Calgary

a. Calgary Stampede

• When: Early July (10 days)
• What: Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede is a world-famous rodeo and exhibition. It features rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, live music, a midway (carnival), and cultural showcases.
• Entertainment Highlights:
  • Rodeo events and evening shows.
  • Live performances by international and Canadian artists.
  • Indigenous cultural exhibits and powwows.
• Shopping:
  • Vendors selling Western-themed clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
  • Artisan markets featuring local crafts and goods.
• Costs:
  • General admission: CAD 23 for adults, CAD 14 for youth (ages 7–12), free for children under 6.
  • Rodeo tickets: CAD 40–150 depending on seating.
  • Evening show tickets: CAD 50–200.
• Ticketing:
  • Tickets can be purchased online via the official Calgary Stampede website or at the venue.
• Local Considerations:
  • The Stampede Grounds are located near downtown Calgary, easily accessible by Calgary Transit (CTrain and buses).
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, as many events are outdoors.

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b. Calgary Folk Music Festival

• When: Late July
• What: A four-day music festival held at Prince’s Island Park, featuring over 70 artists from around the world performing folk, indie, and world music.
• Entertainment Highlights:
  • Multiple stages with live performances.
  • Family-friendly activities and workshops.
• Shopping:
  • Artisan markets with handmade goods, jewelry, and art.
  • Food trucks and local vendors offering diverse cuisines.
• Costs:
  • Day passes: CAD 75–90.
  • Full festival pass: CAD 200–250.
  • Children under 12: Free.
• Ticketing:
  • Tickets are available online through the festival’s website or at the gate (subject to availability).
• Local Considerations:
  • Bring a blanket or portable chair for seating.
  • The park is accessible by walking or biking from downtown Calgary.

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c. GlobalFest

• When: August
• What: A multicultural festival featuring nightly fireworks competitions, cultural pavilions, and performances.
• Entertainment Highlights:
  • Fireworks displays choreographed to music.
  • Cultural performances, including dance and music.
• Shopping:
  • International food vendors and cultural crafts.
• Costs:
  • General admission: CAD 20–25 per night.
  • Festival passes: CAD 85–100.
• Ticketing:
  • Tickets can be purchased online or at local retailers like Calgary Co-op.
• Local Considerations:
  • Held at Elliston Park, about 20 minutes from downtown. Parking is limited, so consider using public transit or shuttle services.

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d. Sled Island Music & Arts Festival

• When: June
• What: A city-wide festival showcasing indie music, film, and art at various venues across Calgary.
• Entertainment Highlights:
  • Live performances by emerging and established artists.
  • Film screenings and art installations.
• Shopping:
  • Merchandise from local artists and bands.
• Costs:
  • Festival passes: CAD 200–250.
  • Individual event tickets: CAD 20–50.
• Ticketing:
  • Passes and tickets are available online or at participating venues.
• Local Considerations:
  • Events are spread across the city, so plan your schedule and transportation in advance.

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e. Christmas Markets and Winter Festivals

• When: November–December
• What: Calgary hosts several holiday markets and winter festivals, including the Calgary Christmas Market and Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo.
• Entertainment Highlights:
  • Light displays, ice skating, and holiday-themed activities.
  • Live music and caroling.
• Shopping:
  • Unique gifts, handmade crafts, and holiday treats.
• Costs:
  • Zoolights: CAD 20–25 per person.
  • Christmas Market: Free entry or CAD 5–10 depending on the market.
• Ticketing:
  • Zoolights tickets are available online through the Calgary Zoo website.
• Local Considerations:
  • Dress warmly, as many events are outdoors.
  • Parking can be limited during peak times.

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2. Shopping in Calgary

Calgary offers a mix of high-end malls, local boutiques, and unique markets. Here are some key shopping destinations:

a. CF Chinook Centre

• What: Calgary’s largest shopping mall, featuring over 250 stores, including luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry.
• Entertainment:
  • A movie theatre and dining options.
• Costs:
  • Free entry; shopping and dining costs vary.
• Local Considerations:
  • Located 15 minutes from downtown by car or CTrain.

b. The CORE Shopping Centre

• What: A downtown mall with a mix of high-end and mid-range stores.
• Entertainment:
  • Devonian Gardens, an indoor botanical garden.
• Costs:
  • Free entry; shopping and dining costs vary.
• Local Considerations:
  • Easily accessible by public transit.

c. CrossIron Mills

• What: An outlet mall located just outside Calgary, offering discounted prices on popular brands.
• Entertainment:
  • A food court and family-friendly attractions.
• Costs:
  • Free entry; shopping costs vary.
• Local Considerations:
  • About 20 minutes from downtown by car; limited public transit options.

d. Calgary Farmers’ Market

• What: A year-round market featuring local produce, artisanal goods, and unique gifts.
• Entertainment:
  • Live music and family activities on weekends.
• Costs:
  • Free entry; shopping costs vary.
• Local Considerations:
  • Two locations: South and West. Parking is free.

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3. Entertainment in Calgary

Calgary boasts a thriving entertainment scene, from live performances to sports events.

a. Arts and Theatre

• Venues:
  • Arts Commons: Hosts theatre, music, and dance performances.
  • Jubilee Auditorium: Known for Broadway shows and concerts.
• Costs:
  • Tickets range from CAD 30–150 depending on the event.
• Ticketing:
  • Purchase tickets online or at the venue box office.

b. Sports Events

• Teams:
  • Calgary Flames (NHL): Games at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
  • Calgary Stampeders (CFL): Games at McMahon Stadium.
• Costs:
  • Flames tickets: CAD 50–300.
  • Stampeders tickets: CAD 30–100.
• Ticketing:
  • Tickets are available online through team websites or Ticketmaster.

c. Nightlife

• Areas:
  • 17th Avenue SW: Bars, clubs, and restaurants.
  • Stephen Avenue: Upscale dining and live music venues.
• Costs:
  • Cover charges: CAD 10–20 at clubs.
  • Drinks: CAD 8–15.

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4. Practical Tips for Visitors

• Transportation:
  • Use Calgary Transit (CTrain and buses) for easy access to most events and shopping areas. Day passes cost CAD 11 for adults.
• Weather:
  • Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and check forecasts before attending outdoor events.
• Currency:
  • Canadian dollars (CAD) are used. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for smaller vendors.

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With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Calgary’s festivals, shopping, and entertainment to the fullest! Let me know if you need more details about any specific event or attraction.