Stampede is heading into its final weekend, and there is plenty happening around it too. Pro soccer at McMahon Stadium, breakfast beside the polar bears, comedy two nights running, and a pair of free city programs for the kids. Here are 7 ways to close out Calgary's biggest week.
Calgary Stampede: the final weekend
Festival
Ten days come down to this. Championship Sunday decides the rodeo titles, the midway runs full tilt through the weekend, and the fireworks close things out each night. If you have been putting it off all week, Friday during the day is your least-crowded window.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 10 to 12
Where: Stampede Park, 1410 Stampede Trail SE
Cost: Tickets at calgarystampede.com
Calgary Wild FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC
Sports
Pro women's soccer at McMahon Stadium, Saturday at 5 p.m., as the Wild host Vancouver in Northern Super League play. Early evening kickoff means the whole family can go and still be home at a reasonable hour.
When: Saturday, July 11, 5 p.m.
Where: McMahon Stadium
Cost: Tickets online
Polar Bear Breakfast at the zoo
Family
Saturday morning the Wilder Institute opens the Wild Canada zone early for a buffet breakfast with front-row polar bear viewing. Bears are most active early, so this is genuinely the best hour to see them do something other than nap.
When: Saturday, July 11, 8 to 11 a.m.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Cost: See website
Calaway Comic Fest for Kids
Family
Calaway Park leans into superheroes this weekend with costumed characters and comic-themed activities on top of the usual rides. Kids in costume will be in good company.
When: Saturday and Sunday, July 11 to 12
Where: Calaway Park, west of the city on Highway 1
Cost: Park admission, see calawaypark.com
FunnyFest's Stampede of Laughs
Arts
If your boots need a night off, FunnyFest runs two nights of stand-up from Canadian headliners Friday and Saturday. It is the counter-programming Stampede week always needs.
When: Friday and Saturday, July 10 to 11
Where: See funnyfest.com for venue
Cost: Tickets online
Mobile Skate & Scoot Spot
Free
The city's drop-in wheeled sports setup is parked in Oakridge all weekend, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Boards, scooters, and in-line skates all welcome, beginners included, and it costs nothing.
When: Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 9504 Oakfield Drive SW
Cost: Free
Park n' Play: last day Friday
Free
The city's supervised summer play program for kids aged 6 to 12 runs its Friday session from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at parks across the city, including Beddington Heights, Copperfield, Silver Springs, and Lake Bonavista. Free, no registration.
When: Friday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Eight neighbourhood parks citywide, see calgary.ca
Cost: Free
Know an event we missed? Tag us @culturealberta or email hello@culturealberta.com.
