By Shane Flug
Canada will throw a huge bash for its 150th birthday July 1, but that’s only the beginning of summer fun in Calgary this month. From laying down the tarp on Prince’s Island Park to daring to try some deep-fried chicken feet at the Stampede Grounds and more, July’s festival roster is chock full of music, food and celebration. [Photo credit: Chris Bolin/Calgary Stampede]
A companion piece to the Comic Expo, Otafest is a pop culture festival that highlights the best in entertainment, focusing mostly on anime and gaming. Delve into the world of cosplay on a budget, win swag at drop-in gaming tournaments or get an autograph from voice actors of childhood cartoon favourites including Sailor Moon actress Tracey Moore.
Downtown Calgary will be in a huge celebratory mood as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. From multicultural performances to (of course) fireworks, this is a Canada Day not to be missed. Check these Smart Tips on what’s happening, where to catch fireworks and other Canadian ways to celebrate.
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is back once more with another 10-day round of rodeo, rides, music, pancake breakfasts, deep-fried delights and, safe to say, excuses to call in “tired” at work the next day. Just remind visiting relatives that it’s “Yahoo!” – not “Yee-hah!”
For those who want to break from the usual “Bud Light-on-a-stick” fare found on the park grounds, the Oxford Stomp is the biggest off-grounds Stampede party around. Wear your sunglasses at night with headliner Corey Hart and openers Our Lady Peace and Serena Ryder while chowing down on some beef on a bun (vegetarian/gluten-free options available).
With commuter cycling on the rise in Calgary in part thanks to the downtown cycle network, this 10-day volunteer-run festival has a lot to celebrate. Meet fellow cyclists for rides, go on a local craft brewery bike tour or take your helmet-haired honey to the fest’s annual bike prom.
The BIG Winter Classic isn’t waiting for snowfall to showcase local bands and beers. For the first time this month, the winter music festival is holding BIG Slam, a rooftop patio party featuring local bands such as Chixdiggit! and HighKicks. BIG Slam also doubles as the kick-off party for Slam ’17, a nine-day river surfing festival that will also host the first-ever North American River Surfing Championships this year.
Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 attendees each year would agree: Folk Fest is the premier music festival for the month of July. Set up your tarp space at the main stage and soak in the best of more than 60 folk, folk rock and world acts including Blue Rodeo, Lindi Ortega and Tanya Tagaq.
For those who crave sounds from the underground, Terminus is back for year six of their dark electronic and industrial music festival. The only fest of its kind for the industrial genre in Western Canada, Terminus brings in bands from across the globe for three loud days at one of Calgary’s top bangin’ heavy metal venues. Headliners this year include PIG, The Birthday Massacre and 3TEETH.
Whether you’re ready to celebrate our country’s milestone birthday, go Stampeding, lay down your Folk Fest tarp or try something different, July has you covered in Calgary. Hats off to everyone that makes it happen!
