Searching for free events, festivals or free places to visit and things to do this summer in Calgary? Here is a list FREE family activities for every day this summer in and around Calgary. Have the best Calgary stay-cation, and have a blast credit card free! This list is for adults too. Other than few child specific activities/playgrounds, most events are fun for all ages.
You may also like:100 Things to do this Summer in Calgary
- Events and attractions listed are free or PWYC (donation). Few day trips are also included.
How to use this article:
- Festivals that span 2 – 3 days are listed under the date that has free programming or on any of the free festival days.
- Free attractions and things to do, that are not date bound /time limited are mentioned under random dates (these can be done any date of your choosing).
75+ FREE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN CALGARY
Friday, June 28, 2019
Spruce Meadows Pan American
Visit Spruce Meadows, to see Pan American tournament that feature riders from throughout North America.
June 25 – June 30, 2019 @ Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Saturday, June 29, 2019
1. Food Truck Nights
A very enjoyable 2 evenings with friends, family, date and pets too. Come join the fun and shop, dance, mingle, eat and eat again… Delicious street foods from food trucks and stalls and of course our live entertainment.
June 28 & 29 | 5 PM – 11 PM@ Behind Carriage House at Bonaventure Dr SE at 90 Ave SE
2. Stampede Kick-Off at Westbrook Mall
Dust off your boots and get ready to kick-off the Calgary Stampede at Westbrook Mall.Experience an afternoon of fun in the spirit of the wild, wild west with face painting, a vinyl craft hosted by Children’s Wish Foundation, photo booth with a FREE 4 x 6 print and more!
June 29, 2019 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Westbrook Mall, Centre Court
3. Women and Girls in Nature event
Nature Alberta’s Nature Kids along with WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology) are hosting an event for girls aged 7-14 and the special women in their lives to learn about careers in the nature, environmental, and biology fields from inspiring and knowledgeable women.
Saturday, June 29, 2019 | 1:00 PM -3:15 PM @ Edworthy Park, 5050 Spruce Drive SW
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Join us for a fun-filled evening to kick off Canada Day celebrations! Presented by Country 105. Live horse racing will start off with a post time of 5:30 p.m. and then country music star Kira Isabella will take the stage in our event tent at 9:00 p.m. End the night with our incredible fireworks display at 10:45 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 2019 | 5:30 PM to 10:45 PM @ Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Calgary
Monday, July 1, 2019
Canada Day Celebrations
Best way to start summer? Celebrate Canada’s 152nd birthdayand enjoy the spectacular fireworks that brighten the night sky.
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Sunnyside Open Stage Tuesdays
Every Tuesday at containR is Sunnyside Open Stage hosted by Eugene Saunders and Guests! Join to from 6-9pm to support local talent in nights of music and performance, or share something yourself!
Every Tuesday between June 4th – August 20th | 6:00PM – 9:00PM @ containR Art Park, 1020 2nd Ave NW, Calgary
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Music in the Plaza
Every Wednesday evening, rain or shine,throughout July and August, the Heritage Town Square will be filled with the sound of music.
Wednesday evenings, July 3 – August 28, 2019 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ Heritage Town Square
St Patrick’s Island Park
Visit Calgary’s 31 acre Island Oasis! Have a go at the play ground, a fun time at the pebble beach and explore the naturalized wetland as you stroll the park enjoying the artworks!
Thursday, July 4, 2019
1. Free Youth Activities at Bass Pro Shops
Visit Bass Pro Shops Calgary and take part in free families activities and interactive workshops on Bird Watching, Fishing, Archery, Hiking, and more!
Every Thursday, Saturday & Sunday,
June 22 – Sunday July 21 @
Bass Pro Shops Calgary, CrossIron Mills Mall
Join for our annual free Summer Night Markets at Ethel Tucker Park (Beside the Library). Browse wares of host local artisans, businesses, enjoy entertainment and food trucks.
