlevolunteers.org/calgary
Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies
This non-profit organization provides annual guided hikes from established base camps in the Rocky Mountains. Also promotes appreciation and conservation of Canada’s national parks. 866-445-3774 (toll free) skylinehikers.ca
Stampede City Ski Club
For 30 years this club has arranged camping skiing hiking volleyball social dining and many other activities. skicalgary.com
Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies
A non-profit organization providing guided horseback riding and teepee camping adventures in Banff National Park. Riding experience is not necessary. 403-874-4408 trail-rides.ca
University of Calgary — Outdoor Program Centre
The U of C Outdoor Program Centre provides outdoor courses and educational trips in outdoor recreation. Their Outdoor Equipment Rental Service features a huge selection of top quality gear for all types of outdoor recreation. 2500 University Drive NW 403-220-5038 or 403-220-6800
Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society
A non-profit society dedicated to the preservation of the Weaselhead area of Calgary. In conjunction with CFNS this group offers a spring/fall series of walks in the Weaselhead. 403-252-6141
To be included in next year’s guide e-mail listings@ffwd.greatwest.ca or phone 403-244-2235.
