Downtown Summer Festivals
Sunny Days. Cool Nights. Downtown Summer Festivals and Events
The summer fun continues downtown with more than 200 festivals and events until the end of September! Break out your sunglasses and embrace the summer vibes with sunny days and cool nights. From street festivals and outdoor concerts to night markets, film screenings and comedy shows, downtown Calgary is the place to be as the sun sets and the city lights come on.
Please check the official event websites for the most up-to-date information regarding cancellations, rescheduling or other important updates.
Explore downtown with these summer festivals and events:
FEATURED EVENT
Calgary Pop-Up Care Village
When: August 21
Where: Central Memorial Park
Website: Calgary Pop-Up Care Village
The Calgary Pop-Up Care Village is a festival for anyone experiencing systemic vulnerabilities such as homelessness, addiction, mental health issues, poverty, language and cultural barriers, and more.
The festival provides equitable access to basic services such as case management, healthcare, clothing, haircuts, food, and more to the community. This is a one-day event that upholds guests' inherent human dignity, and it bridges the wider Calgarian community with the underserved population.
Photo credit: Albert Woo
Free Weekend Workouts at Lot 6
The City is hosting free recreation classes for people ages 13 and older at Lot 6. These classes provide a great opportunity to try new workouts, meet people and enjoy downtown in a new way! No registration required, bring your water bottle, a mat, appropriate footwear and sunscreen.
When: Select weekends throughout the summer
Surge City Hoops Summer Series
The Calgary Surge & The City are teaming up to bring FREE youth basketball clinics to the heart of our city. The clinics run every Tuesday and Saturday from July – October for youth ages 9-17, at the Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 Eighth Ave. S.W.).
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays until Oct. 4
Alcove Centre for the Arts
Alcove is a home for anyone who finds joy in art—whether you're a working artist, a hobbyist, an enthusiast, or someone simply looking for creative experiences. Check out the program schedule for events happening this summer.
Shirley’s Greenhouse Farm Stand
Shirley’s Greenhouses is running a farm stand in Harley Hotchkiss Gardens every Friday from 2PM – 6PM this summer. Get some fresh local fruit, veggies, eggs and baked goods to kickstart your weekend!
When: Every Friday throughout the summer
Historic Stephen Avenue Guided Walking Tours
Discover the architectural gems, historic landmarks, and stories that have shaped this dynamic city on a guided walking tour that explores Stephen Avenue, Calgary’s National Historic District.
When: Every Thursday and Friday throughout the summer
Local on Stephen
Marketspot setting up shop on Stephen Avenue this spring and summer! Check out Local on Stephen every Thursday (11 AM - 6 PM) from May to September, as they turn Stephen Avenue into a lively marketplace celebrating and supporting local talent.
When: Every Thursday throughout the summer
Story City
Choose your own adventure with Story City, 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.
BUMP Festival
The BUMP Festival is Calgary’s community-led, city-wide street art movement - transforming the city into an open-air visual art gallery. Its annual August run features vibrant new murals, graffiti jams, guided tours, live music, outdoor cinema, artist talks and installations.
Kensington Night Market
The Kensington Night Market is back for its fifth year, with live entertainment and local vendors.
Getting downtown
Plan your trip
Over the summer festivals season, the downtown core will be very busy with events, road work and more people getting around. If you're driving, give yourself extra time to find parking and expect potential delays. You can plan your trip ahead by visiting Calgary.ca/PlanYourTrip.
Park safely and responsibly
Safe and legal parking helps avoid tickets, towing and unsafe situations for people walking, wheeling or driving nearby. Please remember to read and follow the signs before parking, even if it's a spot you're familiar with. You can manage your future parking sessions effortlessly by using the Parking Planner to book your parking in advance.
Save on parking with year-round deals
Parking downtown doesn't have to be expensive. Calgary Parking offers a variety of promotions throughout the year to help you save. Whether you're staying late, heading in early or planning a full day downtown, there are deals that make parking more affordable and convenient. Check out the Deals and Promotions page to see what's available.
Submit an event
If you have an event you would like added, please email: downtownevents@calgary.ca
with the subject: Downtown Summer Festivals.
*Please note, this page is updated regularly. The festivals and events listed are either organized, supported, or in good standing with The City of Calgary.