Where to celebrate Canada’s milestone birthday

From Heritage Park to Chinatown, festivals and parties abound

Riverfront Avenue Two stages featuring cultural performances and musicians including Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (8:409:40 p.m.) and Tegan and Sara (10-11 p.m.). Between 1st Street and Macleod Trail S.E. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Prince’s Island Park

Francophone entertainment, including carnival games, mascots, puppet show, francophone music, traditional Québécois dishes, storytelling and more; Indigenous showcase and powwow featuring music by Inuit throat singers, James Morrison Band, nêhiyawak and Cris Derksen; and military showcase. 698 Eau Claire Ave. S.W. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Olympic Plaza

Music, dance and storytelling for the whole family. Featuring jazz ensemble Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble, strum ’n’ singalong with Ian Tyson, line dancing, opera, DJs and more. 222 8th Ave. S.E. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

RedBall

Friday and Saturday. Internationally travelled art-piece. Friday at Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., 11:30 a.m.; Saturday at Olympic Plaza, 222 8th Ave. S.E., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Central Library

Family-friendly activities including campfire stories and songs (English, French, indigenous), 150 acts of reconciliation, selfie station, arts-andcraft activities, Lego-construction pit, and giant chess tournament. 616 Macleod Tr. S. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chinatown

Enjoy cultural performances, familyfriendly activities and indulge your tastebuds with culinary delights from Asia. Featuring Chinatown Parade (11 a.m. to noon) starting at Sien Lok Park, kite-flying festival, painting and calligraphy exhibition and more; 3rd Avenue between Centre Street and 1st Street S.E.

Confederation Park

The park named for Canada’s 100th birthday is the perfect place to celebrate the 150th. The fun includes the opening of a 1967 time capsule. At Confederation Park, 905 30th Ave. N.W. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

East Village

Featuring a pop-up retail park and entertainment on stage (439 8th Ave. S.E.) and street fair (along 8th Avenue S.). 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Eau Claire Market

With activities for all ages including live entertainment, artisan market by MarketSpot YYC, children’s games and crafts, petting zoo, reptile display, magician, surprise guests and more. At Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 403-264-6450.

Studio Bell

Celebrate with live music that takes you across Canada, interactive exhibitions, O Canada singalong, live music, building-wide jam session, Bell VR experience, and surprises. At Studio Bell, 850 4th St. S.E. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free (first come, first served).

Turban Eh!

Learn about the significance of the turban to the Sikh community and experience a different culture, while having your head wrapped in a turban. At Peace Bridge. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort Calgary

Celebrate the nation’s birthday at the place our city began. Free pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. (first-come, firstserved), music, food trucks and family activities. At Fort Calgary, 750 9th Ave. S.E. Heritage Park Heritage Park Canada & Dominion Day Celebration Celebrate Canada’s birthday the old-fashioned way with a free pancake breakfast for the first 2,017 guests before 10:30 a.m. A variety of musical and cultural performances, family-friendly games, ranch activities and more. At Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Drive S.W. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 403-268-8500.

Millennium Park: HOPE150

Friday and Saturday. Multi-generational, child-friendly event featuring dozens of stories of hope, Juno Award-winning bands and musicians, face-painting, activities, puppet theatre and more. At Shaw Millennium Park, 1220 9th Ave. S.W. Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free admission.

Spruce Meadows

In addition to the Pan American tournament, Spruce Meadows is hosting a number of special events on July 1: the Heroes Behind the Heroes Run (5K, 10K and obstacle courses), which supports military charities; family activities, including pony rides; Lord Strathcona’s Horse musical ride; and, a concert by the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra. At 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W. Free, courtesy Spruce Meadows and ATCO.

Calgary Zoo

Take in the natural surroundings of the Canadian Wilds, along with habitats from around the world. The first entries of children 12 and under will receive a free white spruce tree to plant.

Calgary Farmers’ Market

Local food, local music and local beer. With beer garden in support of the Calgary Food Bank. 510 77th Ave. S.E. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

Canada Day Carnival

Family-friendly activities for all ages. Admission is free; $5 wristband gets you access to inflatables, Calgary Rep- tile Zoo, face-painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, storyland and craft corner and carnival games. At Springs Church, 924 Heritage Dr. S.W. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 403-473-3400.

Centre Street Bridge Fireworks

Canada Day closes out with a bang. Suggested viewing locations include the South Bow River pathway between 3rd Street and 1st Street S.W., Riverfront Avenue, McHugh Bluff Park, Tom Campbell’s Hill Park, Nose Hill Park, Max Bell Centre and Valleyview Park West Ridge at 26th Street S.E. 11 p.m.

Outside Calgary Airdrie Parade and Fireworks

Parade at 10 a.m. on Main Street followed by food trucks, monster trucks, rock-climbing wall, line dancing, music and more. At Chinook Winds Park, 2853 Chinook Winds Dr. S.W., Airdrie. 3-10 p.m.; fireworks, 10:45 p.m. airdrieparades.com.

Aspen Crossing

“Celebrating our railroad ties” with a pancake breakfast, children’s activities, train tours, fireworks and the Diefenbaker dining car. At Aspen Crossing, west of Mossleigh, Alta. (one hour outside of Calgary on Highway 24). Pancake breakfast, 9-11 a.m.; family dance, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; fireworks display, 10:30 p.m.

Canada Day in the Rockies

The celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday begins with a pancake breakfast, continues with live entertainment as well as a parade, and concludes with fireworks. Various locations in Banff National Park.

Chestermere

Family-friendly celebration of Canada Day. Events start with a pancake breakfast and end with fireworks and entertainment. In between there is a tug of war, Latin dancing, wagon rides and more. At John Peake Park, 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere. 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; pancake breakfast, 9-11 a.m.; fireworks, 10:30 p.m.

Cochrane

Canada Day Family Festival: Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with live entertainment, roving performers, food trucks and more. At Mitford Park, Cochrane. Gates open 3 p.m.

Rails and Tales

Until Wednesday, July 5. A celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, antique agricultural equipment, Métis heritage and steam locomotives. At Big Valley Train Station, corner of Main Street and Railway Avenue, Big Valley. Noon to 6 p.m. railsandtales.ca.