It’s time for a summer check-in! What have been your best moments so far? We know you have to squeeze in summer fun around work, chores, and, of course, the constant cooking! We have one glorious month of summer left, and we’ve picked our favourite August events to make it easier to find wonderful activities for your family. Of course, we also have amazing attractions and places to play, so check out our guides, too.
Warm days + any kind of family fun equals a successful summer!
Taste of Calgary | July 30 – August 3, 2026
The Taste of Calgary is here, so make a plan to head out to try something delicious! Discover global cuisines from a mix of unique restaurants and beverage companies, plus get a taste of Calgary’s great musicians and a variety of artisans!
City of Calgary Programs | All Month | FREE
The City of Calgary has a variety of FREE programs throughout August, including their popular Park n’Play program. See if they are in a park near you. Don’t forget to check out Wetland Wonders, too.
Olympic Oval Public Skating | Select Wednesdays and Saturdays
Need to cool off in the heat? The Olympic Oval has brought back summer public skating on select Wednesdays and Saturdays. Grab your helmet and skates and stay cool!
⭐️ Western Canadian Reptile Expo | August 15 – 16, 2026
FEATURED | Step into a world of enchantment, filled with fascinating, exotic creatures, a tropical paradise, and of course, lots of family fun! It’s the Western Canadian Reptile Expo, and here you’ll find reptiles, plants, and interesting oddities.
Globalfest | August 27 – 30, 2026
It’s time for the explosive Globalfest, featuring amazing fireworks and diverse cultural opportunities. Enjoy food vendors, cultural performances, and of course, the fireworks. GlobalFest will be bigger and better than ever at its new home, Spruce Meadows!
All Sport One Day | August 15, 2026 | FREE
All Sport One Day is coming back, so kids can have a chance to try a new sport for FREE. However, you need to register, and this is a popular event. Check back for registration.
Alberta Open Farm Days | August 15 – 16, 2026 | FREE
Get out of the city with Alberta Open Farm Days. On this special weekend, farmers and ranchers invite their urban and rural neighbours to stop by to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the farmers who grow their food. Tierra Flores Florals & Botanicals is a u-pick flower farm near High River, for an easy place to start!
The Military Museums Tactical Days | Coming soon
Stay tuned.
Strathmore Medieval Faire | August 21 – 23, 2026
Don your robes and head to the Strathmore Medieval Faire and Artisan Market. End your summer with a little shopping, jousting, or tales from a jester.
⭐️ Jubilations Junior: How to Train Your Stitch | Opens August 29, 2026
FEATURED | When it’s time for back to school, it’s time to get back to family giggles at Jubilations Junior! Don’t be sad that summer is ending — it just means it’s time to plan a terrific outing that the whole family will love! How to Train Your Stitch is coming to Jubilations Junior this fall for a lively outing that all ages will enjoy, eating yummy food and laughing together.
Bike Parks and Pump Tracks
All Month | Check out one of these bike parks or pump tracks! Whether your kids are just beginning to ride their balance bike or amaze you with their tricks, check out these Calgary and area bike parks for a summer filled with active, and usually free, fun. They are a fantastic way to get outside and stay active!
Read more about it here.
Farmers Markets
There are many fabulous food producers in and around Calgary, and the city’s farmers markets allow us to take advantage of their products when they’re at their absolute freshest! Visiting a farmers market is a chance to buy the freshest local produce, and sometimes, an opportunity for family fun.
Read more about it here.
Festivals
Calgary is a great city for enjoying a wide variety of festivals: food, international culture, music and more … there really is always something to celebrate! The festival season in Calgary is great fun, and many festivals are free! So without further ado… grab the kids and discover the summer festivals coming up in Calgary and the area.
Read more about it here.
Parks – Beyond the Playground
It’s a good month to escape to a park! Now that my kids aren’t so little, playgrounds are often an attraction, but parks hold so much more than that for us these days. Calgary parks offer everything from playgrounds to exploring nature to playing a rousing game of whatever you can imagine. (Disc golf, anyone?)
Read more about it here.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are indispensable in family life. They’re a place to burn off energy, build physical skills, and make friends. They offer a moment of sanity for parents. And as the kids are saying these days, sometimes you just have to get out and touch grass! Whether you plan a quick visit to your local playground down the street or pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon adventure at a ‘destination’ playground across town, check out our list of the best playgrounds!
Read more about it here.
Outdoor Movies
A beautiful summer evening is one of my favourite things, but the summer flies by so quickly. Steal every moment this year and enjoy a summer evening watching a movie outside with your family! Grab some lawn chairs and snacks (and maybe even a toque) and enjoy a movie under the stars! Oh, and don’t forget the bug spray! The calendar usually gets busier in August when the sun starts to set earlier, so check back! Some of these options are free, too.
Read more about it here.
Swimming – Outdoor Pools
When the weather gets hot, there’s nothing nicer than taking a refreshing dip (or an extended frolic) in an outdoor pool. From outdoor swimming pools to wading pools and spray parks, you can just add water for family fun. (If you’re heading to a swimming pool, be sure to book your time to avoid disappointment.)
Read more about it here.
Summer Bucket List
What’s on your summer fun bucket list? We want to do more than banish boredom and survive summer — we want to make some memories and have some FUN! Check out our guide for terrific Calgary summer events to help you find the best ways to spend your time. We have all sorts of ideas, from those that will fill any afternoon, to specific Calgary events we love, and plans to head out of town.
Read more about it here.
Summer Camp Guide
Do you have your summer camps sorted out? Happily, there are many great options for Calgary summer camps. We know that a busy family life doesn’t leave a lot of time to research summer camps, so we’re helping you find the BEST summer camps in Calgary with our Summer Camp Guide!
Read more about it here.
But Wait… There’s More!
Love seeing the Family Fun Events in Calgary in August, but want MORE? Keep tabs on everything happening in #YYC with our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, and we’ll do our best to add it to our busy events calendar.
And don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter.
