Your guide to summer staycation in Calgary

No travel plans? No problem. Whether you’re having a staycation or have friends and family visiting Calgary, there is something for all ages and tastes happening around town. From kayaking in the beautiful Bow River to the lively Folk Music Fest, here are some activities to make the most of the summer of 2024.

Splash into the river

On bright sunny days, enjoy the view of Calgary’s mesmerizing landscape from the Bow River.

In Calgary tradition, you can opt to go rafting with friends for a day filled with chatter and laughter or take a kayak and paddleboard out for a quiet, contemplative day with loved ones or by yourself.

No raft? No problem. Check out these businesses offering rafts, kayaks and paddleboards for rent.

Touch some grass

Ditch the screens and immerse yourself in nature by visiting one of the many parks around the city for a picnic with family and friends, or even yoga classes.

Click here to learn about the best parks in our city, according to Tourism Calgary.

Sing (and dance) along with your favourite artists

There’s no shortage of music this summer. From July 5 to 14, the Calgary Stampede will have four stages featuring over 100 artists from multiple genres.

On the same dates, Cowboys Music Festival and Badlands Music Festival will welcome local and internationally lauded artists such as Calgary’s superstar Tate McRae, DJ duo Swedish House Mafia, and more.

Additionally, the Calgary Folk Fest will return to Princes’ Island Park from July 25 to 28 for a weekend filled with family-friendly fun, food, and feel-good tunes from over 70 artists.

Click here to discover more music festivals in our city this summer.

Join the festival fun

Cowtown’s Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede, will take place at the BMO Centre from July 4 to 14. Beyond the world-famous rodeo and chuckwagons, this year’s Stampede features an Immersive Disney animation exhibition and Le Cirque de la Nuit’s Starslingers and Caravan of Curiosities.

You can also celebrate the richness of Calgary’s multiculturalism at the many festivals happening this summer. Here are some ideas for July: Mexifest, Xian Loong Festival and Fiestaval.

To wrap up the summer on a high note in August, Calgary will also see the Chinatown Street Festival, Carifest and Calgary Pride Festival.

Beat the heat

If you’re looking for a quiet, contemplative day or something to do for those rainy summer days, you can take the family to discover Canada’s musical history at Studio Bell or check out the nature-inspired art exhibitions at Contemporary Calgary. If you’re still craving more art and culture, check out the exhibitions, events and programs (including a kids’ studio) offered by the Esker Foundation.

Tagged: Calgary | Calgary Art | Calgary Community | Calgary Downtown