Good morning, Calgary! Summer is basically knocking on the door. We start the week wet and cool, but hang on, because Friday through Sunday is shaping up to be the first proper patio weekend of the year. This edition has A Dance Spectacle, Calgary's very first Ube Fest, a free historic ferry ride worth the drive, and the Stampeders kicking off their home season. The Lilac Festival takes over 4th Street on Sunday too. Let's get into it.

🌿 City Spotlight: Devonian Gardens

When the rain rolls in early this week, here is your move. The Devonian Gardens is a free indoor botanical garden tucked on the 4th floor of The CORE on Stephen Avenue downtown. Picture a full city block under glass: more than 500 trees, koi ponds, fountains, a living wall, and a kids' play area, all completely sheltered from whatever the sky is doing.

It is one of the easiest, most underrated downtown escapes in the city, and it costs nothing. Hours follow The CORE's shopping hours, and weekday mornings before the lunch crowd are the quietest. Bring a coffee, find a bench by the water, and let the kids burn off some energy while you pretend you are somewhere tropical.

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🟣 Calgary's First Ube Fest Is Coming

The purple yam has officially taken over, and now it is getting its own party. Calgary's first-ever Ube Fest lands on June 13, the day after Philippine Independence Day, and it is about more than the viral desserts. The Calgarian behind the festival wants people to connect the trend back to its Filipino roots, celebrating the flavour, the culture, and the community alongside all that vivid purple. If you have only ever met ube as a Starbucks drink or an ice cream flavour, this is your chance to taste the real thing.

⛴️ A Free Historic Ferry Near Drumheller

Here is a fun one for a sunny weekend drive. The Bleriot Ferry is one of Alberta's last remaining cable ferries, and it has been carrying people across the Red Deer River since 1913. It is completely free to ride, runs daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. until October 30, and sits along the North Dinosaur Trail just outside Drumheller. Pair it with the "circle" drive through the Badlands and you have an easy, cheap day trip that feels like stepping back in time.

🏄 Yes, You Can Surf the Bow River

River surfing in Calgary sounds made up until you watch someone do it on a standing wave at Harvie Passage. This summer the Alberta River Surfing Association is offering beginner lessons for first-timers, with three-hour sessions running every second weekend out of Pearce Estate Park. Bookings are open now, sessions start July 11, and it is hands-down one of the most surprising ways to spend a summer morning in this landlocked city. No ocean required.

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🍽️ Featured Restaurant: Deane House

Location: 806 9th Ave. SE (Inglewood)
Vibe: Historic, riverside, special-occasion

With the weekend warming right up, there is no better patio in the city than Deane House. The 1906 heritage home sits at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, surrounded by gardens, just five minutes from downtown. The contemporary Canadian menu leans seasonal and local, the oysters are shucked all day, and the Sunday five-course Chef's Tasting Menu is a steal at $75 per person. Pro tip: their happy hour runs Wednesday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. with half-price appetizers and drinks, and the garden patio books up fast once the sun is out, so reserve ahead.

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REPORT

Weather Forecast

A wet, cool start with rain on Tuesday before things steadily climb. Wednesday brings a mix of sun and cloud, Thursday warms into the low 20s with a chance of showers, and then Friday through Sunday delivers the goods: sunshine and patio weather right through the weekend. Dig out the sunscreen.

PROPERTY: Fantastic location overlooking Confederation Park with glimpses of Nose Hill. 

PETS: Time to meet some new friends. Nola the Alaskan Husky pup, Esther the kitten, and Van Quailen the quail are all looking for forever homes at the Calgary Humane Society.

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HAPPENINGS

(Feature YOUR Event Here)

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

• F3 Calgary – Free outdoor men's workout, 5:30–6:15 AM at 2019 Chicoutimi Dr. NW. (Map / Details)

• Devonian Gardens – Beat the rain at this free indoor garden on the 4th floor of The CORE downtown. Open during CORE hours. (Details)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

• The Palace Theatre – Superheaven brings their grunge-shoegaze sound to downtown at 6:30 PM. Tickets from $53.25. (Details)

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

• F3 Calgary – Free outdoor men's workout, 5:30–6:15 AM at 2019 Chicoutimi Dr. NW. (Map / Details)

• Last quiet morning before a stacked weekend. Rest up.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

• McMahon Stadium – Stampeders Home Opener vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 7 PM. The 2026 season kicks off, tickets from $32.30. (Tickets)

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

• F3 Calgary – Free outdoor men's workout, 6:30–7:30 AM at 2019 Chicoutimi Dr. NW. (Map / Details)

• North Glenmore Park – Calgary Humane Society's Dog Jog 25th Anniversary, 10 AM. Grab the leash for a 5 km walk or jog that helps animals in need. (Register)

• Acadia Recreation Complex – Calgary Ukrainian Festival, 10 AM to midnight. Traditional song, dance, food, and the finest Ukrainian beer and vodka. Admission $10. (Details)

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

• F3 Calgary – Free outdoor men's workout, 6:30–7:30 AM at 2019 Chicoutimi Dr. NW. (Map / Details)

• 4th Street SW – The 4th Street Lilac Festival takes over the street from 10 AM to 6 PM with 500-plus vendors, live music, and food. Free, and it always feels like half the city shows up. (Details)

• Acadia Recreation Complex – Calgary Ukrainian Festival, day two, 10 AM to 6 PM. Admission $10. (Details)

THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading From Calgary today. If you enjoyed this edition, found something useful, or learned something new, please share it with someone who lives in Calgary.

Chat soon,

Brent
Publisher - From Calgary

P.s. BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Email [email protected] (or reply to this email) and let me know!

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