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"Calgary's NW Ignites: Calaway Park Unleashed, Lilac Festival in Full Bloom & Long Weekend Bliss!"
"Calgary's NW Ignites: Calaway Park Unleashed, Lilac Festival in Full Bloom & Long Weekend Bliss!"
"Calgary's NW Ignites: Calaway Park Unleashed, Lilac Festival in Full Bloom & Long Weekend Bliss!"
Your guide to summer kickoff events, community festivals, and local favorites across NW Calgary
Author
May 13, 2026
Calaway Park Opens, Lilac Festival Blooms & Long Weekend Fun: Your NW Calgary Guide! |
Your guide to summer kickoff events, community festivals, and local favorites across NW Calgary |
Trivia Question❓In what year did Calaway Park first open its gates to the public? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
🎢 Calaway Park Opens for the 2026 Season
It's that time of year again! Calaway Park officially opens its gates this Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing thrills, laughter, and classic summer fun back to NW Calgary.
Whether you're a roller coaster enthusiast or prefer the gentler rides with the little ones, there's something for everyone at this iconic amusement park.
What's New This Year
The park has been busy during the off-season, and visitors can expect some fresh surprises alongside beloved classics. From the heart-pounding drops of the Vortex to the scenic views from the Skyride, every corner of Calaway Park promises adventure.
Event Details
📅 Opening Day: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Season passes are also available for families planning multiple visits throughout the summer. With live entertainment, games, and all those rides, it's the perfect way to kick off the season.
Pack the sunscreen, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some memories!
Image: Calaway Park |
🌸 The Lilac Festival Returns to 4th Street
Mark your calendars! The Lilac Festival is back and better than ever, transforming 4th Street SW into a vibrant celebration of spring, community, and local culture.
This beloved Calgary tradition draws thousands of visitors each year, and for good reason. With over 500 vendors, multiple stages of live music, and the intoxicating scent of lilacs in the air, it's the unofficial kickoff to summer in the city.
What to Expect
Wander through blocks of artisan booths showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and crafts. Sample treats from local food vendors serving everything from classic festival fare to gourmet delights. Catch live performances from local musicians across multiple stages.
The festival is family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids and spaces to relax and people-watch.
Event Details
📅 Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Street parking can be challenging, so consider transit, biking, or ride-sharing. Finding Your Way To The Action!
Don't forget to stop and smell the lilacs!
Image: Lilac Festival |
🎵 Calgary Wind Symphony at Riley Park
Looking for the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon? The Calgary Wind Symphony is bringing their popular concert series to Riley Park this July and August.
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy free outdoor performances by one of Calgary's finest musical ensembles. From classical favorites to contemporary pieces, these concerts offer something for every musical taste.
Concert Schedule
📅 Sundays: July 7, 14, 21 & August 18, 25, 2026
These family-friendly concerts are a Calgary summer tradition. Arrive early to secure a good spot on the grass!
Love your music? Here is some free music books, etc.
Image: Calgary Wind Symphony |
☕ The Roasterie: Coffee Worth Waking Up For
If you haven't discovered The Roasterie yet, you're missing out on one of NW Calgary's best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the heart of Kensington, this independent coffee shop has been winning over locals for nearly 40 years.
What sets them apart? It's the attention to detail. They roast their own beans on-site in small batches, creating that perfect dark-roast flavor that keeps customers coming back. The baristas know their craft, and the atmosphere is pure old-school coffee shop charm.
More Than Just Coffee
Their cold brew is legendary on hot summer days. The pastry case features fresh-baked goods from local bakeries. And the atmosphere? Think exposed brick, the smell of fresh-roasted beans, and a welcoming vibe that makes it perfect for both catching up with friends and getting work done.
Free WiFi and plenty of seating make it a favorite remote work spot for locals.
Visit Them
📍 Address: 314 10 Street NW (Kensington)
Tell them NW Calgary Hub sent you! 💛
Image: The Roasterie |
🍽️ 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar: Where Locals Gather
There's something special about a restaurant that feels like home the moment you walk in. 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar has that rare quality, combining warm hospitality with a menu that has something for everyone.
Located in Mount Pleasant, this family-owned spot has been serving the community since 2011. Whether you're looking for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch with friends, or a place to celebrate something special, they've got you covered.
What's on the Menu
Think elevated comfort food with variety. Their wings are a local favorite. The pizzas are generously topped. And their weekend brunch? Let's just say the lineup of options keeps everyone happy.
They also feature local craft beers on tap and cocktails that hit the spot after a long day.
Visit Them
📍 Address: 2620 4 Street NW (Mount Pleasant)
Tell them NW Calgary Hub sent you! 💛
Image: 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar |
🥩 Recipe: Perfect Backyard BBQ Ribs
With the long weekend approaching and barbecue season officially here, we wanted to share a local favorite recipe that's been perfected over years of backyard cookouts.
These ribs strike the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tender. The secret? Low and slow cooking followed by a quick finish on a hot grill.
Ingredients
For the Rub:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
1. Prep the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Apply the rub: Mix all rub ingredients together. Coat ribs generously on all sides. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Low and slow: Preheat grill to 225°F (or use smoker). Cook ribs bone-side down for 3 hours, maintaining temperature.
4. Wrap and continue: Wrap ribs in foil with a splash of apple juice. Cook another 2 hours until tender.
5. Sauce and finish: Unwrap, brush with sauce, and grill over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes per side until caramelized.
6. Rest and serve: Let rest 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Recipe adapted from a longtime Calgary pitmaster. Enjoy! image: vecteezy.com |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
1982 |