Celebrated each year on July 1, Canada Day marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867 and provides an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the country’s history, diversity, and shared values. Across the nation, communities celebrate with festivals, live entertainment, cultural performances, fireworks, and family-friendly activities that bring people together.
Canada Day is also a time to appreciate the many cultures, traditions, and perspectives that contribute to the country’s identity. Whether attending a local celebration, spending time with family and friends, or exploring the outdoors, Canadians are encouraged to celebrate in ways that reflect the spirit of community, inclusion, and respect.
Celebrating Canada Day in Calgary
Canada Day is one of Calgary’s largest annual celebrations, bringing together residents and visitors for a full day of entertainment, culture, and community. The City of Calgary hosts free, family-friendly events featuring live music, cultural performances, an Indigenous Spotlight and Powwow, interactive activities, artisan markets, and food vendors. The celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Stampede Park, creating a memorable end to the day for thousands of attendees. Whether attending downtown festivities or celebrating with family and friends, Canada Day offers an opportunity to connect with the community and appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions that make Canada unique.
A Day of Community and Reflection
Beyond the celebrations, Canada Day is also a moment to appreciate the values of freedom, inclusion, diversity, and mutual respect. Whether attending events downtown, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying the summer weather, July 1 offers a chance to celebrate Canada while also reflecting on the work needed to build a fair and welcoming society for everyone.
July Night Sky
July is a great month to look up and enjoy the night sky. Warm summer evenings make it easier to spend time outdoors, whether with a telescope, binoculars, or simply your eyes. This month is a good opportunity to observe the Moon, bright planets, constellations, and the early activity of the Perseid meteor shower, which becomes more active later in the summer. For a community built around curiosity and critical thinking, stargazing is a simple reminder of how science helps us better understand the universe and our place within it.
– One country, one sky, endless curiosity –
BBQ and Potluck
Saturday, July 4
Annual Summer BBQ & Potluck
Join us for our annual Summer BBQ & Potluck! We’ll provide burgers, hot dogs, and vegan options—just bring a side dish or dessert to share, along with your favorite beverage.
Enjoy great food, backyard games, music around the fire, and good company. Feel free to bring an instrument if you’d like to join the music. This is a family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome!
You can register on our Meetup Page to get updates.
Book Club
Thursday, July 9
Second Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm MST
Head over to our Meetup page to register and get the Zoom link.
This month, the Book Club will be discussing the book Mind the Science: Saving your Mental Health From the Wellness Industry by Jonathan Stea.
Blood Donor Clinic
Saturday, July 11
We are donating blood at the Canadian Blood Services Clinic (100-207 9th Ave SW). Participants need to be at the clinic at 11 am. After the donations, we will go for lunch at Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub (140 10 Ave SW).
We have reserved spaces at the blood clinic, so please only RSVP if you are committed to attending.
Go to our Meetup page to register and get more details.
Wildflower Hike
Sunday, July 12
Join us for a scenic family-friendly wildflower hike in Bow Valley Provincial Park! Enjoy beautiful mountain views, blooming wildflowers, and great company on this easy trail. Carpooling is available from Brentwood C-Train, or you can meet us at the park entrance. Don’t forget your lunch, camera, and layers for changing mountain weather.
Go to our Meetup page to register and get more details.
Coffee Chat Online
Monday, July 13
Second Monday of every month at 1:00 pm MDT
Our Coffee Chat is an enjoyable, unstructured afternoon conversation. Anyone can introduce an idea or ask a question, and the group will jump in and discuss it. You never know where the conversation will go, but it is always interesting and sometimes even educational. Join us and add your two cents’ worth.
Go to our Meetup page to register and get the Zoom link.
Thriving Without Religion:
A Public Gathering
Monday, July 13
Second Monday of every month at 7:00 pm MST
We are proud to present Thriving Without Religion, an in-person gathering designed to help you navigate life after faith and build a meaningful, joyful existence rooted in reason and community.
Congress Coffee Company, 215 36 Ave NE, 1A · Calgary, AB
Please note – we will not be screening attendees, so use caution if you are not “out” as a non-believer.
You can register on our Meetup Page to get updates.
WeCanReason Webinar
Wednesday, July 15
Fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm MST
The common cold: 30,000 y… with David Miles (recording)
Everybody knows what a cold feels like: miserable. The first cold virus was detected in a milk tooth shed over 30,000 years ago and ever since, the common cold has been a bane. Yet while sore throats and blocked noses are annoyingly familiar, the processes that lead to them are not widely known and often misunderstood.
Like the way that most cold viruses can only exist at all thanks to the society we’ve built over the last few millennia.
And, most importantly, what we can do about them.
The recording will take place on July 15 at 12 pm (noon) MDT and the webinar will be broadcast on July 22 at 7 pm MDT. You can join both but only on the 15 we will have a Q&A.
Head over to our Meetup Page to register and get the Zoom link.
Skeptics in the Pub
Friday, July 17
Third Friday of the month at 7:00 pm MST
Come to the pub, meet like-minded people and have thought-provoking discussions, along with a drink and some food.
This month’s topic is Illogical Logics and Absurdities.
Limericks Traditional Public House, 7304 Macleod Trail SE · Calgary, AB
Look for the RMA banner or ask the host where we are sitting!
You can register on our Meetup Page to get updates.
WeCanReason Webinar
Wednesday, July 22
Fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm MST
The common cold: 30,000 y… with David Miles (broadcast)
Everybody knows what a cold feels like: miserable. The first cold virus was detected in a milk tooth shed over 30,000 years ago and ever since, the common cold has been a bane. Yet while sore throats and blocked noses are annoyingly familiar, the processes that lead to them are not widely known and often misunderstood.
Like the way that most cold viruses can only exist at all thanks to the society we’ve built over the last few millennia.
And, most importantly, what we can do about them.
The recording will take place on July 15 at 12 pm (noon) MDT and the webinar will be broadcast on July 22 at 7 pm MDT. You can join both but only on the 15 we will have a Q&A.
Head over to our Meetup Page to register and get the Zoom link.
Monthly Board Meeting
Thursday, July 23
Fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm MST
The Board of RMA meets on the 4th Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to all, but only Board members can vote.
Check out our Meetup page for the link and other details.
All details of our events can be found on our Meetup Page at https://www.meetup.com/rockymountainatheists/events/.
