How to spend the long weekend with a fire ban

This weekend marks one of the most anticipated long weekends of the summer, but with all the wildfires and looming fire bans in BC and Alberta, many people may be opting to stay close to home.

If you’re spending the long weekend in Calgary or Airdrie, here’s some ways to spend the weekend:

CALGARY

• Calgary International Blues Festival: experience a week of outdoor blues music at this annual music favourite at Shaw Millennium Park. Happening July 31 to August 6, admission varies, more information here.
• Inglewood Sunfest: check out the best of Inglewood at this day-long street festival in Inglewood on 9th Avenue SE. Happening August 5, admission is free, more information here.
• Head to Heritage Park: another historic tour of Calgary can be found in this unique park where history is alive and in working condition! Explore Western Canada from the 1860s to 1950s. This is a living history museum with restaurants, events, rides and much more. (website | 1900 Heritage Drive SW.
• Spend some time at the Calgary Zoo: from the Rocky Mountains to Africa, the Calgary Zoo lets you see over 1,000 animals. Be sure to check out the dinosaur park, penguins and see Zoo Lights in the winter. (website | 1300 Zoo Road NE).
• Get some thrills at Calaway Park: spend a day of fun at the park with 32 family-friendly rides, entertainment, food and games. (website | 245033 Range Road 33)

AIRDRIE

• Chinook Winds Spray Park. This outdoor spray park features a variety of water toys and features so you can cool down on hot summer days. Features include: twist n’ spill water toys, ground sprays, splash spiral, interactive spray piano and public washrooms and change rooms on site. Location: 2853 Chinook Winds Drive SW.
• Spend a day on the greens at one of the two gorgeous golf courses. Airdrie is home to two beautiful golf courses: Woodside Golf Course and Apple Creek Golf Course, and both are offering tons of events and deals all summer.
• Go for a walk or bike on beautiful pathways. Airdrie is blessed with an extensive bike path and walkway system, as well as a number of beautifully-maintained parks and green spaces for recreation use. Location: maps and address of parks and paths online.
• Enjoy family fun at Nose Creek Park. Enjoy a picnic or fish in the pond at this park featuring over 40 acres of natural space. There are lots of picnic tables and pathways for the whole family to enjoy here. Location: follow the signs in the downtown core.

Have a safe and happy August long weekend!