Calgary Secret Cinema
Hands up if you like surprises. Movie buff or not, take a chance on an evening in a starlit courtyard with the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. There are two more events left (August 19 and September 9) where you’ll have the chance to be entertained by a member-chosen screening of a secret film and often (more surprises!) an unannounced local musical guest. Further selling features: the events are completely free and take place on Tuesdays… and really, what else are you doing on a Tuesday? For more information, click here.
Bonterra Patio
This downtown Italian spot has been on Notable’s list for years so plan to sneak a table on one of the city’s best patios next time you’re heading out for a meal. The magical backyard garden atmosphere is perfect for impressing a romantic interest, your visiting parents or a few clients, and so is the wine list. And unlike many great outdoor spots, the food actually measures up, with a delicious menu of Italian classics and fresh features. We recommend the summer risotto and the Salmerino Alpino. Whatever you do, don’t skip the olives. For reservations, click here.
Glenbow Bee Exhibit
It’s not all that often that The Glenbow features local artists – especially not when their subject matter is bees. We’re glad they’ve made an exception because this exhibit puts a fresh spin on going to the museum with colourful, provocative glassworks all created by a collective of ACAD grads called Bee Kingdom. Their exhibit is on until September 28, but if you make it in before August 24 you can also check out The Vaults at Glenbow, which will give you a glimpse into the evolution of glass art in Canada. If you’re not an art history major but still want to enjoy a gallery, here’s your chance.
Pop-Up Picnic: Beach Party
If you’ve ever complained that there isn’t enough going on downtown on your lunch break, here’s a remedy: pop-up picnics. Further complaints about Calgary might include its lack of beaches, but once again The Downtown Calgary Association has thought of everything. The next event is a beach party theme, which may or may not require a slight costume change in the office bathroom. Head over to 9th Ave SW, across from the Fairmont Palliser, between 12 and 1pm on August 27 to get in on the free event, which will feature a live DJ, food vendors and a basket full of activities to help you hold on for dear life to the last days of summer. For details, click here, or follow @downtowncalgary on Twitter.
X-Fest Grows Up
In recent years the signature summer event presented by X92.9 might have been left off of this list. This year, however, organizers have taken a bit of a turn, encouraging fest-goers to leave their skate shoes at home by bringing in Tegan and Sara, Foster the People, Serena Ryder, and a long list of YP-friendly characters. Relive your more emotional early 2000s with Death Cab for Cutie and STARS and then recover by discovering your new favourite whistling tune, “The Walker,” with Fitz and The Tantrums. And if none of those bands mean anything to you, fear not: there will be beer gardens, and access to a private, furnished cabana for a lucky few. Not the worst way to spend your Labour Day weekend in the city.
Beakerhead
It can sometimes feel like every other YP you meet in Calgary is some sort of engineer, and for those who aren’t, there can be a bit of a disconnect. Enter Beakerhead to save the day, intersecting science, art and good times over the course of four full days of events and activities. If you work downtown, you won’t be able to miss Four-to-Six on September 10 where street experiments and performances will take over Stephen Avenue. When you’re finished there, take the long way home via the East Village and climb into the world’s first self-supporting blow-up social structure. There’s so much going on you’re going to want to check out the line-up here.
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Top photo courtesy Bonterra