FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

MAY

Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival

May-Sept, The Banff Centre

Music, dance, films, opera, visual and literary arts, exhibitions, new media events and more.

1-888-413-8368, www.banffcentre.ca/events

Canmore Children’s Festival

May 15 & 16, Canmore Collegiate High School

Performers include Mike Scott, Marty Chan, Peter Puffin, Tomas Kubinek and more.

www.canmorechildrensfestival.com

Calgary International Children’s Festival

May 19-23, Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts

Featuring world-class performances from Mali, Australia, U.S., England, Israel & Canada.

www.calgarychildfest.org

Fairy Tales International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

May 28-June 6, Plaza Theatre

www.fairytalesfilmfest.com

Calgary BeerFest 2009

May 29 & 30, Upper Big Four Building, Stampede Park

Sample beers and other beverages from all over the world.

www.CalgaryBeerFest.com

4th Street Lilac Festival

May 31, 4th St. S.W.

Street festival from 10 am to 6 pm along 4th St SW from Elbow Drive to 13th Ave, featuring food, market and entertainment, including The Fates, The Shakedown Combo, Matt Blais, Trina Nestibo, Gutterawl, Lynn Olagundoye, Crystal Kid, Capoeira Calgary, Studio Sublime, Alive Danceworks and more.

www.lilacfestival.net

JUNE

Mayor’s Environment Expo

June 2-4, Municipal Building Atrium

Learn about environmental issues and initiatives through hands-on interactive booths, displays and theatre.

Carifest

June 7-14, various venues

Featuring Caribbean music, food, comedy, parades, art and more.

403-774-1300, www.carifestcalgary.ca

Brown Bag Lunch Series

June 17-Aug 26, Olympic Plaza

Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 pm featuring a wide variety of performers.

Banff National Park Bike Fest

June 18-21, Banff

Elite racers from across Western Canada compete on courses running through Banff.

www.banfflakelouise.com/bikefest

Greek Fest

June 19-21, Spruce Cliff Community Centre

Featuring entertainment, belly dance lessons, eating and dance contests and more.

403-246-4553, www.calgaryhellenic.com

The Calgary Jazz Festival

June 22-28, various venues

Featuring Jimmy Cob, King Sunny Ade, Branford Marsalis, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Allen Toussaint and more.

www.calgaryjazz.com

Sled Island Festival

June 24-27, various venues

Third annual festival featuring Final Fantasy, Tricky Woo, Andrew WK, The Breeders Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Health and Malajube and more.

www.sledisland.com

JULY

Canada Day

July 1, various venues

Celebrations at Prince’s Island Park, Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park and Fort Calgary.

Calgary Stampede

July 3-12, Stampede Grounds

Midway, rodeo, exhibitions and performers including Marianas Trench, Hinder, Serena Ryder, Bif Naked, Adam Gregory, Deric Ruttan, George Fox and more.

www.calgarystampede.com

Mount Royal College’s Shakespeare in the Park

July 3-Aug 22, Prince’s Island Park

Featuring Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 7 pm nightly.

403-440-6374, www.mtroyal.ca/conservatory/sitp

Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival

July 19, Kensington Road and 10th St. NW

Street festival from 11 am to 5 pm.

www.visitkensington.com/

Calgary Folk Music Festival

July 23-26, Prince’s Island Park

Annual outdoor festival features 60-plus artists including Glen Campbell, Iron and Wine, Kid Koala, Deep Dark Woods, Bellowhead, Pacifika, Lee Harvey Osmond, Justin Rutledge, Akron/Family, Mavis Staples and more.

403-233-0904, www.calgaryfolkfest.com

Calgary Fringe Festival

Juy 31-Aug 8, Inglewood

A non-juried, uncensored artistic event with local, national and international theatrical productions alongside street performers, musicians, film and outdoor stage events.

www.calgaryfringe.ca

AUGUST

Virgin Festival 09

Date and location to be confirmed. Check website for details.

www.virginfestival.ca

Canmore Folk Music Festival

Aug 1-3, Centennial Park, Canmore

Performers including Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Bop Ensemble, Carlos del Junco, Luke Doucet and the White Falcon, Lennie Gallant, The Irish Descendants and more.

403-678-2524, www.canmorefolkfestival.com

Afrikadey!

Aug 3-8, various venues

Featuring a tribute to the late Mariam Makeba (Mama Africa) with “African Women Voices,” Ndidi Onokwulu, Asa, Lynda Thalie, Queen Nike Okundaye and others.

403-234-9110, www.afrikadey.com

Calgary International Blues Festival

Aug 3-9, Pumphouse Park

Featuring Kenny Neal, Katahi McDonald, Paul James, Sunny Rhodes, Paul Oscher, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and more.

www.calgarybluesfest.com.

