The beginning of July in Calgary is truly when the city is electric. For young professionals, this weekend has all sorts of stuff happening and new places to check out ensuring no shortage of things to keep you busy.
Friday evening we suggest grabbing a blanket and some friends and heading down to Prince’s Island Park for the opening weekend of Shakespeare in the Park.
Celebrating its 25th season, it returns with performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wednesdays through Sundays at 7pm, from June 27 to August 10. Friday’s performance is the only one this weekend as Saturday and Sunday the shows will be cancelled because of Canada Day celebrations.
If you’re looking for an evening with a bit of Canadian flavour, then head to Village Brewerey (5000 12 Ave Street SE) between 7pm and midnight for the Maple Canadian Flavoured Art Show. Not only will there be amazing paintings, photography, and concrete art on display, there will also be 
live music, Village Brewery beer and some of the city’s movers and shakers. If you are curious about the art, the artists featured in the show will be in attendance.
After the show we suggest heading down Centre Street to check out the newly opened Wine Ohs – some of you may remember it as the old Piq Niq & Beatniq (811 1st Street SW). Order a bottle of wine from their extensive list and enjoy as you listen to live tunes.
Saturday we think you should head over to Victoria Park to check out some of the latest shops to open. Start out your tour with a visit local coffee house Caffe Rosso’s newest location (11th Ave and Olympic Way SE). Order espresso drinks and one of their assorted baked goods should hunger strike – we also suggest trying one of their made-to-order paninis.
If it’s a cooling treat you are after we suggest checking out newly-opened Village Ice Cream, ‘cause nothing says summer like an ice cream cone. Located at 431, 10 Ave SE, they serve up small batches of all-natural ice cream using thick cream, and unique ingredients such as huckleberries, pecans, cardamom and coconut. A few flavours will rotate through the shop, with new blends being added regularly. We suggest trying a scoop of the salted caramel, which they’ve promised will be a mainstay.
Love cycling? Head to the Simmons Building (618 Confluence Way, SE) for the East Village Glow and Show. As part of Cyclepalooza, East Village will be hosting a ‘Glow’ ride, followed by an outdoor ‘Show’ing of The Goonies. Head down around 9:30pm and grab your complimentary glow sticks for a ride on the RiverWalk. After you ride, relax on a blanket to watch this classic flick, which will be projected on the side of Simmons.
If hunger strikes, head to 17 Avenue to grab a bite to eat at the newly opened 80th & Ivy Wine Kitchen (1127 -17 Ave SW). Brought to you by Group 993 Hospitality, who also own Classic Jacks and 1410, it features a modern kitchen offering globally inspired bites and a bar that boasts some amazing hand-crafted cocktails. This sophisticated space is the perfect place to finish off the day with friends over a bottle of wine.
Sunday, the city will be electric with Canada Day celebrations. If you are a beer aficionado, head down to Craft Beer Market for the first annual Craft Beer Festival happening between 2 and 6pm. For $20 you get 20 sample tickets and the opportunity to try some of the best craft beers that Canada has to offer.
Olympic Plaza (222 8 Ave SE) will be hosting Calgary Eats from 12 to 6pm. Purchase fresh fruits, cheeses, and baked goods from local farmers and retailers, experience the city’s food truck phenomenon, learn how to plant veggies (even urban YPs can learn a thing or two), or experience fine dining from one of Calgary’s local restaurants.
The riverfront’s RiverWalk (618 Confluence Way) in the city’s East Village will be bustling with performances and activities taking place from 1 to 9pm. Prince’s Island Park is ideal to chill out on the grass as you enjoy the live music throughout the day. There will be all types of tunes including folk, rock, jazz, indie pop, reggae and Francophone.
Want to make sure you don’t miss anything throughout the day? The City of Calgary is excited to celebrate Canada Day and has developed an app to allow you to find out what is going on, and to participate in multiple events throughout the city.
