Downtown Summer Festivals
Downtown Summer Festivals & Events Summer Starts Here!
Break out your sunglasses and embrace the summer vibes – because Summer Starts Here, in downtown Calgary! With over 200 festivals and events happening downtown this summer, the heart of our city will be bursting with energy, entertainment and community pride as we kick off a summer packed with fun, local talent and memory-making events.
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
Canada Day
When: July 1
Where: The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary), St. Patrick’s Island, Municipal Building
Website: calgary.ca/CanadaDay
Celebrate Canada Day with a full day of fun, connection and culture for all ages. Enjoy an Indigenous spotlight and powwow, live music, cultural interactive activities, food trucks, face painting and more! Be sure to catch the all-Canadian Main Stage show at The Confluence starting at 3:20 p.m., featuring Lu Kala, Big Sugar, Aysanabee and headliner Sam Roberts Band. Cap off the day with fireworks above Stampede Park just after 11 p.m.
One World Goes Bollywood
Experience an electrifying evening of spectacular Bollywood and other dance genres, vibrant costumes, high-energy performances, and pure magic on stage.
Rise: Run, Yoga, Meditate
This event is a day about bringing people together outside in nature for a run (or walk), an outdoor yoga experience, and a guided meditation.
OHSOTO’KINO: Indigenous Peoples Day at Studio Bell
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with free admission at Studio Bell! Explore the Speak Up! exhibition and enjoy live performances from Beatrice Deer and Norvin Eagle Speaker with a vibrant ensemble of powwow dancers.
4th Street Night Market
Visit the lively main street neighborhood for food, fun, local finds, & friends. This event is pet-friendly!
When: June 21, July 19, August 23, September 20
Polar Bear Breakfast
Bring your family and friends down for a fun and educational morning at the zoo! This event includes an exclusive before hours opportunity to learn more about polar bears, what makes them so wonderful, why they are endangered and Siku during his morning routine followed by a delicious buffet breakfast.
NMC Presents: Jens Lindemann’s Brassfire – A Tribute to Trumpet Greats
Join international trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann and friends at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, as they pay tribute to the legends of the brass world.
When: June 22
21st Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra – Festival of Chariots
A community event with the purpose of spreading the message of peace, happiness, and harmony and showing cultural heritage.
When: June 22
Rodney's Oyster Fest and Shucking Competition
Check out the annual festivals at Rodney’s Oyster House Calgary, in support of The Mustard Seed. This family-friendly event will feature food and drink booths, a live DJ, a silent auction and shucking competitions.
JazzYYC
Get ready for the JazzYYC Summer Festival, kicking off June 23 with seven jampacked days of world-class live jazz! This year’s festival showcases international stars, celebrated Canadian artists, and Calgary’s finest musicians — spanning the full spectrum of jazz.
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.