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#EXPLOREDOWNTOWNYYC Downtown Summer Festivals

Calgary’s Summer Festival Season is in full swing! Downtown is where you’ll find the electric energy as people unite to celebrate community, creativity, and culture. With over 100 festivals and events happening downtown this summer, the heart of our city will be bursting with fun and entertainment for everyone.

Festivals & events are generally approved to proceed, as long as they adhere to water restrictions currently in place. Please check the events website for any updates.

Explore downtown with these summer festivals and events:


FEATURED EVENT


Calgary International Blues Festival

When: August 1 – 4
Where: Cowboys Park, (formerly Millennium Park)
Website: Calgary International Blues Festival

The 20th 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! 

BUMP Urban Art Conference

When: August 8 and 9

Over two days, hear from spectacular leaders in art, design, urban planning, and community development. Attend panels, workshops, networking power-hours and exchange ideas to gain insights on the future of public art and its impact on our city and various industries, all while helping to promote a connected and robust arts ecosystem.

Gaurav Kapoor Live at The GRAND

When: August 9

Where: The GRAND

Gaurav Kapoor, the funny one from Delhi is coming to Canada for the first time. One of the funniest and most prolific stand-up acts of the recent times, Gaurav Kapoor's Vlogs have created a fan base of their own. Nothing is off limits when this Dilliwala talks about life, relationships, friendships, societal norms, the rich and the poor and everything in between. Raw, unfiltered, and funny. That's what audiences can expect when Gaurav Kapoor gets on the mic.

Wild After Hours: Corks for Conservation

When: August 9

Visit the zoo for an evening of wine and beverage tasting, interactive food stations, live music, photo booths, and other activities at this Wild After Hours adults-only event. Whether you’re admiring the animals or the lush gardens, the zoo’s vibrant atmosphere makes for a perfect night out with friends or a romantic date. Featuring a wide selection of both Canadian and international wine samples, you’ll have the opportunity to sip and stroll through the entire zoo after hours.

Calgary Arab Festival

When: August 9 - 11

The Calgary Arab Festival highlights regional and cultural distinctions in Arab countries celebrating clothing, cuisine, dance, and art, providing attendees with a deeper appreciation of the cultural diversity within the Arabic world. Come support local artists by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work.

Franco Festival Calgary

When: August 10

Where: Olympic Plaza

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.

2024 BUMP Festival High Park Party

When: August 10

Where: High Park

Join us at the High Park rooftop for the 2024 BUMP High Park Party! Experience this vibrant urban space as five talented graffiti artists create live murals, local DJ, a special open decks workshop by Controller Club, a 3v3 basketball tournament, explore vendor booths, savour delicious food, and sip on cold BUMP beers from Establishment Brewing / other beverage providers.

Korean Day Festival

When: August 10 and 11

Experience Korea's vibrant culture and unique heritage at the Korean Day Festival, including exciting traditional dance performances, K-pop Contest, delicious Korean food, and a lively parade.

Toranj Fistiva

When: August 10

Toranj, Calgary's largest Iranian festival since 2018, attracts over 2,000 attendees annually, with live performances, traditional Iranian food and teahouse, an art and culture hall, and a children's area. Aiming to foster community bonds and cultural exchange, Toranj invites diverse artists and performance groups internationally, showcasing the festival’s commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and unity.

Marda Gras Street Festival

When: August 11

Marda Gras is a free family-friendly event in the heart of Marda Loop and the longest running street festival in Calgary. Take part in a pedestrian friendly, car-free day with your friends and family – shopping local and reconnecting with the community. There is a full lineup of live music, dance and entertainment for all ages. 

Getting downtown


Calgary Transit
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.

Extend your Stay with Calgary Parking!
Sleep-in and enjoy a cup of coffee when you use a City lot or parkade on the weekend and extend your parking session for free! This program provides the flexibility to park your vehicle conveniently and securely, without having to pick it up until 10 a.m. the next morning.

Walk, Wheel or Spin
If you’d prefer an active mode of transportation, walk, wheel or spin downtown!

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 below are either organized, supported, or in good standing with The City of Calgary.

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