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.
Calgary Pride
Calgary Pride celebrates the city’s diverse and inclusive 2SLGBTQ+ community. There is a full week of events, including the Pride Parade which attracts more than 60,000 spectators. The Parade is followed by Pride in the Park, a free, family-friendly, outdoor celebration with food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a family activity zone.
Brewery & the Beast
Brewery & the Beast attracts chefs and restaurants from Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and surrounding areas to showcase incredible food and beverages from Alberta. This festival creates a playful and educational environment where you can learn about local proteins and produce, enjoy quality food and drink, and participate in a dynamic environment that supports local businesses.
Chinatown Lantern Festival
Chinatown’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival event showcases hundreds of lanterns set alight in celebration of the festival. With merchants and food vendors, this event draws thousands of people for a fun and relaxing evening full of music and a beautiful atmosphere.
Movie Weekend
17th Ave is bringing back movies, but with a twist! Get ready for a theatrical Movie Weekend, where your favourite films come to life.
La French Run
This 5k/10k takes you on a beautiful journey through the historical Francophone neighbourhood of Calgary: Rouleauville (now known as Mission) and its surroundings. As a special treat, after crossing the finish line, participants can relish in a tasting and degustation of authentic French pastries.
Franco Festival Calgary
Franco Festival is a celebration of many Francophone cultures, from Africa to Europe, through Asia and the Americas using music, dance, food, art and crafts and other aspects that demonstrate the breadth and diversity of Canadian heritage.
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
Run for Life 2025
Run for Life is a hybrid event. Participate in-person at the Calgary Run for Life event on Saturday, Sept. 13, or at various pop-up events held across Canada. Participate virtually anywhere, anytime, and in any way: by running, walking, biking, or doing any physical activity that inspires you.
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.