July 4, Aug 1, Aug 22 |4:00 PM-9:00 PM @
Ethel Tucker Park (beside the Library) 15 Riverside Dr, Okotoks
3. First Flip Pancake Breakfast
Join Tourism Calgaryat Stephen Avenue as we kick off the 2018 Calgary Stampede! This event is free so treat your family with delicious hotcakes and live music!
Thursday, July 4, 2019 | 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM @
Stephen Avenue (between 1st St SE & Centre St)
Friday, July 5, 2019
Stampede Parade Day
Enjoy Calgary’s Parade that showcases more than 150 western-themed entries, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses and 4,000 people. Go straight from the Parade to the Park and receive FREE admission until 1:30 p.m.
Friday, July 5, 2019 | 09:00 AM
@ Downtown Calgary
Free Admission to Stampede from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday, July 6, 2019
STAMPEDE ON 17TH
The day will begin at 9:30 AM with an unbelievable pancake breakfast for the first 1000 people to visit us, along with great live music, line dancing, games, and giveaways all day long. Plus we will have a special movie screening of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” starting at 6pm that evening!
Saturday, July 6, 2019 | 9:30 AM onwards
@ Tomkins Park, 820 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Marlborough Mall’s Annual Stampede Pancake Breakfast
The event iscomplete with live music from a western band, pony rides, a petting zoo, Indigenous dancers, an interactive rodeo display, interactive games with prizes at stake, and more!
Saturday, July 6, 2019 | 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM
@ Entrance #1, 433 Marlborough Way N.E
Go Fishing
Go fishing with family and friends! No license required. Albertans and visitors are invited to give fishing a try on water bodies with open fishing seasons. Keep in mind that fishing regulations still apply.
July 6 & 7, 2019 @Alberta Waters (not in national parks)
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Calgary Stampede Cenovus Family Day
Calgary Stampede has plenty of fun family events for kids – from midway to captivating shows that will get the whole family smiling. Interact with big and small farm animals and learn all about the western agriculture lifestyle. Events include Kids Pedal Tractor pull, magic shows, many other costumed characters, and more!
Free Admission between 7:30 AM.—11 AM
Free Admission for kids under 12 who are accompanied by adults on Wednesday, July 11 | 7 AM—9 AM
@ Stampede park, Calgary
Monday, July 8, 2019
Explore Calgary’s Urban Village

Credit: East Village
From festivities at RiverWalk Plaza to leisurely stroll across Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk to major public art installations, site of Studio Bell, New Public Library and historic sites like Fort Calgary, Hillier Block, St. Louis Hotel, there are lots to do and see for free at East Village.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park, go on hikes and explore the largest urban park in Canada. Enjoy Artisan Gardens where Alberta’s history, nature and art is honoured in a very unique and culturally significant fashion with First Nations history, family and the natural environment.
Open at 8:00 a.m. every day of the year and open during day light hours.
@ Fish Creek Provincial Park, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Tour Central Library
Discover the unique and innovative elements of Central Library’s spaces, services, art and iconic architecture in a free public tour led by a volunteer guide.
Monday through Saturday: tours at noon
Wednesday evening: tours at 5:30 pm
Sundays: tours at 12:30 pm
@Central Library, Calgary
2. ABM College Stampede Breakfast
Bring out your cowboy hats, and polish those boots for our FREE Community Stampede Breakfast catered by the ABM College family!There will be lots of great tunes with a live band, opportunities to connect and of course, a chance to fill up with delicious food.
July 10, 2019 | 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM @ ABM College, 112 28 St. SE, Calgary
3. Pink Pancake Stampede Breakfast
Visit Southcentre Mall for the 10th annual Pink Pancake Stampede Breakfast, held on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness for, and inspire participation in, the CIBC Run for the Cure. Wear your best pink Stampede attire and enjoy a free Stampede breakfast, featuring PINK pancakes!
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 | 9am-11am @ Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Visit Inglewood Bird SanctuaryNature Centre and learn about local wildlife. Have a pleasant stroll along the almost two kilometres of trails through open grasslands and forests and spot migratory birds.
Trails open Year round, dawn to dusk
@ Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave S.E.,Calgary
Friday, July 12, 2019
Free Axe Throwing at BATL
Join for FREE axe throwing during our public open house.
