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.
Plan your summer using our Downtown Summer Festival Itinerary!
With over 100 festivals and events happening downtown this summer, the heart of our city will be bursting with fun and entertainment for everyone.
Ready, Set, Explore!Events in the Spotlight
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Story City
All Summer long, Various Downtown locationsChoose your own adventure with Story City! Story City is a free, interactive storytelling experience that makes you the hero of your own adventure. Grab your phone, a few friends, and hit the streets to explore locally-made stories by and for Calgarians. Download the app to get started!
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Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 25-28, Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. S.W.)Visit beautiful Prince’s Island Park for Calgary Folk Music Festival, featuring over 70 artists across five daytime stages and two evening stages.
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Calgary Water Lantern Festival
July 26, Waterfront Park (5225 101 St. N.W.)The Calgary Water Lantern Festival will be an unforgettable evening filled with food trucks, fun music, activities, and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night with love, hope, and happiness.
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Summer on 17th: Retro 80’s
July 26-28, Tomkins Park (17th Ave & 8 St. S.W.)Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 17th Avenue Business Improvement Area with an 80's Dance Party in Tomkins Park. Dance to your favourite 80’s hits, explore the Seconds Collective vintage market, and enjoy screenings of classic 80’s movies all weekend long.
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Walk Walk Dance
June 20 - July 30, Harley Hotchkiss Gardens (611 4 Street S.W.)Get ready to dance! The City, in collaboration with the Calgary Downtown Association, invites you to experience ‘Walk Walk Dance’. Dance your way through musical lines as you walk or wheel, turning movement into a joyful and expressive collective dance.
Team Canada FanFest
When: July 26-28
Where: Stephen Ave. and Centre St.
Website: Team Canada FanFest
Cheer on Canada this weekend as we go for gold in Paris! We are thrilled to share that Calgary is one of just three Canadian cities, and the only Western Canadian city, to host the inaugural Team Canada FanFest.
Bring your friends and family down to Stephen Ave. at Centre St. to watch the Games at this free, family-friendly event. There will be appearances by Olympic athletes, live performances, immersive Team Canada partner activations and more!
Event schedule
Friday, July 26 – 12 p.m. 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 27 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 28 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Getting there
Getting downtown on Calgary Transit is easy and will keep you close to your event. You can plan your trip downtown using the Calgary Transit app or visiting their website.
Walk, bike or roll! Consider taking one of Calgary’s many pathways to the event.
If you plan to drive, we have many places to park close to the action, including Lot 60 – Convention Centre Parkade. Please be aware of road closures as you plan your visit.
You can also check out Calgary Parking’s website for some amazing summer parking deals.
Itineraries
Explore these sample itineraries to help guide your visit. New memories are waiting – start here, in downtown Calgary.
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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!
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There’s a wide variety of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours!
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Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and downtown is where the culinary magic is happening.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Your guide to experiencing the Downtown Core
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s premier cultural neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic, urban Victoria Park
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Your guide to experiencing the eclectic Beltline neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic and modern 4th Street
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s red mile
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Your guide to experiencing the culturally rich Downtown West
Stay connected
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Keep connected about the latest downtown news! Expect an update every 4 months
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Follow us on social media and share your photos using #ExploreDowntownYYC