Calgary Stampeders, Cavalry FC, Dog Jog, and the Lilac and Ukrainian Festivals: What our photographers saw this weekend
Check out what Postmedia Calgary photographers saw in and around the city this weekend, including two Calgary sports teams and festivals.
Thousands of people flocked to 4th Street S.W. for the Lilac Festival, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer — but not before a thunderstorm rolled in, tampering the event until the sun returned in Calgary on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Friday
Calgary Stampede’s Youth Veterinary Science Challenge
Student Maysa Moon and classmates checked out Rio during the Calgary Stampede’s second annual Youth Veterinary Science Challenge, an immersive, hands-on learning experience for high school students interested in animal science at the Clinical Skills Building at the UCalgary Spy Hill Campus in Calgary on Friday, June 5, 2026. Student Parker MacPherson and classmates also examined Rio. Student Makaela Barnett and University of Calgary Veterinary Dr. Karelhia Garcia-Alamo checked out Skipper during the event.
Heritage Park’s Women Making History in Alberta Awards
Finalists in Heritage Park’s Women Making History Awards celebrated the event Friday, June 5, 2026 at the park’s Gasoline Alley. Winners were Brooke Millar, Manjit Minhas, Ann McCaig, Calgary Herald editor-in-chief Monica Zurowski, Lourdes Juan, Jane Matheson and Amelia Newbert. The Herald’s Monica Zurowski won the Vera Burns award along with Ann McCaig.
Calgary Stampeders vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers home opener
Kids played games in a fan zone before the Calgary Stampeders’ home opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026. Kinsley checked out her Calgary Stampeders horse tattoo as she got ready in a fan zone. Football fans arrived, tailgated, and watched the game. The Stampeders and Blue Bombers battled during the home opener. Defensive lineman Miles Brown pressured Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros. Running back Dedrick Mills carried the ball. Defensive lineman Kelon Thomas reached out to grab defensive back Trey Vaval. Quarterback Quincy Vaughn celebrated a touchdown. Receiver Erik Brooks caught a pass deep in Winnipeg’s zone to set up a touchdown. Receiver Tevin Jones ran after a catch. A fumble left the ball up for grabs. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. ran for a touchdown. The Stampeders celebrated a turnover.
Saturday
Cyclefest
Riders checked out the human statue during YYC Cyclefest at The Confluence and East Village as Calgary’s Biggest Free Bike Festival featured a day of learning and experiences to celebrate the independence that comes with two wheels in Calgary on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Hundreds came out, including dad Michael with Carmen and Victoria.
Calgary Humane Society’s Dog Jog
Kayla with her dog Finnegan joined hundreds for the Calgary Humane Society’s 25th annual Dog Jog, presented by Douglas Homes, a non-competitive walk or jog along North Glenmore Park, followed by a family fido-friendly festival to raise critical funds to support the Animal Protection Team in Calgary on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Dogs cooled down as hundreds participated.
Summer Safety Day at Calgary Police Discovery Centre
The Calgary Police Discovery Centre held their third annual Summer Safety Day, a free, interactive event designed to help families and youth stay safe and prepared for the summer season, with demonstrations in Calgary on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Police engaged in a canine demonstration.
Cavalry FC vs. Halifax Wanderers FC
Cavalry FC and Canada Soccer supporters sang the national anthem during CPL soccer action between Cavalry FC and Halifax Wanderers FC on ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows in Calgary on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Halifax keeper Marco Carducci waved to the crowd before kickoff in his first appearance at ATCO Field after signing with the Wanderers in the offseason. Halifax’s Sven Zitman held off Cavalry’s Sergio Camargo. Cavalry’s Adam Pearlman took on Halifax’s Marcus Godinho. Halifax’s Jefferson Alphonse defended against Cavalry’s Goteh Ntignee. Cavalry teammates celebrated Dann Klomp’s second-half goal. Tobias Warschewski saluted the crowd as he was subbed off late in the second half. Cavalry’s Jay Herdman shielded the ball from Halifax’s Sven Zitman. Halifax’s Isaiah Johnston defended against Cavalry’s Michael Baldisimo.
Sunday
Lilac Festival
Thousands of people flocked to 4th Street S.W. for the Lilac Festival, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer — but not before a thunderstorm rolled in, tampering the event until the sun returned in Calgary on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party Naheed Nenshi handed out Canadian flags.
Calgary Ukrainian Festival
Dancers from Tryzub School performed during the annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival at the Acadia Recreation Complex in Calgary on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Dancers from Yalenka also performed. Face painting and food galore were featured. Dancer Zlata Bodnarchuk checked out the Pysanka display.
