Top 13 Summer Events in Alberta

School is out and summer is in, but we all know that the novelty that summer break brings wears off quickly and boredom soon ensues. So what activities are going on in Alberta this summer to keep you busy? Here’s a look:

1. Calgary Stampede
Until July 18th @ Stampede Park, Calgary
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is still on for three more days! Grab a cowboy hat and head to the Stampede for rides, concerts, the Showband, and some old-west style fun.
$14 per day at the gate

2. Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Until July 25th @ Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Performances of Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing alternate every evening and performances start at 8 pm nightly, with Macbeth performed on even dates, and Much Ado About Nothing performed on odd dates. See Much Ado About Nothing also on Saturdays and Sundays for matinee performances.
Student Ticket: $15 or Pay-What-You-Will performances are every Tuesday night and Saturday matinees.

3. Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 22nd – 25th @ Prince's Island Park, Calgary
Grab your tarps, towels, and festival chairs for a weekend of music from over 68 artists from 14 countries such as Michael Franti and Spearhead, Baskery, and Alberta's own Dojo Workhorse (pictured) at the 31st annual Calgary Folk Music Fest.
Youth 4-day Pass (13-17): $95 advance or tickets available at gate on day by day basis: $50 - $62

4. Capital EX
July 23rd – August 1st @ The Edmonton Event Centre, Edmonton
Formerly known as Klondike Days, Capital EX is 10 days of games, rides, concerts, entertainment, shopping, and more.
10-day Pass: $38 advance or $12 per day at the gate

5. Sun and Salsa Festival
July 25th @ Kensington Village, Calgary
A salsa tasting contest and live entertainment hit the streets of Kensington late July in Calgary. Pay for your chips and sample 40 different salsas. Vendors and artisans will be set up along the street selling various services and products all day.
Bag of chips for tasting: $3 or 2 for $5. Water: $2

6. Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival
July 30th – August 1st @ Homecoming Park, Stony Plain
Partake in three days of great music and fun activities for the whole family. See artists like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (pictured), Woodbend, and A Page in Time at the 25th annual Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival.
3-day Pass: $100 or $45 per day

7. Calgary International Blues Festival
August 2nd – 8th @ Shaw Millennium Park, Calgary
If blues is your thing, this year's blues festival is for you, featuring artists like Sean Carney Band, Mississippi Heat (pictured) and Chicago Blues Reunion!
4-day Regular Pass: $159 or Day Pass for $60

8. Edmonton Folk Music Festival
August 5th – 8th @ Gallagher Park, Edmonton
Another great group of artists from all over the world, including Brandi Carlile (pictured), Van Morrison, and Lau, join together in Alberta for the Edmonton Folk Music Fest.
Youth Evening Tickets (12-17): $25 per night

9. Backstreet Boys
August 8th @ The Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary
With special guest Shawn Desman.
Prices range from $39.50 to $99

10. Michael Bublé Crazy Love Tour
August 17th and 18th @ The Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary
With special guests Naturally 7.
Prices range from $49 to $119

11. GlobalFest
August 20th – 28th @ Elliston Park, Calgary
The best part about a fireworks competition is that you don't necessarily have to purchase tickets unless you are interested in the Night Market (various food vendors and entertainment).
Advance tickets: $12.50 or tickets at the entrance: $15

12. The Monster Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga
August 26th and 27th @ Rexall Place, Edmonton
With special guests Semi Precious Weapons.
Prices range from $60.51 - $188.01

13. Open Sky Music Festival
August 28th @ Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Enjoy a full day of western Canada's best reggae, acoustic, island and surf rock acts such as Jeff Morris, Mobadass, and Current Swell (pictured) at the first annual Open Sky Music Festival.
Price: $30.98