Calgary’s central downtown pedestrian promenade, Stephen Avenue Walk paints itself red and white on Canada Day, ramping up its usual bustle with street vendors, buskers and live musical performances at the #IAMDOWNTOWN stage. Seven musical acts and three local dance groups will take the stage during the day. Hours: 11 am to 8 pm.
Escape your desk and the hump-day doldrums with a sunshiny lunch in the city centre. Calgary Downtown Association presents Pop-Up Picnics in Downtown Calgary on Wednesdays from June 22 to August 24. A series of 10 noon-hour events, these outdoor happenings will be staged throughout the downtown at locations that include Harley Hotchkiss Park, Suncor Energy Centre and Bankers Hall Turtle Park. Arrive with your own bagged lunch at these family-friendly social events and seating will be provided. As will games and live entertainment based on each event’s unique theme (the first one is “magic”). Free.
JazzYYC and Downtown Calgary take it to the street with Jazz Parade, a New Orleans-style brass blast. The mobile, musical merriment starts at noon on June 15 at the east end of the pedestrian mall. It’ll be impossible to miss. As well, on June 16, Invertigo Trio plays the 100 block of Stephen Avenue Walk from 12 pm to 1 pm.