WORLD WATER SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS FESTIVAL

August 3-9, Calgary

The best water skiers in the world compete at Lake KastynStone south of the city at Drenched Fest, also featuring Sloan and Hedley, extreme sports demonstrations, beach volleyball competitions, children’s activities and more.

www.drenchedfest.com or www.waterskiworlds.com

Taste of Calgary

August 6-9, Eau Claire Market

International food and beverage festival.

403-293-2888, www.atasteofcalgary.com

Marda Gras

Aug 9, Marda Loop

Entertainment, flea tables, kids’ activities and more.

403-685-LOOP, www.mardaloopbrz.com

Vans Warped Tour ’09

Aug 12, Race City Motorsport Park

Featuring Alexisonfire, NOFX, 3OH!3, Less Than Jake, Underoath, Bad Religion, Devil Wears Prada, Silverstein, All Time Low and more.

www.livenation.com

Chinatown Street Festival

Aug 15, Chinatown

www.calgarychinesemerchants.com

ReggaeFest 2009

August 15, Shaw Millennium Park

Featuring The Idlers, Friendlyness and the Human Rights, Mello Man, Rastrillos, Tasha T and more.

403-355-5696, www.CalgaryReggaeFestival.com

Dragon Boat Festival

August 15 & 16, Banff National Park

Spectator seating, family activities, contests, cultural presentations and more.

www.calgarydragonboat.com

Global Fest

Aug 17-29, International Avenue

Festival of multicultural pavilions coupled with a nightly international pyromusical fireworks competition in the Greater Forest Lawn area.

403-569-9679, www.globalfest.ca

Slurpee Cup

Aug 22, University of Calgary

The 11th annual CJSW ball hockey tournament for charity.

403-220-3902, www.cjsw.com

Expo Latino 2009

Aug 22-24 Prince’s Island Park

Featuring Latin bands, dance, food, art, workshops and more.

403-271-2744, www.hispanicarts.com

SEPTEMBER

Festival on the Bow

Sept 5 & 6, Eau Claire Market

Live music by local talent and barbecue competition.

www.bbqonthebow.com

Pride Festival 2009

Sept 5 & 6

Featuring Pride Dance and Pride Parade,

www.pridecalgary.ca

CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES

September 6, Canmore Centennial Park

The biggest Celtic Celebration in Alberta and the premier highland games in Western Canada, competitors come from all across Canada, the U.S. and Scotland to compete in highland dancing, drumming and heavy sports.

403-678-9454, www.canmorehighlandgames.ca/index.html

MOUNTAIN PARKS

Banff National Park

Canada’s first national park is world-famous for its stunning scenery —valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. Activies include hiking, backpacking, canoeing, biking, fishing, climbing, etc.

403-762-1550, www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/

Kananaskis Country

A four-season, multi-use recreation area 90 kilometres west of Calgary. K-Country includes Peter Lougheed, Bow Valley and Bragg Creek Provincial Parks, as well as the Sibbald, Barrier Lake, Ribbon Creek, the Elbow River and Sheep River Valleys, and the Highwood and Cataract areas.

403-678-5508, http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/kananaskis/flashindex.asp

Campgrounds: www.kananaskiscountrycampgrounds.com/

CITY PARKS & RECREATION

Calgary has public parks for everything from off-leash dog-walking to neighbourhood green spaces, as well as regional parks for urban hiking, mountain biking, picnics and sports. You can also find public golf courses, tennis courts and outdoor pools. For details, contact the city or pick up a City of Calgary program guide.

3-1-1, www.calgary.ca (follow the links through “city living”)

OUTDOOR TENNIS CLUBS

Elbow Park Tennis Club

800 34 Ave SW, 403-287-2450

www.eptc.ws

Mount Pleasant Tennis Club

117 4 Ave NE, 403-276-3013

www.mountpleasanttennis.com

Calgary Tennis Club

1445-16 St SW, 403-244-5302

www.calgarytennisclub.com

MINI-GOLF COURSES

Wackyputt, Kart World Family Fun Centre, 5202 1 St SW

RCGA Golf Centre, 710 15 St SE

Stone Creek Adventure Golf, 999 Country Hills Blvd NE

Mulligans Island, Calaway Park

FARMERS’ MARKETS (CUT?)

