Explore & Enjoy – August Adventures in Calgary

August in Calgary is pure magic—a month where the city buzzes with festivals, laughter, and endless sunshine. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, family on the go, pet lover, or someone looking to savour every summer moment, Calgary has something for you. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring, enjoying, and making memories in the city this August!

Festivals & Events 🎉

• Calgary Fringe Festival (August 2–10): Lose yourself in a whirlwind of live theatre, comedy, and street performances in artsy Inglewood. There’s something for every taste, from quirky one-person shows to laugh-out-loud improv.
  Location: Inglewood, Main Hub at 1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
• Calgary Dragon Boat Festival (August 10–11): Feel the excitement as vibrant boats race across the water. Enjoy cultural performances, global food trucks, and family-friendly games.
  Location: North Glenmore Park, 7305 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB
• GlobalFest (August 15–24): Don’t miss Calgary’s most explosive event! Fireworks light up the night sky, while cultural pavilions invite you to sample world cuisine and music. Bring a blanket and settle in for a dazzling show.
  Location: Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
• Shakespeare by the Bow (All August): Watch classic plays performed outdoors at Prince’s Island Park—perfect for a romantic evening, a family outing, or a picnic with your pup.
  Location: Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, AB

Outdoor Escapes 🌲

• Nose Hill Park: Hike or bike among wildflowers and rolling hills. The views of downtown are breathtaking, and there are off-leash areas for your furry friends to run free.
  Location: 5620 14 St NW, Calgary, AB
• Bow River Float: Gather your crew, rent a raft, and float from Shouldice Park to St. Patrick’s Island. Some local rental companies offer pet-friendly rafts, so your dog can join the adventure!
  Launch: Shouldice Park, 4900 Monserrat Dr NW; Finish: St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd NE
• Fish Creek Provincial Park: Explore one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Go for a bike ride, spot deer, or try your luck fishing. There are extensive trails and several off-leash areas for dogs.
  Location: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary, AB
• Bowness Park & Riley Park: Cool off at the spray park, rent a paddle boat, or relax by the river. Both parks are perfect for a leashed dog walk and a family picnic.
  Bowness Park: 8900 48 Ave NW; Riley Park: 800 12 St NW, Calgary, AB
• Southland Leisure Centre Off-Leash Park: Let your dog burn off some energy at this spacious off-leash area.
  Location: 2000 Southland Dr SW, Calgary, AB

Family Fun 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Calgary Zoo: Meet giraffes, penguins, and Komodo dragons! There are daily animal talks and interactive exhibits for kids (note: only service animals allowed in the zoo).
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Ride the steam train, pan for gold, and sample candy from an old-fashioned shop. History has never been this fun! (Pets not allowed inside, but the grounds outside are great for a stroll.)
  Location: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB
• Telus Spark Science Centre: Get hands-on with mind-blowing experiments, digital art, and the outdoor Brainasium playground.
  Location: 220 St. George’s Dr NE, Calgary, AB
• Calaway Park: Western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park offers roller coasters, games, and entertainment for all ages (service animals welcome).
  Location: 245033 Range Rd 33, Calgary, AB

Food & Drink Delights 🍔🍦🍹

• Inglewood Night Market (August 9 & 23): Feast on gourmet street eats, browse local crafts, and groove to live music. The vibe is electric—and leashed dogs are welcome outdoors!
  Location: 10 Ave SE & 10 St SE, Calgary, AB
• Patio Hopping on 17th Ave: Try National on 17th for local brews and games, Model Milk for upscale comfort food, or Cleaver for creative cocktails. Many patios like Ship & Anchor and Trolley 5 are dog-friendly.
  Area: 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
• Village Ice Cream: Treat yourself to small-batch, handcrafted ice cream in flavors like salted caramel or guide’s mint. Leashed pups are welcome on the patio, and sometimes get a dog-friendly treat!
  Locations: 431 10 Ave SE; 820 49 Ave SW; 2406 34 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
• Made by Marcus: For adventurous palates, try unique ice cream creations like brown butter & sea salt or lemon curd blueberry. Their patios are pet-friendly.
  Locations: 1013 17 Ave SW; 221 19 St NW, Calgary, AB
• Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar: Sip coffee or wine, snack on baked goods, and listen to live local music. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly.
  Location: 909 10 St SE, Calgary, AB
• Banded Peak Brewing & Annex Ale Project: Both offer relaxed patios, non-alcoholic options, and snacks for all ages—and your leashed dog is welcome, too!
  Banded Peak: 119 519 34 Ave SE; Annex Ale: 4323 1 St SE, Calgary, AB
• Pie Junkie: Grab a savory or sweet pie and enjoy it on their dog-friendly patio.
  Locations: 8 Spruce Center SW; 108, 822 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets 💎

• Reader Rock Garden: Wander through beautifully landscaped historic gardens and enjoy brunch at the Reader’s Garden Café. Quiet, lush, and perfect for a peaceful escape.
  Location: 325 25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
• The Hangar Flight Museum: Marvel at vintage aircraft and interactive exhibits—kids and aviation buffs will love it.
  Location: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary, AB
• Central Library: Not just for bookworms! This architectural marvel is a community hub with art installations, cozy reading nooks, and rooftop views.
  Location: 800 3 St SE, Calgary, AB
• Peace Bridge: Snap photos at this iconic red bridge while walking your dog along the Bow River pathway. The views are especially stunning at sunset.
• St. Patrick’s Island: A revitalized urban oasis with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots. It’s a favorite for families and pet owners alike.
  Location: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, AB
• Kensington Village: Browse indie boutiques, grab a bubble tea, and relax on a dog-friendly patio. Many shops put out water bowls for thirsty pups!
  Area: Kensington Rd NW & 10 St NW, Calgary, AB
• Bark Park Café: Let your dog run free in the indoor dog park while you enjoy coffee and treats. Great for rainy days!
  Location: 120-2015 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB
• River Park Off-Leash Area: One of Calgary’s most popular off-leash parks, with scenic river views and lots of space for your dog to play.
  Location: 4500 14A St SW, Calgary, AB
• Edworthy Park: Enjoy a riverside stroll, picnic, or BBQ. There’s a large off-leash area and a pebble beach for dogs who love to swim.
  Location: 5050 Spruce Dr SW, Calgary, AB
• Deane House: Tucked away at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, this historic house offers a gorgeous garden patio for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
  Location: 806 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
• Devonian Gardens: An indoor tropical oasis in the heart of downtown—perfect for a quiet stroll, even on a rainy day.
  Location: 400, 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

From fireworks to floats, ice cream cones to off-leash adventures, and hidden gems to discover, August in Calgary is bursting with opportunities for everyone—including your four-legged friends. So rally your friends, gather the family, leash up your pup, or set out solo. Adventure is waiting around every corner!