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Top picks for getting out Aug. 15 – 21 including Globalfest, Cirque du Soleil, Country Thunder and more

Hey! Summer’s back! Which is great timing because this week there is a lot to see that involves being outside, so get ready for all of this:

Thursday: Globalfest Fireworks Competition takes place at Elliston Park, and will have food trucks, live music, a night market and, of course, a fireworks display every night until Aug. 24. You can also take in Mark Cassano over at Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar, Jonathan Byrd & The Pick Up Cowboys at the Ironwood, Morning Show with Pleasure Prevention & Handmade at Broken City, and over at the King Eddy you can catch Spin Thursday with DJ Helen Bent For Leather.

Friday: Cirque du Soleil! If you’ve never been to see a Cirque du Soleil show, a) why? b) I’m sorry for you, c) here’s your chance to redeem yourself! Luzia will be performed down at Stampede Park until Sept. 22, so there’s no excuse for you to not go. Over at Lolita’s Lounge you can catch Jazz Generations with Deb Rasmussen, Beth Isenstein, Gabriela Laconsay & Robin Tufts, and of course all of you country music fans will be in your glory with Country Thunder this weekend, featuring Tanya Tucker, Jason Aldean, Lindsay Ell, Terri Clark and so many more it’s ridiculous. This all happens at Prairie Winds Park.

Saturday: It’s Love Your Library Day – head down to your local library to take in many free events and programs designed to encourage community and library use. Saturdays in C-Square features HAVEN Vanguard Trio and the Calgary South Sudanese Gospel Choir (that’s located behind NMC, everyone), and HoneyFest will be happening today at containR Park, a one-day music festival featuring many bands and many things. Are you, like me, a huge fan of George Bizet, but still trying to keep your street cred with all the kids? Head to the Palomino to take in Bizet’s Carmen – an untraditional take on the classic opera performed, yes, in a bar. Street cred!

Sunday: Tom Segura’s Take it Down Tour will take place (not down) at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Wednesday: Wordfest presents the We’ve Read This Book Club, this week featuring Aria by Nazanine Hozar over at the Memorial Park Library, and back over at Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar you’ll find Two Late to the Party with Mono.Pony.

There is so much more going on in this city than you can imagine. Check out all of the listings to plan your week ahead!

(Photo courtesy Lisa Amos/Tourism Calgary.)

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Kari Watson is a writer and former Listings Editor of FFWD Weekly, and continues to work within the Calgary arts & culture scene to promote the city’s numerous and varied events. Contact her at kari@theyyscene.com.

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