Calgary Farmers’ Market

Indoor year-round market features local and seasonal food, baked goods and treats, arts and crafts. H6 Currie Barracks, 403-244-4548, summer hours start July 1, Thur, 11 am-5 pm, Fri & Sat, 9 am to 5 pm, Sun, 9 am to 4 pm.

www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca

Cochrane Ranche

A scenice drive to Cochrane for fresh fruit and vegetables, and more. Hwy 1A & Hwy 22, 403-851-0562, Sat, 9 am-1 pm, June 6 – Sept 26

Crossroads Market

City’s largest indoor/outdoor farmers’ market with local and regional producers.1235 26 Ave SE, 403-291-5208, Fri, Sat & Sun, 9 am to 5 pm.

Millarville

A longtime tradition, this country market in the foothills south of Calgary is worth a visit. Millarville Race Track, 403-931-2404, Sat from 8:30 am to noon, June 13- Oct 3

CITY ATTRACTIONS

Calgary Ghost Tours

Walking tours throughout downtown Calgary, Inglewood & Kensington as presented by knowledgeable and entertaining guides, giving glimpses into the mischief, mayhem and murders of Calgary

403-472-1989, www.calgaryghosttours.com

Calgary Zoo

Western Canada's largest accredited zoo has over 1,000 animals, six acres of botanical gardens (some areas closed due to construction), a prehistoric park and playgrounds.

403-232-9300, www.calgaryzoo.org

Calaway Park

Amusement park west of the city on the TransCanada Highway with rides, stage shows and special events. Open May-October, hours vary.

403-240-3822, www.calawaypark.com

Canada Olympic Park

Open throughout the summer for mountain biking, zipline, and other activities. Hours vary.

403-247-5452, www.winsportcanada.ca/cop

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Canada’s largest provincial park located within a city, Fish Creek provides opportunities for walking, cycling, picnicing, birdwatching and more. Offers Tuesday Tours each Tues evening in July and August 7-9 pm. CHECK

403-297-7927, http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/fishcreek/

Fort Calgary Historic Park

Tells the stories of the Mounted Police site, the settlement and the people of Calgary.

403-290-1875, www.fortcalgary.com

Heritage Park

Canada's largest living history museum features an authentic steam train, an antique midway and a paddlewheeler. Includes access to the new Gasoline Alley Museum.

403-268-8500, www.heritagepark.ca

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

A 32-hectare federally designated bird reserve offering the public four kilometres of walking trails, natural history education courses and guided nature walks.

403-268-CITY, www.bsc-eoc.org/national/ibs.html

Kart World Family Fun Centre

Go-karting, mini-golf and laser tag.

403-253-8301, www.kartworldcalgary.com

Shaw Millennium Park

North America's largest free outdoor 24-hour skatepark, with 75,000 square feet of skateable surface, basketball courts, four sand volleyball courts, family park and more.

3-1-1, www.calgary.ca (follow the links through “city living”)

Telus World of Science

Exhibits, shows and programs that spark the imagination, satisfy the most curious of minds, and inspire a spirit of lifelong learning. Also includes entry to the Creative Kids Museum.

403-268-8300, www.calgaryscience.ca

ORGANIZATIONS

Jim-Bows Archery Ltd.

4416 5 St NE

403-250-7713, www.jimbowsarchery.ca

Alberta Disc Golf

Played at Forest Lawn, Baker Park, Park 69 and Centenary Park.

www.albertadiscgolf.com

Alpine Club of Canada

Providing rock, snow and ice climbing courses as well as regular climbing outings, bouldering sessions, social events and more.

403-678-3200, www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/calgary

Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area

A 4,800-acre day use area dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the provision of conservation education. Available for conservation education, hiking and the enjoyment of nature. Access by appointment.

403- 931-1042, www.crossconservation.org

Apollo Calgary

Provides a positive and fun environment through sport and social activities within the community.

www.apollocalgary.com

The Banff Centre for Mountain Culture

Promotes understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and creates opportunities for the international mountain community to share experiences, ideas and visions.

1-800-413-8368, www.banffmountainfestivals.ca

Bow Waters Canoe Club

Offers paddlers an extensive tour schedule, lessons, activities and social events.

403-235-2922, www.bowwaters.org

Calgary Balloon Club

Actively promotes the sport of ballooning in the community.

www.calgaryballoonclub.org

Calgary Canoe Club

Recreational, educational and competitive canoe and kayak programs. Boats and equipment are available to members as well as for rent to the public. Located on the north shore of Glenmore Reservoir.

403-246-5757, www.calgarycanoeclub.com

Calgary Field Naturalists’ Society (Nature Calgary)

Encourages the appreciation, study, observation and protection of the natural world through field trips, meetings and publications.

www.naturecalgary.com

Calgary Hash House Harriers

A sociable running and cycling club that caters to all levels.

403-254-9014, www.onon.org/asm

Calgary Kayak Club

Provides a loose framework for paddlers to organize kayak-related events. Organizes kayak polo and Kananaskis Whitewater Festival in May.

