Alert | State of Local Emergency in Effect

City declares State of Local Emergency. Water restrictions and Fire ban in place. Our water is safe to drink.

Water Saving Tips, FAQs, more information

#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.

Photo by Kelly Hofer

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


Xiang Long Chinese Dragon Festival

This event will focus on delivering live cultural performances including lion and dragon dances, multicultural artists, a local vendors marketplace, and various family-oriented activities. We will also host a special dragon walk, to connect the community together with this unique mythical creature. 

Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
When: June 29 – July 14

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.

Recovery Day Calgary

When: September 14

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

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!

Wild Run

When: September 22

Take part in this exhilarating run, consisting of four scenic 4 km loops totaling 16 km/10 miles, starting and finishing at The Rise at St. Patrick's Island. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a delicious post-race breakfast and awards presentation at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, with all participants gaining access to the zoo on race day to support habitat conservation and preservation efforts for threatened wild animals.

Night Light

When: September 26 - 28

Where: Victoria Park

Night Light is a three-night celebration of light, art and energy that encompasses the Victoria Park community.

Run for Life 2024

When: September 28

Centre for Suicide Prevention is hosting their 7th Annual Run for Life pop-up event for suicide awareness. This family-friendly 5 km run / walk serves as an opportunity to commemorate personal experiences and raise awareness for its prevention.

Pokaiks - The Children Commemorative Walk and Gathering Event

When: September 30

Walk at starts at Calgary City Hall @ 10:00 am and goes to the Gathering Space at Contemporary Calgary until 4:30pm

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:
downtownstrategy@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.

undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null,undefined/null