9 Reasons to Spend Labour Day Weekend in Calgary
As Labour Day weekend approaches, everyone is getting ready for the last hurrah of the summer. If you haven’t made plans to leave the city, there are lots of exciting events going on in and around Calgary to help you bid farewell to summer. Here’s nine events and activities going on this long weekend:
COLOUR RUN
This fun event is a non-timed 5-kilometre run that promotes healthiness, happiness and community spirit. Runners start the event in white, and are doused with colour at each kilometre, ending the race with a party and a lot of colour.
When: Saturday, August 30
Where: Stampede Grounds
Website
CANMORE HIGHLAND GAMES
This annual event is in its 24th year and celebrates traditional Highland and Celtic games and culture. You can see everything from tug-of-war to celtic dancing, and lots of live music and food to indulge in.
When: Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31
Where: Centennial Park, Canmore
Website
LABOUR DAY CLASSIC
This annual battle of Alberta brings together the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Eskimos for an epic game, not to be missed. This game always draws a big crowd and is a great event for any football fan.
When: Monday, September 1 at 2:30 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium
Website
MILKY WAY NIGHTS
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is opening to the public for late night observing this weekend. Drop in for a chance to observe planetary nebula, globular clusters and galaxies (if conditions are clear).
When: Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30 from 10 pm to 2 am
Where: Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, the east side of Highway 22
Website
XFEST
Tickets are still available for this annual two-day musical festival, featuring some of the biggest names in indie and alternative rock. Some big names are headlining this outdoor all-day concert, so be sure to check online.
When: Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, gates open at 11:30 am
Where: Fort Calgary
Website
BBQ ON THE BOW
This is Canada’s oldest BBQ competition, bringing together some of the city’s best chefs and BBQ joints for a 3-day competition. Lots of food, entertainment and activities for the kids.
When: Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 30
Where: Eau Claire Market Plaza
Website
CHILI FEST
Western-themed activities surround the main event, a chili cook-off! Lots of food, entertainment and family-friendly activities are to be had at this annual Okotoks event.
When: Saturday, August 30, starts at 10 am
Where: Old Towne Okotoks
Website
CALGARY HIGHLAND GAMES
Celebrating over 100 years of this premier Highland Games event, the Calgary Highland Games celebrates the sights and sounds of Scottish culture.
When: Saturday, August 30
Where: Springbank Park for All Seasons
Website
CALGARY PRIDE PARADE
Support Calgary’s gay community with this colourful and fun parade on Stephen Avenue. The parade and numerous floats will be starting on Stephen Avenue and heading towards Millenium Park where the festival will begin.
When: Sunday, August 31 at noon
Where: Stephen Avenue
Website