things to see + do
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11 - 16 Yonex Canada Open Badminton Championships Premiere badminton stars from around the world compete for a $ 55,000 prize .
21 - 23 Fiestaval Latin Festival Celebrate Latin American contributions to arts , entertainment , and culture with a variety of performances , shopping , and dining opportunities . Free admission .
29 - 30 Pet-A-Palooza Bring your four-legged friend to this free , outdoor event that ’ s all about dogs ! There are dozens of activities for dogs and families alike .
31 - August 6 Calgary International Blues Festival Musicians from around the world perform a series of outdoor concerts in the grassroots and blues genres .
Aug 15 - 26
17 -19 Calgary Reggae Fest Dance along to live reggae music on the outdoor main stage , then refuel in the beer gardens , at the food trucks , or in the kids ’ zone .
18 - 20 Expo Latino The Hispanic Arts Society presents a weekend of lively music and dance performances , along with art and food vendors , outdoors in Prince ’ s Island Park .
25 - 27 Canadian BMX National Championships Bikers from across Canada compete in a series of intense races .
Sep 7 - 10
August
4 - 12 Calgary Fringe Festival See a variety of uncensored , nonjuried theatre shows by troupes and performers from around the world .
5 Inglewood Sunfest The neighbourhood of Inglewood hosts a full day of free all-ages programming , from live music to children ’ s crafts to a vintage car display .
5 - 6 Chasing Summer Music Festival This event is one big outdoor dance party as guests listen to music by the world ’ s top EDM , house , and electronic artists .
Aug 18 - 20
7 - 13 ATB Financial Classic Watch pro golfers compete in a series of tournaments , or try your hand at the game itself while enjoying golf workshops and children ’ s activities .
COUNTRY THUNDER ALBERTA After a successful , sold-out first year in 2016 , Country Thunder country music festival is back with headliners Blake Shelton , Brad Paisley , and Thomas Rhett , as well as 12 other acts . Put on your cowboy hat and boots , grab a beer , and enjoy some country music in the great outdoors . This festival takes place within city limits , so listen to great music all day before going to your nearby hotel to enjoy a comfortable night in — or keep the party going at a bar or club ! Knoxville ' s Tavern , Cowboy ' s Dance Hall , and Ranchman ' s will have country tunes playing all night long .
GLOBALFEST In 2017 , this popular annual summer fireworks festival is going to be more explosive than ever ! The festival will celebrate Canada ’ s 150th birthday with six unique shows that each pay tribute to a region of Canada through themed music and fireworks displays . Before the main event each night , enjoy Canadian entertainment , sample regionally-inspired food , make children ’ s crafts , and shop for locally-made products at the night market .
10 - 13 Taste of Calgary Wander around outdoor food and drink vendors to sample tasty creations from local restaurants , bars , cafés , and food trucks . Enjoy your food alongside live music , browse retail vendors , and take little ones to the kids ’ craft zone .
10 - 13 , 17 - 20 Opera in the Village Calgary Opera performs the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific outdoors with elaborate costumes and props .
11 - 13 Calgary Ribfest Chow down on BBQ ribs , chicken , and pulled pork , and wash it all down with a craft beer , as you enjoy live music and beautiful sunshine outside .
12 - 13 Calgary Dragon Boat Festival Over 1,000 competitors in traditional wooden dragon boats vie for victory on the Glenmore Reservoir . Watch the competitions and enjoy all-ages activities .
13 Marda Gras Street Festival Join the community-focused neighbourhood of Marda Loop for an all-ages , Mardi Gras-themed festival full of vendors , entertainment , and a pet parade .
HONENS FESTIVAL This music festival celebrates piano and classical music with a variety of concerts and events . For Canada ’ s 150th birthday , some of Canada ’ s most notable classical musicians will perform , including Luca Burrato ( pictured ), Montrose Trio , Cecilia String Quartet , Bison Noir , and Katherine Chi . There are also several free community events , and events especially designed for children , so everyone can experience and learn about classical music .
25 - 27 Calgary Greek Festival This lively festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with live music , dancing , wine , and Greek food — and maybe even some plate smashing . Opa !
25 - September 4 Calgary Pride Celebrate and encourage diversity , positivity , and acceptance with a series of art , film , theatre , festival , and music events , including the festival highlight : the lively , colourful Pride Parade .
30 - September 3 Shaw Charity Classic The winner of a PGA Tour Champions President ’ s Award in 2015 , this Champions Tour features top golfers from around the world competing for a purse worth more than $ 2 million .
PHOTOGRAPHS : ( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP ) COURTESY GLOBALFEST ; BY COLIN WAY ; COURTESY COUNTRY THUNDER calgary . be part of the energy . visitcalgary . com