Friday, July 12, 2019 | 6 PM – 10 PM @ BATL – The Backyard Axe Throwing League, 2151 32 St NE, Calgary
2. Inglewood Night Market
The Inglewood Night Marketfeatures over 70 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade craftsmen items to vintage clothing, antiques & collectibles, artisan eats & more! You’ll also find food trucks, singer songwriters, bands, dancers, outdoor seating, and other fun things to check out!
July 12th, August 9th, September 13th and September 14th, 2019
@ 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE, Calgary
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Calgary Turkish Festival
Come experience the Calgary Turkish Festival. Enjoy Turkish art, folk dance, music and gourmet food, where visitors will get an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, heritage and cuisine.
July 12 to 14, 2019 | 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
@ Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW
K-Poppers Festival
Cheer the participants of the annual K-Pop Singing and Dance Contest.
July 13, 2019| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM @ Central Library, 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Sunday, July 14, 2019
1. Calgary Wind Symphony
Join the Calgary Wind Symphonyfor a free family friendly concert in Riley Park.
July 14, July 28 and August 11, 2019 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM @ Riley Park, 800 12 St. N.W, Calgary
Join Cyclepaloozafor free fun events, join for free guided bike rides, picnics and more!
July 12th – July 21st, 2019 @ Various Venues, Calgary
Monday, July 15, 2019
Elbow Falls
Go on a day trip to Elbow Falls. Hike along the waterfalls on the Elbow River and enjoy a family’s day out.
Waterfalls Getaways in Alberta
Late Spring to Fall
@ Elbow Falls Provincial Recreation Area, Kananaskis Improvement District
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Shakespeare by the Bow
Grab a blanket, a picnic, and take in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays by Theatre Calgary’s emerging artists. PWYC.
June 27 – August 18, 2019
@ Prince’s Island Park
Free programs at your local library
Calagry Public Libraryoffer plenty of free, fun summer programs from magic shows to movies. Check your local library for more details.
OR Borrow a musical instrument from the library for free and learn how to play it through You-tube videos.
Summer
@ Your local library
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Spray Parks
Beat the heat and enjoy the summer weather in Calgary by visiting one of Calgary’s many wading pools, and spray parks.
Summer
@ Bowness Park – 8900 48 Ave. N.W. – Opening mid summer
Riley Park – 800 12 St. N.W.
Canmore Park – 19 St. & Chicoutimi Dr. N.W.
Eau Claire Plaza/Barclay Mall – 3 St. & Riverfront Ave. S.W
Rotary Park – 617 1 St. N.E.
South Glenmore Park (Variety Park) – 90 Ave. & 24 St. S.W.
Valleyview Park – 28 St. & 30 Ave. S.E.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Pierce Estate Wetlands
Experience nature in the cityand walk along the interpretive trail that guides you through a constructed wetland filled with native plants and animals.
Year round | 05:00 AM -11:00 PM
@ 1440 17A St. S.E, Calgary
@ Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW
Friday, July 19, 2019
Calgary Night Market SOUTH
Come join the fun and shop, dance, mingle, eat and eat again… Delicious street foods from food trucks and stalls and of course our live entertainment.
July 19 & 20, 2019 at 5 PM – 11 PM
@Behind Carriage House at Bonaventure Dr SE at 90 Ave SE
Saturday, July 20, 2019
1. Creekfest
Celebrate Alberta’s Natural Provincial Parks and Learn about Protecting our Watersheds at Parks Day & Creekfest! Kids and families can have fun learning about environmental stewardship, conservation and biodiversity through educational games and activities!
Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM
@ Bow Valley Ranch – south end of Bow Bottom Tr SE, Calgary
2. Taste of Okotoks
This pedestrian-friendly event boasts live music, great food from local restaurants, boutique shopping and a street market featuring a wide array of local artisan wares from MarketSquare.
Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
@ Downtown Okotoks
3. Zero Waste Festival
Join us this July for an interactive festival focused on reducing waste & leading a low-waste lifestyle.
