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Explore Downtown

#ExploreDowntownYYC Explore Downtown Calgary

In the city of possibility, downtown is the face and the place of Calgary’s future.

It’s a mix of bold entrepreneurship, where dreams become reality and where creative curiosity is unleashed; it’s toes tapped to music and dipped in the river, drinks sipped from a rooftop and art and culture appreciated up close and personal.

Downtown is where it all happens – it’s the pulse of our city and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. 

Things to do in downtown Calgary

Events in the Spotlight

  • Calgary Surge Basketball

    May 21, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E. (Scotiabank Saddledome).

    Calgary Surge hit the basketball court at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the team’s home opener in a battle of Alberta, against the Edmonton Stingers.

    Learn more

  • YYCaesar Festival

    May 18-19, 1801 Big Four Trail S.E. (The Big Four).

    Celebrate Canada’s National Cocktail at the Calgary Caesar Festival. This two-day sampling event honouring the Calgary-born cocktail featuring over 40 Caesars, local food, craft beer, Caesar merch, & other goods.

    Buy tickets

  • Building Black Civilization: Journey of 2,000 Ships

    Until May 19, 130 9th Ave. S.E. (Glenbow at the Edison).

    Artist Ekow Nimako explores what might have been when ruler Abu Bakr II chose to abdicate his throne and set out across the Atlantic. Using LEGO® to recreate epic possibilities, Nimako creates a narrative of Black civilizations and imagines liberated futures.

    Learn more

  • The Lego Batman Movie

    May 19, 2-4 p.m., 750 9 Ave. S.E. (The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland).

    Join The Confluence in the Burnswest Theatre for a matinee screening of the Lego Batman Movie.

    Buy tickets

Los Trompos

The City is excited to bring a splash of colour and dizzying fun to Lot 6 (311 8 Street S.W.) through a large-scale, interactive installation called “Los Trompos,” creating a place of joy and connection in downtown Calgary.

Los Trompos, which is Spanish for “spinning tops”, was designed by Mexican creators Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena, and is tour produced by Creos.  

Don’t miss your chance to sit, spin and play on these structures!

When: May 1 – 28

Where: Lot 6 (311 8 Street S.W.)

Getting here: You can get downtown with Calgary’s Public Transit system. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes and fares, visit Calgary Transit.

Park at Lot 58 and enjoy evening and weekend rates at $0.50 per ½ hour. If you’d prefer an active mode of transportation, walk, wheel or spin to Lot 6!

Contest: Enter to win one of eight, $200 Downtown Calgary Gift Cards that can be used at over 90 downtown businesses! Learn more about the contest rules at the Calgary Downtown Association.

Survey: Take our quick survey and let us know your thoughts on Los Trompos and provide input on future events and activations downtown.

Itineraries

Explore these sample itineraries to help guide your visit. New memories are waiting – start here, in downtown Calgary.

  • Outdoor enthusiast

    Downtown Calgary has miles of scenic pathways and beautiful parks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a picnic in the park, or adrenaline-filled activity, we have you covered!

  • Family

    There’s a wide variety of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours!

  • Food and restaurants

    Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and downtown is where the culinary magic is happening.

  • Shopping

    In the mood to go shopping or enjoy a day of window browsing? Look no further than Downtown Calgary, where you’ll find the very best in shops, services and unique handmade goods.

  • Night life

    Calgary is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant night life scene that has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a cozy pub, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot.

  • Performing arts and exhibitions

    Downtown Calgary is a dynamic hub for performing arts and theatre. The many theatres and performance arts venues contribute to the city's vibrant theatrical scene, offering innovative and compelling productions that engage and inspire audiences.

  • Arts and culture

    Downtown Calgary pulsates with a vibrant tapestry of arts and culture, weaving together a rich narrative of creativity, expression, and community. Downtown Calgary stands as a hub where tradition and innovation converge, fostering an environment where the arts flourish and culture thrives.

Neighbourhood guides

Stay connected

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