Downtown Summer Festivals
Downtown Summer Festivals & Events Summer Starts Here!
Break out your sunglasses and embrace the summer vibes – because Summer Starts Here, in downtown Calgary! With over 200 festivals and events happening downtown this summer, the heart of our city will be bursting with energy, entertainment and community pride as we kick off a summer packed with fun, local talent and memory-making events.
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
Calgary Folk Music Festival
When: July 24-27
Where: Prince's Island Park
Website: Calgary Folk Music Festival
Now in its 45th year, the Calgary Folk Music Festival is a summer tradition that transforms Prince’s Island Park into a vibrant, music-filled oasis. With 70 artists from around the world performing on seven stages over four days, you’ll hear everything from indie and roots to global sounds and genre-bending collaborations.
Bring a blanket or low-rise chair, find your spot under the trees and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere filled with great music, local eats, an artisan market and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a longtime folk fest fan or a first-timer, this iconic event offers something for everyone.
Polar Bear Breakfast
Bring your family and friends down for a fun and educational morning at the zoo! This event includes an exclusive before hours opportunity to learn more about polar bears, what makes them so wonderful, why they are endangered and Siku during his morning routine followed by a delicious buffet breakfast.
Plus 15 Pop up Gallery
ART SPOT is bringing a dynamic pop-up gallery to the downtown Core featuring the works of dozens of local artists. Stop by and discover the art, learn about ART SPOT and connect with your local arts community!
When: June 25 - July 18
Kensington Night Market
The Kensington Night Market is back for its fifth year, with live entertainment and local vendors.
When: July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21, September 4 & 18
Inglewood Night Market
The Inglewood Night Market is a modern market with locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods; from handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques & collectibles, artisan eats & more. Enjoy 140 curated local artisans, beer gardens and dogs are welcome!
When: July 11, August 8, September 5 & 12
Penguin Breakfast
Start your morning with a splash at the Calgary Zoo’s Penguin Plunge! This ticketed experience includes early zoo access, a delicious buffet breakfast, and a chance to see the penguins waddle, swim, and dive before the zoo opens to the public.
Fiestaval – Calgary Latin Festival
Each July, the weekend after the Calgary Stampede, downtown Calgary becomes a big fiesta! Enjoy the weekend festival with over 30 authentic food vendors, hundreds of national and international performers, an artisan market, kids area, beer gardens and lots of fun.
4th Street Night Market
Visit the lively main street neighborhood for food, fun, local finds, & friends. This event is pet-friendly!
Beaulieu Flower & Artisan Market
The Beaulieu Flower & Artisan Market is back and blooming once again! The South Lawn at Lougheed House will be full of flower vendors, artisans, and folks selling plant accessories. Browse the market, take part in a free workshop, and explore the museum with free admission for all!
Ultimate Summer Party
Celebrate the joy of reading at the Calgary Public Library’s Ultimate Summer Party! Visit any Library location for a fun-filled day of storytimes, dancing, and special activities for the whole family.
When: July 19
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.