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
River Hall
When: August 29 - Sept. 28, Fridays through Sundays
Where: Lot 6, 311 Eighth St. S.W.
Learn more: River Hall
River Hall has returned to Lot 6 for another epic five-week So Long Summer Series! The temporary gathering space has a blend of local flavours, live entertainment and an inclusive, pet-friendly atmosphere that you won’t want to miss.
River Hall
River Hall has returned to Lot 6 for another epic five-week So Long Summer Series! The temporary gathering space has a blend of local flavours, live entertainment and an inclusive, pet-friendly atmosphere.
When: August 29 - September 28, Fridays through Sundays
Cirque du Soleil: ECHO
A breathtaking show blending acrobatics, stagecraft, and technology to explore empathy and connection.
Sacred Defenders of the Universe
An immersive digital experience featuring four Indigenous superheroes who restore Earth’s balance through elemental powers.
Calgary International Film Festival
The Calgary International Film Festival brings over 200 feature and short films to the big screen each fall with gala events, movie screenings, and red-carpet premieres. Local and international films are shown at various theatres throughout the city with the opportunity for fans and local filmmakers to interact.
When: September 18-28
Exhibition Opening: Erik Olson & Preston Pavlis
Celebrate the opening of two solo exhibitions: In the Garden by Erik Olson and You there by Preston Pavlis. Includes artist talks and gallery tours.
Night Light
A free, family-friendly celebration of light and art featuring interactive installations and performances from local and international artists.
Locked Library: Ghost Stories
Solve puzzles and explore the spooky Central Library in this family-friendly mystery night.
Harvest Haus
Calgary’s answer to Oktoberfest brings steins, sausages, oompah bands, and European harvest traditions to life. Enjoy DJs, dancing, and authentic fare in a high-energy weekend celebration.
Wild After Hours: Tapirs
Explore the mysterious world of tapirs in this after-hours experience at the Calgary Zoo. Enjoy a guided evening tour, learn fascinating facts about these unique rainforest creatures, and discover how the zoo cares for them behind the scenes. Adult beverages and light bites are available.
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.