Calgarians invited to join Alberta Day and Culture Days

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👀 In today's edition:

• Farmers deal with the fallout from severe hailstorms

• Cirque de Soleil tumbles into town

• Wind and solar energy developments are being cancelled in Alberta

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QUICK POLL

Calgarians invited to join provincewide celebrations in honour of Alberta Day and Culture Days

As Alberta prepares to mark its 120th anniversary of provincial status, Albertans are encouraged to come together in a series of accessible, community-driven events. On August 31, Alberta Day celebrations commence at 11am at both the Legislature grounds in Edmonton and Heritage Park in Calgary. The all-day festivities will feature free cultural performances, children’s crafts, food vendors, local artisans and culminate in spectacular evening drone shows in both cities. Evening entertainment includes live performances by The Prairie States in Edmonton and Calgary’s own Jake Mathews as headliners.

The following day, on September 1, Alberta launches its month-long Culture Days festival, offering a wide variety of free, family-friendly events across the province. This year, the provincial government has allocated $380,000 in grant funding to support 111 organizations across 48 communities, reflecting its commitment to enhancing public access to arts and culture.

To further encourage participation, Albertans are invited to visit 20 provincially owned museums, historic sites and archives at no cost on September 27 and 28. In highlighting the initiative, Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, described Culture Days as “a month-long showcase of the creativity, diversity and spirit that power this incredible province.”

Need to know

🎪 Cirque du Soleil's crew assembled their touring big top at Stampede Park, marking the first time the renowned circus company brought a travelling production to Calgary.

🏳️‍🌈 Calgary Pride proceeded with its flag-raising ceremony at City Hall despite losing over $300,000 in corporate backing as businesses pulled sponsorship support amid rising social conservatism.

⛈️ Farmers near Brooks surveyed extensive property damage and livestock losses after a severe hailstorm battered the region with destructive ice pellets.

🔋 A significant portion of Alberta's planned wind and solar energy developments were scrapped after the provincial government imposed restrictions on renewable power construction.

🚇 Transit officials reported a surge in calls to clean bodily fluids and hazardous materials from Calgary's light rail system during the busy summer month.

🏈 Calgary's football team rallied in the final two quarters to secure a decisive victory over Saskatchewan at their home stadium.

🌡️ Weather forecasters warned residents to prepare for an extended period of unusually hot temperatures reaching dangerous levels across southern Alberta.

🇨🇦 Former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk launched a grassroots campaign to collect nearly 300,000 petition signatures by October to force a referendum asking whether Alberta should officially remain part of Canada, countering growing separatist sentiment in the province.

👨🏻 YOU could be the reason a kid feels seen, heard, and supported. BBBS Calgary urgently needs more male mentors. Learn how volunteering a couple of hours a week can make a lifetime of impact!*

Blue Jay Sessions amps up for Pride celebrations

The Blue Jay Sessions will mark Calgary Pride with a special “Amped Up!” edition on Thursday, Aug. 28 at The Prairie Emporium. The night will feature dynamic short sets from local performers Terez, Toddy, and Tea Fannie, each bringing their own energy with added drums and backing tracks. Rounding out the lineup is a guest appearance from Selena YYC, known for her tribute performances to the late Tejano superstar.

Alongside the music, the venue will be serving a Pride-themed drink menu, with part of the proceeds directed to the Skipping Stone Foundation, a local non-profit supporting trans and gender-diverse youth. Guests will also find a range of craft beers, hard iced teas, and non-alcoholic choices on offer.

Food will play a big part in the evening too, with a menu of casual bites designed for easy snacking during the show. Options include The Prairie Emporium’s well-known Dill Pickle hot dog, a grilled cheese with ramen noodles, nachos and more. Doors open at 6:30pm, with live music starting at 8pm.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Pineapple Hall: Discover Calgary's vibrant new food hall where beloved local eateries like Double Zero, Lonely Mouth, and Clive Burger gather under one roof to create a bustling communal dining destination perfect for exploring multiple culinary experiences in a single visit.

🍴 Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro: Treat yourself to this local favourite's signature Beef Brisket Hash featuring slow-braised Alberta beef that transforms a classic breakfast dish into an extraordinary comfort food experience worth getting out of bed for.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Quantum Sandbox: Explore an interactive digital playground at TELUS Spark where visitors can discover quantum physics principles through an immersive experience combining vivid colours, dynamic sounds, and shifting landscapes that respond to movement in this enhanced exhibition running through September.

🎟️ Name That Tune: Test your musical knowledge at Cabin Brewing Company's special Pride-themed trivia night where participants compete to identify songs in this interactive quiz game hosted by Trivia Daddy, with your first drink included in the ticket price.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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