By Jillian Clark
The nights are getting cooler and the leaves have started to change colour, but there's still a little more time to soak up the sun before fall sets in. Use this guide to sneak in one last summertime hurrah during Labour Day long weekend Sept. 1 to 4. [Photo credit: iStock]
If you're in desperate need of a dance party, the Pride Festival has plenty of options all weekend long. Watch the Pride Parade downtown or check out Pride in the Park in the afternoon. The party continues late into Sunday night at the Much Music Dance Party on the National 8 rooftop patio, back by popular demand.
Rep your hometown pride in support of the Calgary Stampeders at the Labour Day Classic. Each year, the Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos battle it out at McMahon Stadium on Labour Day long weekend. Grab your buds and a brew to cheer on the Stamps.
Heritage Park is hosting afternoon tea from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 2 to 4 on the verandah of the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women. Expect sandwiches, pastries, pink lemonade and fresh brewed tea served with a side of summertime sun. Explore Calgary’s history in the park while waiting for your tea time.
Transport your family to the new Land of Lemurs exhibit at the Calgary Zoo and watch the lemurs play in their new home before the temperature drops. While you can still see the lemurs in the evening and winter months, the outdoor loop closes, leaving only indoor viewing accessible.
Partake in the free, family-oriented BBQ on the Bow Festival at the Montgomery Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday. This barbecue competition brings the finest grillers around to showcase their southern-style BBQ. Dance to live music or learn from the best at one of the scheduled cooking competitions.
Grab the local produce while it’s fresh at one of Calgary’s farmers' markets as the outdoor vendors at Crossroads Market will soon pack up their tables until next spring. Although the Calgary Farmers Market and the Market on Macleod are open year-round, the best fruits and veggies can be found in the summertime. Stock up on peaches and peppers to make enough jam and salsa to keep you warm through the winter.
If you want to pitch your tent once more before the cold weather sets in or just get out of town for a few hours, the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to do so. The fire bans in effect across southern Alberta might work in your favour as there will likely be less competition to snag a campsite in Banff National Park this long weekend. Go on a hike of the beautiful area or just plan a day trip.
Another great day trip is just a short trip away at Kananaskis Country. Pack your pool floaties to lounge around Forgetmenot Pond. Even if it's busy, there's plenty of parking for families who want to take it easy in the final moments of summer. For thrill seekers, hike nearby Powderface Ridge, which takes around two to three hours on a moderate incline to the summit. Picnic at the top next to the Canadian flag overlooking the foothills.
It might still feel like summer, but it’s not too early to indulge in fall fun – including during the annual Back to School Bash at the Calgary Corn Maze and Fun Farm. Though the maze is just outside the city limits, it feels like an out-of-town adventure. The corn stalks are over eight feet high this time of year, so the maze is ready to run. The best part? Teachers play for free on Saturday and Sunday of Labour Day weekend.
_________________________________________________________________
More things to do in Calgary before fall arrives:
_________________________________________________________________
Whether you catch some football or make your way through a corn maze, there's plenty to keep you busy this Labour Day long weekend in Calgary. Get out there and enjoy what's left of the warm weather in our city!