403-874-9390, www.calgarykayakclub.com

Calgary Lawn Bowling Club

Promoting the sport of lawn bowling — for fun!

403-245-4341, www.calgarylawnbowlingclub.ca

Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance

Promotes advocacy, education and stewardship of the land which cyclists use. Group rides, road trips and trail days available to members.

www.cmbalink.com

Calgary Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts

An all-season outdoor club offering hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, backpacking and other outdoor activities.

www.corehike.org

City of Calgary Parks – Environmental/Nature Services

Offers environmental education and natural history programs as well as info on natural areas, outdoor experiences, and Calgary’s pathway system.

3-1-1 or 403-268-2489, www.calgary.ca/parks

Calgary Pathway Advisory Council

Represents all Calgary pathway user groups and advises on issues of pathway development, maintenance and management.

403-537-7560

Calgary Regional Trail Riders

Promotes safe, enjoyable trail riding. Activities also include club socials, camping, parades and equestrian education.

www.calgaryregionaltrailriders.com

Calgary Roadrunners Club

Offering group training, running clinics and fun runs for distance runners of all ages and abilities.

403-228-0999, www.calgaryroadrunners.com

Calgary Rowing Club

Rowing club and competitions at North Glenmore Park.

403-249-2880

Calgary Ski Club

Recreational and social activities year-round such as downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking and cycling. Promotes education and safety awareness while having fun.

403-282-4122, www.calgaryskiclub.org

Calgary Sport & Social Club

Co-Ed sports league provider, from softball to beach volleyball and more.

403-244-7529, www.calgarysportsclub.com

Calgary Weekend Hikers

A casual members-only hiking club for all levels offering weekday, weekend and overnight trips.

www.calgaryweekendhikers.com

Calgary Yacht Club

Located on Chestermere Lake, CYC provides a chance to enjoy the recreational, competitive and social aspects of sailing.

403-272-3300, www.cyc.ab.ca

Elbow Valley Cycle Club

Offering bicycling events, Golden and Silver Triangle tours, bike clinics, hiking and winter ski trips. Also acts as advocate for a better cycling environment.

www.elbowvalleycc.org

Foothills Wanderers Orienteering Club

Offering orienteering events for all age groups and fitness levels. Participants use a map and compass to navigate around a pre-set course while enjoying the natural environment along the way.

www.orienteeringcalgary.ca

Ghost River Rediscovery Society

Aims at empowering people of all ages and cultures to discover the natural world, the worlds between cultures and the worlds within themselves.

403-270-9351, www.ghostriverrediscovery.com

Glenmore Sailing Club

Welcomes sailors of all ages and abilities, offering races, regattas, youth programs and more.

403-238-2044, www.glenmoresailingclub.com

Hook & Hackle Club

A fishing club offering regular meetings, fly-tying classes, socializing, guest speakers and demonstrations.

www.hookandhackleclub.org

Hostelling International - Southern Alberta

Provides a network of safe, friendly and affordable accommodation and services to more than 5,000 hostels in over 70 countries.

403-283-5551, www.hihostels.ca

Petroleum City Ski and Social Club

Arranges camping, skiing, hiking, volleyball, social dining and many other activities.

www.pscskiclub.com

Rocky Mountain Ramblers

Offering ambitious hiking and cross-country skiing trips as well as social events for outdoor enthusiasts.

403-282-6308, www.ramblers.ab.ca

Seniors Outdoor Club of Calgary

Organizes outdoor trips for seniors.

403-270-7447

Single Volunteers Society of Calgary

Serves the community through volunteer activities, and at the same time provides single people with the opportunity to meet in safe and non-threatening environments.

www.singlevolunteers.org/calgary

Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies

Provides annual guided hikes from established base camps in the Rocky Mountains. Also promotes appreciation and conservation of Canada’s national parks.

1-866-445-3774, www.skylinehikers.ca

Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies

A non-profit organization providing guided horseback riding and teepee camping adventures in Banff National Park. Riding experience is not necessary.

403-874-4408, www.trail-rides.ca/howdytr.html

University of Calgary Outdoor Centre

Provides outdoor courses and educational trips in outdoor recreation, as well as a huge selection of top quality gear for all types of outdoor recreation.

403-220-5038 or 403-220-6800, www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca/

Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society

Dedicated to the preservation of the Weaselhead area of Calgary. Offers a spring/fall series of walks in the Weaselhead.

403-252-6141

Westwinds R/C Aviation Society

Society brings together fliers and builders into the sport of model aviation.

www.westwindsrc.com

To be included in next year’s guide, e-mail listings@ffwd.greatwest.ca or phone 403-244-2235.