Fun Family Activities in Calgary in August
It’s hard to believe that August is creeping up on us already, but summer is far from over in YYC. There are family activities in Calgary like festivals and fun galore to check out before heading back to school – check out our roundup below!
Fun Family Activities in Calgary in August

Calgary International Blues Festival | calgarybluesfest.com
Thursday July 30 – Sunday August 2
Blues fans won’t want to miss the annual Calgary International Blues Festival, held at Cowboys Park. This week-long celebration is filled with music, workshops, food trucks, markets, dance parties, and more. This family friendly event is known for its world class blues music, warm hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere. Bring your dancing shoes! Children 12 & under are admitted free.

Calgary Fringe Festival | calgaryfringe.ca
Friday July 31 to Saturday August 8
The Calgary Fringe Festival brings all the fun of the theatre to multiple venues around the city. Check out live performances, or enjoy shows from the comfort of your own home with on-demand offerings.
Heritage Day Festival
Monday August 3 |Â Eau Claire Plaza
Celebrate Heritage Day and Calgary’s rich cultural diversity with live music, dance performances, international food vendors, cultural displays, and family-friendly activities. This free annual festival is a wonderful way to experience traditions from around the world.

Lantern Peace Festival | calgaryfloatinglanterns.com
Saturday August 8
Head down to Olympic Plaza for a beautiful celebration of peace set to the backdrop of lanterns floating on the Olympic Plaza pool, vibrant music, and a free Kid’s Zone to play in!
Calgary Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday August 8 – Sunday August 9 | North Glenmore Park
At Calgary’s Dragon Boat Festival, catch exciting dragon boat races while enjoying cultural performances, children’s activities, food vendors, and a lively festival atmosphere. It’s one of Calgary’s signature summer events and fun for all ages.
Marda Gras Street Festival
Sunday August 9 |Â Marda Loop
Marda Gras Street Festival is a free, family-friendly street festival features live entertainment, local artisans, food trucks, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities for kids to play while parents browse local shops.
Expo Latino | expolatino.com
Friday August 14 – Sunday August 16
The annual Expo Latino is coming to Prince’s Island Park, bringing delicious foods, fantastic performances and an art market filled with one-of-a-kind wares. Kids aged 12 and under and seniors aged 65+ receive free admission to the Expo Latino Festival when accompanied by an adult and pre-registered with a free ticket.
Carifest Calgary
Various Locations | Friday August 14 – Sunday August 16
Celebrate Caribbean culture at Carifest with colourful costumes, live music, dancing, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend. The parade and festival are always highlights for visitors of all ages.

GlobalFest | globalfest.ca
Thursday August 27 – Sunday August 30
Don’t miss everyone’s favourite summer festival! Although fireworks are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of GlobalFest (and for good reason – they are incredible!), this festival is so much more than the beautiful night sky displays it’s come to be known for. Join in the celebration of Calgary’s multi-cultural communities by visiting the pavilions, taking in performances, tasting a variety of cultural delicacies, enjoying children’s programming and, of course, watching the fireworks. The fireworks displays will be presented by world-class pyro musical artists from around the world.

Chinatown Street Festival | calgarychinatown.com
Saturday August 15
The Chinatown Street Festival is a day filled with live performances, dancing, music and more. Vendor tents will be filled with cultural products and handmade crafts and cultural tents will bring visitors Chinese traditions, arts, and crafts. Don’t forget to stop at the food trucks for a tasty snack or meal!
Which events are your favourite family activities in Calgary in August? Let us know in the comments!