Learn about sustainable living from expert speakers, connect with innovative waste free businesses & be part of the growing community striving to reduce waste!
Saturday, July 20, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
@ East Village
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Fiestaval Calgary
Enjoy Latin arts and family entertainment at this multicultural festival that showcases Latin American Culture.
July 19 – 21, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
@ Calgary Olympic Plaza
Monday, July 22, 2019
China Town
Visit Calgary’s fascinating and ever-changing Chinatown to learn about the first Chinese pioneers who arrived in Calgary, as early as 1883, after the CP railway was completed. Explore the sights and sounds of the bustling markets and see the Chinese Cultural Centre that is styled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
Year round @ 197 First Street, SW Calgary
Tuesday, July 22, 2019
Summer Nature Drop-in Program
Explore Canada’s largest man-made wetland and join for Calgary Parks’ educational program that provides up-close view of the amazing critters that live below the surface. .
Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 3 – August 23, 2019 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
@ Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Explore scenic landscapes through the expansive trail system of the park that stretches the Bow River.
Year Round
@ 255001 Glenbow Rd, Cochrane.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Grain Academy Museum
Learn how food gets transported from farms to supermarkets! Learn how grain elevators of the past worked, gain an overall understanding of the grain handling system, storage and food transportation industries at this educational grain museum.
Year Round -Tuesday to Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM
@ Plus 15 (2nd Level), BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary.
Friday, July 26, 2019
Historic Calgary Week
Enjoy neighbourhood concerts, walks, talks, and explore museums, heritage buildings, cemeteries, parks, libraries and archives and celebrate the rich history, culture and community of Calgary and area during Historic Calgary Week.
Friday, July 26 until Monday, August 5
@ Various venues, Calgary
Saturday, July 27, 2019
1. Chestermere Water Festival
Join for Chestermere’s annual festival on the lake! Activities that day include: Wakeboard competition, Kids fun zone, Artisan market, Lake Tours, and more! The day ends with the music of this year’s headliner Drew Gregory and the breathtaking fireworks display on Chestermere Lake!
Saturday, July 27, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
@ John Peake Park, 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere
2. Pet-A-Palooza
Enjoy West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival. With events including: Dock Dogs Canada, “Running of the bulls” hilarious 20 ft French and English bull dog races, and more!
July 27 & 28, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Eau Claire, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Milky Way Nights July
Milky Way Nightsare special evenings at the observatory dedicated to solely observing the night sky. The dark sky conditions on July 25, 26, 27 are perfect for viewing planetary nebula, globular clusters and distant galaxies. Saturn and Jupiter will all be visible for a spectacular display. Each evening we will offer a sky tour outside on our viewing terrace and point out some of the highlights of the summer sky.
July 25, 26, 27 | 10 PM and 2 AM
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory 210 Avenue W, Hwy 22 S T0L 1W
Calgary Arab Festival
Experience Arabian traditions, such as folk dance, traditional music, food, customs, Arts, and much more!
July 27 & 28, 2019
Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Monday, July 29, 2019
Music in the Park
Enjoy live music with family and friendsin beautiful parks around the city. City of Calgary Parks and recreation will be featuring different artists from a variety of musical genres that are sure to get you movin’ and groovin’ this summer.
Monday, July 29 | 12 – 1 pm: Matt Masters
Country, Roots and Western @ Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W.
Tuesday, July 30 | 12 – 1 pm: Harp Angel Trio
Soothing sounds of harp, guitar and violin music @ Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W.
Wednesday, July 31 | 12 – 1 pm: Aimee-Jo Benoit
Classical vocal Jazz trio @ Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W.
Thursday, August 1 | 12 – 1 pm: Canadian Chinese Orchestra
Mix of traditional Chinese and popular music @ Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W.
Friday, August 2 | 12 – 1 pm: Calgary Wind Symphony
Showcase of Big Band Musical Show Tunes @ Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St. S.W.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Stephen Avenue Walk #IAMDOWNTOWN Summer Stage
June through September, enjoy free music at Stephen Avenue summer stage!
