Calgary·Audio

Calgary Entertainment: 6 things to do this weekend

Don't miss these explosive performances by musicians and pyrotechnicians alike now through Sunday.

Explosive performances from musicians and pyrotechnicians alike

Frontman of the Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, centre, leads the band through a concert in Vancouver, Sunday, July, 24, 2016. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)

Fireworks, country music, a rooster crowing world championship and a classic film screening are just some of the things to take in this weekend.

The Homestretch's Susan Holzman has rounded up some of the highlights.

1. The Tragically Hip

Left to right: Tragically Hip members Gord Sinclair, Paul Langlois, Gord Downie, Johnny Fay and Rob Baker are touring across Canada this summer. (Clemens Rikken/Canadian Press )

No tickets? No worries.

The Tragically Hip play the final concert of their summer tour this weekend in Kingston, Ont., but CBC is carrying a livestream of that concert for all Canadians coast to coast. 

You can join the crowds at multiple venues screening it throughout the city. 

CBC's own Tim Tamashiro will be at the Last Straw Ale House giving out CBC and Hip swag.

When: Saturday, see all locations here

2. GlobalFest

GlobalFest's 2015 fireworks featured China, the Philippines, Spain, the U.S. and Canada. (Julie Vincent, J&J Lawrence Photography)

The fireworks extravaganza is off to a late start, but that's why festival organizers scheduled the shows the way they did. 

The explosive presentations fire up Friday, synced to music by teams from Brazil, Chile, Mexico and the U.S.

The park itself opens at 6 p.m., and there's plenty to see, do and eat before the big display.

When: At Elliston Park, see full schedule here

3. Canadian Badlands

Brandt has won 13 Canadian Country Music awards, eight JUNO awards, and many other prestigious Canadian and international music awards since beginning his musical career in 1996.

Renowned country artist Paul Brandt will make an appearance in the middle of the hoodoos.

He's playing the Canadian Badlands Concert Series, which takes place in an an outdoor amphitheatre.

CBC Calgary is a proud sponsor of the memorable event, and tickets are still available online here.

When: Sunday at 4 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m. at the Canadian Badlands Passion Play Amphitheatre

4. Spaghetti Western Festival

The ninth annual Spaghetti Western Festival is Calgary's own alternative, indie country music extravaganza. (Spaghetti Western Festival/Facebook)

If you can't make it out to the Badlands, there's a country festival taking place right in town. 

Liz Stephens, Steve Dawson and Romi Mayes are just a few of the names that will take the stage. Chef Mario's Burger 320 food truck will also make an appearance.

When: Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Olympic Plaza

5. Priddis & Millarville Fair

The Priddis & Millarville Fair draws more than 500 exhibitors this year, and features a rooster crowing world championship. (Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society)

This is one of the oldest and biggest fairs in southern Alberta, and it celebrates its 109th year this time around.

It's an easy, scenic drive down the Cowboy Trail, Highway 22 to the 500 exhibitors, youth talent competition, and pie- and watermelon-eating contests. 

Not to mention the rooster crowing world championship.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society

6. The Princess Bride

Catch it this weekend at the Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies, which is back for its second year in a row, by popular demand. 

Bring your own chair, and enjoy the free hot popcorn and sweet southern iced tea.

When: Saturday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday at the Calgary Parking Authority Lot 57, located at 1210 Kensington Rd. N.W.


With files from the Homestretch