It’s hard to believe that August is creeping up on us already, but summer is far from over in YYC. There are family activities in Calgary like festivals and fun galore to check out before heading back to school – check out our roundup below!
Fun Family Activities in Calgary in August
Calgary International Blues Festival | calgarybluesfest.com
Monday July 31 – Sunday August 6
Blues fans won’t want to miss the 19th annual Calgary International Blues Festival, held at Shaw Millennium Park. This 4-day celebration is filled with music, workshops, food trucks, markets, dance parties and more. Some big names attending this year’s festival include Grammy nominated Sugaray Rayford, “The People’s Queen of the Blues,” Rita Chiarelli, Will Crosby, Angelique Francis and more. Tickets are $40 each for Thursday and Friday, $55 each for Saturday and Sunday, or $135 for a 4-day pass. Children 12 & under are admitted free.
High Tea At The Zoo | calgaryzoo.com
August 1, 13, 15, 20, 27 & 29
Nothing beats a day at the zoo, except maybe a day at the zoo that includes high tea in the ENMAX Conservatory. This mouthwatering family friendly event comes complete with treats like scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts along with a selection of yummy loose-leaf tea. Tickets to high tea include admission to the zoo, so be sure to take in a visit with your favourite furry and frolicking friends before or after your tea time at 2:30, 3:00 or 3:30 pm! Tickets are $80 + GST for adults 16 and up, $45 + GST for children between 3 and 15, and $74 + GST for seniors. Engage and Inspire members save 20% off their ticket price. Tickets must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance.
Calgary Fringe Festival | calgaryfringe.ca
Thursday August 3 – Friday August 11
The Calgary Fringe Festival brings all the fun of the theatre to multiple venues around the city for 10 days. Check out live performances, or enjoy shows from the comfort of your own home with on-demand offerings. Grab your tickets for in-person shows here or for on-demand shows here, and check here for a detailed breakdown of what’s happening daily!
Lantern Peace Festival | calgaryfloatinglanterns.com
Saturday August 5 from 5:30 – 9 pm
Head down to Olympic Plaza for a beautiful celebration of peace set to the backdrop of lanterns floating on the Olympic Plaza pool, vibrant music, and a free Kid’s Zone to play in! Rent a lantern to add to the pool for $5.
GlobalFest | globalfest.ca
Thursday August 17 – Saturday August 26
Everyone’s favourite summer festival is back! Although fireworks are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of GlobalFest (and for good reason – they are incredible!), this festival is so much more than the beautiful night sky displays it’s come to be known for. Join in the celebration of Calgary’s multi-cultural communities by visiting the pavilions, taking in performances, tasting a variety of cultural delicacies, enjoying children’s programming and, of course, watching the fireworks. The fireworks displays will be presented by world-class pyro musical artists from Austria (August 17), Italy (August 19), Portugal (August 22), Spain (August 24) and Canada (August 26). To save on gate prices, daily tickets can be purchased in advance for $18.50 (finale night is $21). 5 day passes are $74. VIP tickets are also available for an additional fee.
Country Thunder | countrythunder.com
August 18 – 20
It’s time to get your boots (back) on! Country Thunder Alberta is headed to Fort Calgary for 3 days, featuring popular artists like Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Midland, Jo Dee Messina, Hailey Whitters, Nate Smith, Mackenzie Carpenter and more! Tickets start at $175 per day or $300 for all 3 days.
Expo Latino | expolatino.com
Friday August 18 – Sunday August 20
The 25th annual Expo Latino is coming to Prince’s Island Park for 3 days, bringing delicious foods, fantastic performances and an art market filled with one-of-a-kind wares. Daily admission is $20 on Friday, $40 on Saturday or $30 on Sunday. A 3-day wristband can also be purchased for $60. There’s also free access for all between 11:30 and 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Kids aged 12 and under and seniors aged 65+ are always free!
TD Chinatown Street Festival | eventbrite.ca
Saturday August 19 from 11 am – 7 pm
The Chinatown Street Festival is a day filled with live performances, dancing, music and more. Vendor tents will be filled with cultural products and handmade crafts and cultural tents will bring visitors Chinese traditions, arts, and crafts. Don’t forget to stop at the food trucks for a tasty snack or meal!
Monster Jam | monsterjam.com
Saturday August 19 – Sunday August 20
Monster Jam brings an adrenaline pumping experience that all members of your family will love! Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of watching trucks like Grave Digger and Max-D crush cars and tear up the track. Bring your earplugs – these trucks are loud! For a fun addition to the main event, grab a pass to the Pit Party from 12:30 til 2 which includes opportunities to get up close with the trucks and their drivers, enjoy the Pit Stop Play Area, play on the inflatable slides, check out remote control truck course, and more. Tickets start at $40 per person aged 2 and up.
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival | tixr.com
Saturday August 26 – Sunday August 27
The ever-fabulous Jonathan Van Ness is headlining the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival alongside Drag Race favourites Monet X Change and Priyanka on August 26. If that’s not enough to get you excited, comedy champs including Nick Offerman and Andrew Schulz, as well as local stand up stars are bringing the laughs for 2 days in Prince’s Island Park. VIP tickets can be purchased for between $69-$169 for August 26 and between $99-$199 for August 27. General admission tickets are available for between $39-$69 for August 26 and between $69-$89 for August 27.
Which events are your favourite family activities in Calgary in August? Let us know in the comments!
Tagged under: City of Calgary,august in Calgary,Calgary monthly guide,inexpensive outings in Calgary,Things to do in Calgary,family activities in Calgary,things to do in Calgary with kids
Category: events,attractions
