Calgary Weekender: August 30 through September 2, 2012

This coming weekend is the much-anticipated Labour Day long weekend. With that in mind, the city is going to be abuzz with all sorts of events and activities for Calgary young professionals. 

Looking to rock out to some great music and support Theatre Junction? Thursday evening we suggest getting the weekend started early by checking out the Alley Party. Partnering with Hifi, the music will be bumping courtesy of some of the top DJs in the city, setting the tone for a spectacular evening. Come celebrate with DJs, artists, dancers and Calgary’s arts community. 

If you are looking for something a little more chill, the East Village will be hosting its final night of Open Air August with a movie in the park. The movie will be ‘Best in Show’, so bring your four-legged furry friend. 4 On The Floor Airdrie will be donating fun agility equipment, so you can test your dog’s skills on the obstacle course, or receive some tips on training from their K9 Behavioral Specialists. Activities start at 8pm and the show will begin at 9:30pm. 

Friday evening, head to Loose Moose Theatre (26 Ave SE) to catch Blind Date. A little drama and some romance, this highly acclaimed show is a hilarious fusion of clown, improvisation, theatre, and social experiment. Mimi (a Parisian clown) chooses a date from the audience and explores the ups and downs of blind date, romance, commitment and more. Nothing is off-limits on this blind date – and it’s never the same twice.

After, we suggest heading to the neighbourhood of Mission for some snacks and a pint or two at Wurst, Calgary’s very own German beer hall.

For music lovers, X-Fest will be taking over Fort Calgary (750 9 Ave SE) Saturday. Enjoy a full day of fresh air, open skies and friends at this outdoor music festival, as you rock out to the best in modern rock. Bands that will be taking the stage include Linkin Park, Incubus, Silversun Pickups, Young The Giant and The Joy Formidable. 

Sunday we suggest indulging in good food and music at the 20th Annual BBQ on the Bow Festival located at Eau Claire Festival Market from 10am to 5:30pm. This is considered Canada’s oldest BBQ competition so you know it’s going to be finger-licking good times. Watch over 35 Canadian and US teams compete for the best in long and slow smoked chicken, pork ribs, pork butt and beef brisket. Enjoy music by top Canadian blues artists as you taste real BBQ food from a variety of local restaurants. 

For sports aficionados, Monday is the 47th Annual Labour Day Classic. It’s all taking place at McMahon Stadium, where the Calgary Stampeders will face the provincial rivals Edmonton Eskimos. Kickoff is at 2:30pm, but we suggest heading down early to check out the tailgate parties as you cheer on The Stampeders.

Photo courtesy Wurst