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
River Hall
When: August 29 - Sept. 28, Fridays through Sundays
Where: Lot 6, 311 Eighth St. S.W.
Learn more and register: River Hall
River Hall has returned to Lot 6 for another epic five-week So Long Summer Series! The temporary gathering space has a blend of local flavours, live entertainment and an inclusive, pet-friendly atmosphere that you won’t want to miss.
Calgary Arab Film Nights Festival Launch Party
Join the Calgary Arab Ars Society for the “Trailer Night” and launch party of Calgary Arab Film Nights.
Exhibition Opening: Erik Olson & Preston Pavlis
Celebrate the opening of two solo exhibitions: In the Garden by Erik Olson and You there by Preston Pavlis. Includes artist talks and gallery tours.
Night Light
A free, family-friendly celebration of light and art featuring interactive installations and performances from local and international artists.
Locked Library: Ghost Stories
Solve puzzles and explore the spooky Central Library in this family-friendly mystery night.
Harvest Haus
Calgary’s answer to Oktoberfest brings steins, sausages, oompah bands, and European harvest traditions to life. Enjoy DJs, dancing, and authentic fare in a high-energy weekend celebration.
Calgary Fall Home Show
Explore home improvement trends, meet local experts, and attend design talks at Calgary’s largest home show. Includes 200+ exhibitors and interactive features.
Free Wall YYC Final Jam
Enjoy the final day of the pilot project! Take part in a drop-in graffiti jam, watch a hip-hop showcase, shop local handmade goods and engage in drop-in arts activities.
Culture Connect Festival
Indoor Cultural Showcase – Intangible cultural heritage display, food and arts activities, performances and workshops that celebrate diverse cultures.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
at Werklund Centre
Join Werklund Centre for a full day of free events and showcases to honour and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
When: September 30
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.