Downtown programs and activities
As we continue to shape a greater downtown, The City and our partners are committed to creating engaging experiences and dynamic public spaces. We are transforming the heart of our city into a 24/7 destination filled with fun, creativity, culture and connection.
By investing in dynamic programming, pop-up events, playful activations and more, we’re breathing new life into our downtown streets, parks, and public spaces all year long. See how The City continues to make downtown a vibrant, welcoming space through programming and activations.
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Downtown is where it all happens – it’s the pulse of our city, and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
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Current programs
SURGE CITY Hoops Summer Series
Calgary Surge & The City are back for another summer of FREE youth basketball clinics led by Calgary Surge players and coaches. Don’t miss your shot — grab your friends, hit the court and be part of the action downtown.
- When: June 2 – Sept. 12
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. – noon
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Who: Youth ages 8-17
- Where: Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 Eighth Ave. S.W.)
- More court time: Don’t miss a weekend-long SURGE CITY 3-on-3 tournament September 12-13 — more details coming soon!
Soccer City FC - Presented by Cavalry FC & Calgary Wild FC
Free youth soccer is taking over Peace Park this summer, bringing high-energy, high-quality programming right to the heart of downtown! Whether your child or teen is trying soccer for the first time or building on their skills, these free programs offer a fun, positive, and accessible way to stay active and connected all summer long.
Delivered in partnership with The City, Cavalry FC, Calgary Wild FC, Calgary Minor Soccer Association and the Centre for Newcomers, this initiative creates meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, play, and thrive. With coaching led by Cavalry FC and Calgary Wild FC, participants get top tier instruction at no cost, learning from the pros, building confidence, and experiencing the joy of the game in a supportive environment.
- When: June 7 – Sept. 20, most Sundays
- Who: Youth ages 8-17
- Where: Peace Park (Second Ave. and Eighth St. S.W.)
Please note that coaching clinics may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe.
World Cup Watch Parties
As the 2026 Men’s World Cup kicks off, downtown will transform into the ultimate destination for free World Cup Watch Parties! In partnership with Calgary Minor Soccer Association, Calgary Downtown Association, Cavalry FC, Calgary Wild FC, Centre for Newcomers, and Tourism Calgary, The City is thrilled to bring the 2026 Men’s World Cup to the heart of downtown!
Cheer on Team Canada and catch the thrilling moments on a giant LED screen, enjoy a family-friendly fan zone hosted by Calgary Minor Soccer Association with food trucks, team mascots, and youth drills led by Cavalry FC and Calgary Wild FC, and connect with fans from across the city. Join us downtown, where the world comes to play!
- Friday June 12 at 1 p.m. at Eau Claire Plaza
Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. at Eau Claire Plaza
Canada vs. Qatar
- Wednesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. at Eau Claire Plaza
Canada vs. Switzerland
- Sunday, July 19 at 1 p.m. on Stephen Avenue
TBD vs. TBD
Story City
Discover downtown Calgary like never before. Solve secret missions, hunt hidden doors, battle shadow monsters, and more.
Download the free Story City App and immerse yourself in choose-your-own-adventures.
Each story, created by local artists, unfolds across landmarks and hidden gems. Use your surroundings to crack puzzles and unlock the next thrilling chapter.
Grab the app, hit the streets, and turn downtown into your personal playground.
Past programs
Generator (Un)Conference
Generator (Un)Conference
Downtown Generator (Un)Conference
The Downtown Generator (Un)Conference took place on March 12, 2026, to bring together creative thinkers, cultural leaders and resource providers. This high‑energy, unconventional gathering moved community members beyond passive discussion and into purposeful connection. What made the day especially powerful was the spotlight on art partnerships as a catalyst for a vibrant downtown, with participants noting that “all the people I’ve been wanting to connect with and talk to were in this room!!”
Artists, venues, funders and city builders explored how creative collaborations can activate spaces, animate streets and strengthen our downtown economy and identity. We're pleased to share that we had 91 registrations and approximately 45 attendees.
Prince's Island Park skating
Prince's Island Park skating
Prince's Island Park Lagoon Free Skate Saturdays
This winter, Prince’s Island Park Lagoon was Calgary's go-to downtown skating destination! For 10 Saturdays, The City provided the first 50 skaters with free skate rentals along with offering free beginner skating lessons to help people feel more comfortable on the ice. 206 skaters participated in the lessons and 586 people were able to receive free skates.
River Hall summer programming
River Hall summer programming
River Hall summer programming
The popular So Long Summer Series at River Hall, returned for its second year at Lot 6. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 28, Calgarians enjoyed free, family-friendly programming that brought the heart of the city alive with local flavours, live entertainment and inclusive vibes. This year, visitors we’re able to take advantage of the Washroom Attendant Program and Playbin Activation.
Impact: A record-breaking 10,000 people enjoyed the downtown amenity, bringing vibrancy and positive energy to the area.
Surge City Hoops Summer Series
Surge City Hoops Summer Series
Surge City Hoops Summer Series
This summer, our Downtown Strategy teamed up with the Calgary Surge to bring free youth basketball clinics to Century Gardens. The response was incredible with every session being sold out.
Impact: By the end of the season, over 1000 young athletes participated in the free basketball clinics; sharpening their skills and providing free access to organized recreation in the core.
Surge 3-on-3 Basketball
Surge 3-on-3 Basketball
Surge 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Downtown Strategy, in partnership with the Calgary Surge, hosted a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Sept. 14 at Eau Claire Plaza. The Sport Court is available at Eau Claire Plaza for free recreation opportunities until Oct. 12.
Impact: The community celebration was sold out with 24 teams participating in the event. The strategic programming connected people, created positive outlets, and fostered a safer, more vibrant downtown community.
Free weekend workouts at Lot 6
Free weekend workouts at Lot 6
Free weekend workouts at Lot 6
Throughout the summer, The City hosted free recreation classes for adults and teenagers (13+).
Impact: Over 100 participants attended the free workouts, providing a great opportunity to try new activities, meet people and enjoy downtown in a new way!
