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.
Fiestaval – Calgary Latin Festival
Each July, the weekend after the Calgary Stampede, downtown Calgary becomes a big fiesta! Enjoy the weekend festival with over 30 authentic food vendors, hundreds of national and international performers, an artisan market, kids area, beer gardens and lots of fun.
Retro 80s
Dust off your leg warmers and fire up the Walkman. Head to 17th Ave for a day of 80s fun.
The Sidewalk Series
Introducing a brand-new component of the annual Summer on 17th lineup - local talent popping up in unexpected places all summer long!
When: July 23 and 29, August 7, 22 and 27, September 4 and 17
Calgary Folk Music Festival
This popular festival takes place on beautiful Prince’s Island Park with 70 artists, performing on five daytime and two evening stages. Regular festival goers enjoy setting up camp right in front of the main stage with blankets, low-rise lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Inglewood Sunfest
Celebrate the best of summer in the heart of Inglewood. The Inglewood Sunfest offers something for everyone, from 200 vendors offering artisan crafts and imported wares to live performances, world-class circus acts, comedy street shows, bouncy castles, and more. There’s so much to watch, partake in, sample, and enjoy.
Afro Caribbean Festival
Africanival is to share and celebrate with Edmontonians, the colorful, rich, inviting and diverse cultures of peoples of African descent in Edmonton and beyond.
Calgary International Blues Festival
The 21st Annual Calgary International Blues Festival promises an unforgettable experience with live blues performances, a diverse selection of food trucks, a vibrant artisan market, unique festival souvenirs, and bar service throughout the site. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly event has been a cornerstone of Calgary's cultural scene for two decades!
When: July 31 - August 3
Taste of Calgary
Discover Calgary’s rich culinary scene at Taste of Calgary, a unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies with a side of live music. Admission to the festival is free, and you can purchase sample tickets for $1.00 to try select dishes from some of the city’s best restaurants and brewers.
Calgary Fringe Festival
Calgary Fringe Festival is a nine-day theatre festival showcasing a wide range of performances. The term “fringe” refers to a festival where any and all submissions are accepted and includes emerging and established artists alike to share stories on stage. Watch street performances, browse vendors, and experience the eclectic entertainment presented each day.
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.