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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! 

Calgary Fallen Firefighters Memorial

When: September 13

This annual public event honours the sacrifice of Calgary's fallen firefighters and their families. All are welcome to participate in this inclusive and meaningful event.

Chinatown Lantern Festival

When: September 13

Where: Daqing Square and Second Ave. S.W.

Chinatown’s annual Mid-Autumn Festival event showcases hundreds of lanterns set alight in celebration of the festival. With merchants and food vendors, this event draws thousands of people for a fun and relaxing evening full of music and a beautiful atmosphere.

Carmina Burana

When: September 14

Join Rune Bergmann and the Calgary Phil as he kicks off his final season as Music Director with Carl Orff’s choral spectacular, Carmina Burana. Framed by the unforgettable theme O Fortuna, a great cast of soloists and the Calgary Boys’ Choir, Calgary Children’s Choir, and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus will regale you with songs inspired by Medieval poems about the earthly pleasures and pains of spring, drink, and love.

Recovery Day Calgary

When: September 14

A festival-style celebration during Recovery Month will include ceremonies, speakers, music, and exhibitors.

Monster Jam

When: September 14 and 15

Where: GMC Stadium

Monster Jam is rolling back into Calgary from September 14-15 at GMC Stadium, bringing together world-class athletes and commanding 12,000-pound trucks in a spectacular showcase of speed, skill and gravity-defying stunts. This return not only marks a significant moment for motorsports enthusiasts but also reignites a beloved family entertainment tradition for the city.

La French Run

When: September 15

A fun 5 km and 10 km run starting and finishing on 1 St SW near Lindsay Park and Roulleville Square. 

Calgary International Film Festival

When: September 19 - 29

Where: Various locations

Calling all film buffs! If you’re passionate about film, this festival is your go-to event. Experience over 200 feature and short films on the big screen every fall. The festival offers glamourous gala events, exciting movie screenings, and exclusive red-carpet premieres. Don’t miss out of the chance to interact with fellow fans and local filmmakers at this cinematic celebration!

A Tribute to Pink Floyd

When: September 20 and 21

The Pops season begins with fan favourite Jeans ‘n Classics performing the music of one of the greatest rock groups of all time - Pink Floyd! Relive the band’s signature sound, backed by your Calgary Phil, with songs from their best-selling rock opera, The Wall, as well as their landmark concept album The Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety!

Babar the Elephant

When: September 22

Follow the adventures of Babar, the little elephant who grows up in the big city and returns to the great forest to become King, narrated to Francis Poulenc’s charming score performed by the Calgary Phil! Complemented by Montréal composer Maxime Goulet’s energetic Danse aérobique symphonique and Igor Stravinsky’s witty Circus Polka, this concert is sure to delight kids of all ages! Feel free to head down early at 2 p.m. for the Instrument Discovery Zoo!

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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