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.
Calgary Fall Home Show
Explore home improvement trends, meet local experts, and attend design talks at Calgary’s largest home show. Includes 200+ exhibitors and interactive features.
Free Wall YYC Final Jam
Enjoy the final day of the pilot project! Take part in a drop-in graffiti jam, watch a hip-hop showcase, shop local handmade goods and engage in drop-in arts activities.
Culture Connect Festival
Indoor Cultural Showcase – Intangible cultural heritage display, food and arts activities, performances and workshops that celebrate diverse cultures.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
at Werklund Centre
Join Werklund Centre for a full day of free events and showcases to honour and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
When: September 30
Pokaiks
The Children Commemorative Walk and Gathering Event
Reconciliation walk from the Peace Bridge (Eau Claire Park side) to Contemporary Calgary where there will be a gathering with performances, artisans, community groups and ceremonies.
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
Head to The Confluence for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour and engage in reconciliation and decolonization with a variety of free, educational programming.
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
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.