The Father's Day Edition

Dad's day dilemmas solved + local weekend secrets unveiled

Good morning !

Father's Day is just around the corner this Sunday, June 15, so if you're looking for ways to celebrate the special dad or father figure in your life, we've got you covered. Read on to check out fun activities happening this weekend that are perfect for making the day memorable.

👀 In today's edition:

  • Why immigration matters in Calgary

  • The province is screening sex-education resources

  • Your plans for Father’s Day—or any sunny Sunday

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WORTH KNOWING

⛈️ Today: High 18°C, Low 12°C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

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Perfect patio weather for Father’s Day weekend

Photo: Unsplash

With sunny skies in the forecast for this Father's Day weekend in Calgary—and fingers crossed that wildfire smoke stays away—there's no better time to treat Dad to a memorable patio experience. Concorde Entertainment Group has released its 2025 Patio Guide, featuring 14 sun-drenched patios across the city that are perfect for celebrating the special father figure in your life. The comprehensive guide includes everything you need to plan the perfect patio outing, from sun and shade details to heating information for those cooler evening moments, plus daily specials and menu recommendations that will make Dad's day extra special.

This year's patio offerings have something for every dad's taste. Whether he's a cocktail enthusiast who'd enjoy sharing new pitcher creations at Barbarella Bar downtown, a burger lover who'd appreciate Clive Burger's thick custard shakes with rotating monthly flavours, or someone seeking something more adventurous like the refreshing Cold Udon at Lonely Mouth, Calgary's patio scene has him covered. Lulu Bar on 17th Avenue is also rolling out an exciting new menu and cocktail lineup that's perfect for a Father's Day celebration.

"Patio season means a lot to Calgarians and our out-of-town visitors, and we're all about helping people soak it up," explained Brittany Thompson, operations director at Concorde Entertainment Group. With the city's extended patio program creating even more lively outdoor spaces, from downtown hotspots to the vibrant 17th Avenue strip, this Father's Day weekend offers the ideal opportunity to kick back, enjoy the sunshine, and show Dad just how much he means to you.

Need to know

🍎 Alberta teachers voted to authorize strike action, with 94.5% of teachers supporting the move. Teachers are contesting issues including wages, classroom size, and support for students with additional needs.

🚨 Police are on the hunt for the suspect in a hit-and-run from May that ran over an on-duty firefighter.

⚡ A report found that Alberta's new renewable energy cleanup rules introduced in early 2024 made the province less competitive for investment compared to 26 other jurisdictions.

🌍 Calgary Local Immigration Partnership launched a campaign called "Immigration Matters YYC" to highlight immigrants' vital contributions to the city's economy, culture, and social fabric.

🏢 Downtown Calgary added 10 new city-supported office conversion projects that will create more than 1,100 new homes for approximately 2,000 residents while removing over 1.1 million square feet of office space.

💭 Alberta introduced new rules requiring the province to screen all sex education resources and presentations about sexual orientation and gender identity before they can be used in classrooms.

🔥 Firefighters were battling a large house fire in Edworthy Park on Tuesday afternoon. Challenges with access to fire hydrants meant crews had to shuttle water to the fire.

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Spotlight on Indigenous voices at Studio Bell

Photo: Unsplash

The National Music Centre is debuting a revitalized version of its Speak Up! exhibition on June 18 at Studio Bell, shining a spotlight on a new wave of Indigenous artists and cultural leaders. This annual refresh introduces visitors to figures like Beatrice Deer, an “Inuindie” pop artist from Nunavik known for blending indie rock with traditional throat singing, and the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, a Tlingit group from Yukon dedicated to preserving Indigenous language and culture through performance. The exhibition also honours the legacies of artists such as Ray St. Germain, Harry Rusk, and Kelly Fraser—trailblazers who helped carve out space for Indigenous voices in Canadian music.

Timed to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Centre will offer free admission and host a live event curated by Speak Up! lead David McLeod. Performances will include a set by Deer, singing in Inuktitut, English, and French, as well as appearances by Blackfoot traditional singer Norvin Eagle Speaker, grass dancer Takota Eagle Speaker, and fancy dancer Miracle Eagle Speaker.

Visitors can explore new artifacts like a modernized arnauti and St. Germain’s personalized six-string Ovation guitar, alongside immersive media and past features from artists like Jeremy Dutcher and Fawn Wood.

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, will be open from 10am to 5pm on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and admission will be free for everyone.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Rice and Noodle: This family-owned, Vancouver-based chain has arrived in Calgary and offers a fresh take on Asian-inspired cuisine, focusing on dishes made with real, natural ingredients in a casual, relaxed setting. Their menu features a variety of flavourful options designed to be both delicious and health-conscious.

🍴 Lulu Bar: This bar, listed on Concorde Entertainment Group’s patio guide, features a variety of alcoholic drinks. There’s something for everyone — from 0% super dry lager to a zero proof mai tai.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Bridgeland Discovery Tour: Tour Bridgeland Distillery to learn how brandy, whisky, and grappa are made, then enjoy a tasting of three spirits of your choice. Guests also receive 10% off bottles, merchandise, and cocktails on the day of the tour.

🎟️ Calgary Farmers’ Market: Join the Calgary Farmers’ Market this Father’s Day for a fun family morning featuring a photo booth with Dad and a creative card-making activity for kids. It’s a sweet and simple way to celebrate together in a lively market atmosphere.

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

That’s it!

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