Calgary Weekender: August 15 through 17, 2014

Thursday/Saturday

GlobalFest
It’s not every day that we’ll direct you to Forest Lawn after dark, but this weekend is an exception. GlobalFest lights up the sky with what promise to be impressive performances from Japan (Thursday) and Thailand (Saturday) as part of the Trico Homes International Fireworks Festival. Tickets are $20 to get into Elliston Park and the full musical experience, but if you prefer a more intimate viewing, take the stairs on Memorial Drive to the McHugh Bluffs in Crescent Heights. It’s worth the workout.  

Friday

National on 8th Patio
It’s the middle of August, which means there are only so many all-night post-work patio sessions left before, well, let’s not say the ‘F’ word. Our pick this week is one you might not have checked out yet: National on 8th. It recently opened up in the space once occupied by WEST, a spot you always wished would do away with the Euro beats and slimy dance floor. There may be a wait to get upstairs to the city’s most impressive rooftop bar, but now being downstairs in the main bar just feels like you’re at any of the other National spots on 17th or 10th Avenue – which we consider a vast improvement.

Friday/Saturday

ReggaeFest
ReggaeFest is back this weekend at Shaw Millennium Park, which means a whole lot of chilling out to great music with a bottle of Ting in one hand and a Jamaican patty in the other. Friday night’s show is free and runs from 4 to 9pm, but the Saturday ticket will be worth the entrance fee. Pro tips: bring a blanket or lawn chairs for maximum chilling; don’t miss the mesmerizing Buckman Coe; and bring cash to taste some delicious Caribbean dishes. Advanced tickets are available at Safeway stores and online. 

Saturday

Banff Arts Festival: Adventure Under the Stars
If the weather holds up on Saturday, may we suggest an adventure? Banff Norquay has a brand new summer experience, including a chairlift and boardwalk that provides views of Mt. Rundle, Tunnel Mountain, Sundance Range and the valleys below. To get a bit more physical, they’re offering guided climbing challenges (no prior training required) with Via Ferratta. Afterwards you can wind down by watching other people’s adventures at the Banff Summer Arts Festival: Adventure Under the Stars. Head to the Shaw Amphitheatre for 8:30pm to secure a spot for your blanket and take in three curated films that will inspire your next outdoor escapade.

Sunday

Spartan Race
When you think of Spartans you probably think of the movie 300 and all those washboard abs. The Spartan Race that takes place this weekend is no doubt going to be a challenge but doesn’t necessarily require a perfect six-pack. This year, the Calgary event is a 5k sprint and the obstacle course will definitely challenge your fitness, both mental and physical. If you haven’t registered yet make sure you do so as soon as possible. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this exhilarating experience.

All Weekend
Taste of Calgary
If the multiculturalism in the air is making you hungry, perfect: Taste of Calgary is on at Eau Claire Festival Plaza. Vendors from every variety of food imaginable set up shop for this four-day affair running from 11am to 9pm, Thursday through Sunday. There’s also a full slate of local music on at the Taste Stage, and perhaps most exciting, a beverage garden featuring all of your favourite local breweries, distilleries and even a meadery. Entry is free and tasting tickets are $1. Check out the menu and other details online.

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Top photo courtesy National on 8th