Downtown Summer Festivals
Sunny Days. Cool Nights. Downtown Summer Festivals and Events
The summer fun continues downtown with more than 200 festivals and events until the end of September! Break out your sunglasses and embrace the summer vibes with sunny days and cool nights. From street festivals and outdoor concerts to night markets, film screenings and comedy shows, downtown Calgary is the place to be as the sun sets and the city lights come on.
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
Surge City 3x3 Basketball Tournament
When: Sunday, September 14
Where: Eau Claire Plaza
Learn more and register: Calgary Surge
Get ready to hit the court! We’re hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and community celebration in partnership with Calgary Surge, and everyone’s invited!
Open to all ages and free to attend, the day features a live DJ, food vendors, exciting contests, and special appearances by Calgary Surge players. Want to play? Register your co-ed team of 16+ players for $150 and compete in this high-energy, action-packed summer showdown.
Science of Cirque
Explore the physics and biomechanics behind Cirque du Soleil’s jaw-dropping performances in this two-day science showcase.
Kensington Night Market
The Kensington Night Market is back for its fifth year, with live entertainment and local vendors.
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
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.
Alberta Biodiversity Festival
Celebrate Alberta’s ecosystems with hands-on activities, wildlife encounters, and interactive exhibits. Includes fish hatchery tours, crafting, and nature games.
Calgary Police Classic
Calgary’s only fall half-marathon returns with new distances, a kids race, and a community-driven celebration supporting the Calgary Police Youth Foundation.
Seconds Collective Vintage and Second Hand Market
Seconds Collective is a second-hand market that does pop ups all over the city. Their goal is to empower individuals to buy, sell, and trade quality pre-owned textiles. This calm, cool, collective emphasizes the power of community to create a greener, more responsible, and unique consumer culture.
4th Street Night Market
Visit the lively main street neighborhood for food, fun, local finds, & friends. This event is pet-friendly!
Wild After Hours: Tapirs
Explore the mysterious world of tapirs in this after-hours experience at the Calgary Zoo. Enjoy a guided evening tour, learn fascinating facts about these unique rainforest creatures, and discover how the zoo cares for them behind the scenes. Adult beverages and light bites are available.
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.