It’s the middle of summer and with that comes a plethora of things to do both in and around Calgary.
If you are curious about the constellations, The University of Calgary is hosting Milky Way Nights at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
(2.4 km south of Hwy. 22X along Hwy. 22) Thursday evening from 10:00pm to 2:00pm. Step out of the city’s light pollution on a clear summer night for a peek at the stars through one of the biggest telescopes in Canada.
If you love live music, we suggest heading down to Wine-Ohs Thursday or Friday evening. Thursday evening, the talented Jocelyn Alice will be performing. Friday, a Calgary favourite, Jory Kinjo, will be performing with his band JK and the Static. If you can swing it, we definitely suggest catching both shows. Show up beforehand and enjoy dinner and a bottle of wine with friends in Wine-Ohs’ bistro.
This weekend also brings you Fiestaval Latin Festival. This two-day multicultural festival highlights the Latin American Culture. Head down to Olympic Plaza (228 8 Ave SE) located in the heart of downtown Calgary Saturday or Sunday for an opportunity to experience Calgary’s Latin community. Catch live performances as you peruse various vendors and enjoy Latin treats at this celebratory expression of the Latin-American culture.
If you are looking to get out of the city, South Country Fair will be in full swing over the weekend at Fish and Game Park
in
Fort Macleod, Alberta. Though folk and roots-oriented, be prepared to see anything from dub poetry to flamenco at this rural, peace-oriented, camping, music and arts festival that manifests itself annually along the stunning shores of the Old Man River.
If you are staying in town and love jazz music, we suggest checking out An Evening of Vocal Jazz at The National Music Centre (132 11 Ave SE). Two-time “Jazz Vocalist of the Year nominee” and “Prix de Jazz” nominee Rita Di Ghent, as well as Calgary’s own Glennis Houston, will be performing a compilation of swinging jazz standards, blues, and original compositions at this one-night-only performance. Doors open at 7:30 pm.
Sunday has a ton of options for any YP. Are you an adrenaline junkie who likes competition and adventure? Then the Mud Hero Race is for you. Taking place at Rafter Six Ranch Resort, Mud Hero is a rope-swinging, mud-crawling, ramp-running, wall-climbing, tunnel-diving, slide-slipping, net-crossing, tire-tripping obstacle run. With 15 natural and man-made obstacles, it’s the only race of its kind that’s 100% Canadian-owned. The race starts at 10:00 am.
If you are interested in doing something awesome and helping make a park in the community better than ever, take part in the Molson Canadian Red Leaf Project. Sunday, bring along friends and meet at the Richmond Pub and Eatery (3919 Richmond Road SW). A shuttle bus will take YPs to Valley Ridge where you get to plant trees, improve trails, and beautify the area. Best of all, you will receive a complimentary concert ticket to Big Valley Jamboree at the end of the project.
Also Sunday, the much anticipated annual Kensington Sun and Salsa Fest will be heating up. Head down to Kensington (10 St & Kensington Road NW) between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm and set fire to those taste buds as you participate in the Salsa Tasting Contest. Kensington businesses will serve up over 500 gallons of 40 different salsas. You get to be the judge! While there, enjoy the music and entertainment on eight live entertainment stages located throughout the neighbourhood. Don’t forget to check out Kensington retail shops, restaurants, pubs and beer gardens, or peruse the multitude of vendors selling a variety of products.
With so much happening over the weekend, we have the perfect way to wind down. Voices in the Village will be in the East Village (618 Confluence Way, SE) Sunday evening from 4pm to 5pm. If you’re curious what opera sounds like outdoors, catch emerging artists from the Calgary Opera performing the first installment of this three-part summer series. Bring a lawn chair, grab a snack and open your ears to this free public concert on RiverWalk by the Bow River. Be sure to get there early and snag a complimentary cream puff from House of Cruffs –they’ll be handing them out to the first 200 people.
