Explore Downtown
#ExploreDowntownYYC Explore Downtown Calgary
In the city of possibility, downtown is the face and the place of Calgary’s future.
It’s a mix of bold entrepreneurship, where dreams become reality and where creative curiosity is unleashed; it’s toes tapped to music and dipped in the river, drinks sipped from a rooftop and art and culture appreciated up close and personal.
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.
Plan your summer using our Downtown Summer Festival Itinerary!
With over 100 festivals and events happening downtown this summer, the heart of our city will be bursting with fun and entertainment for everyone.
Ready, Set, Explore!Events in the Spotlight
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Memory of Hong Kong Music Market
June 30, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1 St. S.W.)The Calgary Hong Kong Musician Association is hosting an indoor market with local food/artisans and vendors and a stage for Hong Kong Pop Music.
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East Village Street Fair
July 1, along 8 Ave S.E. (between 4 St. and 6 St. S.E., and 5 St. Square to 9 Ave. S.E.)This one-of-a-kind event features over 50 vendors, food trucks, musicians, all ages activities, Pup Plaza and a beer garden. It’s no wonder it is Calgary’s destination event on Canada Day!
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Xiang Long Chinese Dragon Festival
June 29, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1 St. S.W.)Enjoy live cultural performances, including lion and dragon dances, multi-cultural artists, and a local vendors’ marketplace. Plus, there’s a special dragon walk to connect the community with this unique mythical creature.
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Canada Day Festivities
July 1, Various Downtown locationsOn July 1st, Calgarians can enjoy an Indigenous showcase and powwow, live music, cultural performances, food trucks and cap off the day with a fireworks show above Stampede Park. Check out the event schedule and interactive map to help you explore all the exciting performances and activities.
Walk Walk Dance
Get ready to step, jump, roll or dance your way through Harley Hotchkiss Gardens! In partnership with the Calgary Downtown Association, The City is excited to present “Walk Walk Dance,” an installation featuring a series of music-making lines that transforms movement into a joyful, collective experience.
A roving project that was created during the pandemic by Daily tous les jours, Walk Walk Dance is a unique way to create collective human experiences in public spaces. Designed to be accessible to everyone, the installation’s technology is enclosed in a chain of boxes and planters, weighted down with local plants. Lines are simply drawn, painted or taped.
Be sure to visit Walk Walk Dance and make your own music!
When: June 20 – July 30
Where: Harley Hotchkiss Gardens (611 4 Street S.W.), near the C-Train Platform.
Getting here: You can get downtown with Calgary’s Public Transit system. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes and fares, visit Calgary Transit.
Park at Lot 54- Centennial Parkade for convenient access. If you’d prefer an active mode of transportation, walk, wheel or spin to Lot 6.
Contest: Enter to win a $100 Downtown Calgary Gift Card that can be used at over 90 downtown businesses! Learn how to enter at the Calgary Downtown Association.
Survey: Take our quick survey and let us know your thoughts on Walk Walk Dance and provide input on future events and activations downtown.
Itineraries
Explore these sample itineraries to help guide your visit. New memories are waiting – start here, in downtown Calgary.
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Downtown Calgary has miles of scenic pathways and beautiful parks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a picnic in the park, or adrenaline-filled activity, we have you covered!
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There’s a wide variety of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours!
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Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and downtown is where the culinary magic is happening.
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In the mood to go shopping or enjoy a day of window browsing? Look no further than Downtown Calgary, where you’ll find the very best in shops, services and unique handmade goods.
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Calgary is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant night life scene that has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a cozy pub, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot.
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Downtown Calgary is a dynamic hub for performing arts and theatre. The many theatres and performance arts venues contribute to the city's vibrant theatrical scene, offering innovative and compelling productions that engage and inspire audiences.
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Downtown Calgary pulsates with a vibrant tapestry of arts and culture, weaving together a rich narrative of creativity, expression, and community. Downtown Calgary stands as a hub where tradition and innovation converge, fostering an environment where the arts flourish and culture thrives.
Neighbourhood guides
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Your guide to experiencing the Downtown Core
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s premier cultural neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic, urban Victoria Park
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Your guide to experiencing the eclectic Beltline neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic and modern 4th Street
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s red mile
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Your guide to experiencing the culturally rich Downtown West
Stay connected
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Keep connected about the latest downtown news! Expect an update every 4 months
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