You’re ‘in the green’ as well with a couple of free events that have been a proven hit at the Village Square Leisure Centre. And there’s a bevy of other festivities that celebrate the unique ethnicities found in the city, from the Silk Road Festival — Tapestry of Poems and Brazil Fest. On top of it all, there’s the highly popular Calgary Jazz Festival that kicks off the city’s summer concert festivals.
It is the summer, at long last, so lets catch the June bug and have some fun in the sun in Calgary for what’s shaping up to be a really ‘green’ month.

Mayor’s Environment Expo
May 1 – 3 | Municipal Building Atrium
This is an educational opportunity where kindergarten to Grade 12 students and teachers are invited to visit over 50 booths from The City of Calgary, environmental organizations and Calgary businesses, showcasing their actions, programs and products to reduce the impact on the environment. Attendees will learn how their individual actions can help create a healthy environment. Through workshops and theatre, the Expo will engage students with curriculum links in Social Studies, Science and the Arts.

“Children get to learn how important individual action is to help create a healthy environment,” says the Expo’s Judi Vanderbrink.

The Expo is targeted for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students and teachers, with curriculum links in Social Studies, Science and the Arts. However, there is something for all ages.

Spruce Meadows competitions
National – June 9 – 13, Continental – June 16 – 20, Skyliner – June 23 – 27 | Spruce Meadows grounds
Opening the 2010 Spruce Meadows Summer Series, the ‘National’ hosts the best show jumping athletes and horses from throughout the Americas. It features the Spruce Meadows Canadian Show Jumping Championship ™ and over $870,000 in prize money. Family entertainment and shopping opportunities are also available for everyone from Friday to Sunday.

The ‘Continental’ is an FEI CSI 4-star Tournament which features a world cup qualifier and offers guests the perfect opportunity to watch world-class show jumping competition in a more relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to wander around the grounds and enjoy the spectacular scenery — truly a great way to escape the city. Admission and parking is free.

While the ‘Skyliner’ Tournament, that debuted in 2006, focuses on junior and amateur athletes; those seeking the Spruce Meadows experience for themselves and their horses under a world championship format. Future champions will be inspired at the ‘Skyliner’. Admission and parking is free.

Village Fair at Village Square
June 19 | Village Square Leisure Centre
Join the whole Leisure Centre Complex and Village Square Mall in a celebration of summer. Games, activities, “Read-Away-Fines”, entertainment, and prizes for the whole family. Check out the Community Sale, Resource Fair and visit the Village Square Mall Sidewalk Sale for great deals. Admission is free.

Mobile Skate Park at Village Square
June 26 – July 11 (closed July 1) | Village Square Leisure Centre
Skate Park has a combination of roll ins, fun boxes with rails, pyramids with rails, grind- boxes, quarter- pipes, wall rides and half pipes. Helmets and waivers required. Free admission.

The Junior Skills Competition
June 27 | McCall Lake Golf Course
McCall Lake Golf Course The City of Calgary Golf Courses are committed to developing junior players into the golfers of the future and to provide programs and opportunities that focus on a creative positive environment, courtesy, judgment, discipline, honor and fun. It offers a variety of learn to golf lesson programs for juniors and in addition, many special events and initiatives for juniors aged 6-17 years of age. Best of all, it’s free.

Registration during event at the McCall Lake Driving Range. All skill levels welcome.

Silk Road Festival - Tapestry of Poem
June 24 | John Dutton Theatre, W.R. Castell Central Library
Even though Calgary is far away from the ancient Silk Road, yet there is a thread of connection through all the immigrants who have journeyed from Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and China to make Calgary their new home. They share their spices, art, and culture adding a unique flavour to the Canadian multicultural tapestry.

Brazilian Cultural Festival
June 2 – 6 | Various locations
Be a part of Calgary’s 4th annual Capoeira and Brazilian Arts Festival, an exciting four-day event that celebrates Brazilian popular culture on all fronts. Hosted by Calgary’s own Axé Capoeira from Wednesday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 6th, the festival features four days of workshops at SAIT and free Capoeira demonstrations at various locations across the city.
The festival culminates in a live performance in the Playhouse at Vertigo Theatre Centre on Sunday, June 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., showcasing the skill and talent of several international Capoeira champions.

The Calgary Jazz Festival
June 21 – 28 | Various locations
Groove to some hot soul and cool jazz during this eight-day extravaganza with some of the hippest musicians from around the world and around the corner. There are more than 70 performances in clubs, concerts and performance halls and in free shows in the heart of the city on Stephen Avenue and the floating stage on Olympic Plaza.

A couple of the headliners this year are prolific jazzman Chick Corea, and the immortal Ben E. King. Visit http://www.calgaryjazz.com for information on venues, tickets.