Mondays to Fridays | 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM
Saturdays | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Explore Contemporary Art Galleries
Visit Calgary’s art museums and enjoy the creative imaginations and clever interpretations of the world around you!
Year round
@ Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Glenbow Museum
Visit Glenbow Museum and learn about the history of Alberta, and Western Canada.
Free Admission from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on the first Thursday of every month.
@ Glenbow Museum, 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Friday, August 2, 2019
The Big Rock
Visit the largest glacial erratic near Okotoks – 16,500-tonne quartzite boulder, known as the Big Rock.
Year Round
@ Near Okotoks.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Inglewood Sunfest
Have a gala time at this feisty summer festival in the heart of Inglewood.
Saturday, August 3, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
@ Main street Inglewood, Calgary
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
Explore this 20,000 square feet of gardens created and maintained by community volunteers.
Spring to Fall | Dawn to Dusk
@ north east corner of Silver Springs, Calgary
Monday, August 5, 2019
Heritage Day Festival
Explore the Indian Village, get face painted into a lion, jump in a bouncy castle, frolic in the water, try a new dish, or simply soak up the sun in front of the stage and enjoy the folk performances
Monday, August 5 | 12:00 PM -6:00 PM
@ Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SE, Calgar
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Square Dance Rocks
Square dancingis just walking to music!Experienced callers will introduce you to the basic steps of Modern Western Square Dancing.
Tuesdays -August 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM @ Winston Heights Community Hall – 520-27 Avenue NE, Calgary
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Visit one of the best provincial parks in Canada and enjoy wildlife, and revel in the spectacular views of Canadian rockies with out the crowds.
Year Round
@ Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – Various
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area
Enjoy unspoiled wilderness with kids and spot Acmon Blue butterflies, Sora and other native wildlife as you hike self-guided interpretive trails at Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.
Year round | 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
@ South of Calgary – Hwy 22x at 160th Street.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Taste of Calgary
Enjoy a taste of Calgary’s best musical acts during Taste of Calgary.
Thursday, August 9- Sunday, August 11, 2019
@ Eau Claire, 200 Barkley Parade S.W. Calgary
Friday, August 9, 2019
Calgary Dragon Boat Festival
Cheer on the racers, enjoy kids zone, multi-cultural entertainment, live band and more during Dragon Boat Festival Calgary.
August 9 – 11 2019
@ North Glenmore Park, Calgary.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Calgary Korean Day Festival
It will celebrate and showcase Korea’s unique culture to thousands of Calgarians participating in the event. The Korean Day Festival is held to preserve and promote Korea’s heritage, including exciting events such as traditional dance performances, and Korean food. Come and enjoy this day at the festival, as we joyfully honor our heritage and culture here in Calgary.
August 10, 2019
@West Hillhurst Community Association and Park, 1940 6 Ave NW, Calgary
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Marda Gras Street Festival
Enjoy the sights and sounds of New Orleans; purple, green and gold pageantry; a variety of high quality cultural performers, dance groups and musicians; outdoor activities; and a wide variety of delicious cuisine!
Sunday, August 11, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
@ Marda Loop – 33rd and 34th Avenues SW, Calgary
Monday, August 12, 2019
Grassi Lakes
Go on this perfect family hike in Canmore! Appreciate the spectacular turquoise lakes surrounded by snow peaked mountains.
Late Spring to Fall
@ Trailhead begins on Spray Lakes Road, just 2 kms past the Nordic Centre on the left, down a hill.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Frank Lake
Visit this Lake situated in High River and see hundreds of bird species, native plants and mammals in their natural setting.
@ Frank Lake Conservation Area, High River
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre
Visit the RCMP dog training facility and see public demonstrations that showcase the skills of police dogs.
Public demonstrations are conducted every Wednesday afternoon between Victoria Day and Labour Day | 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM
@ RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre, Hwy 2, Innisfail
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Olds College Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands
See flowering trees and shrubs, fabulous displays of annuals, Herb Garden and AAS Selection Display Gardens, swaths of summer flowers and more as you tour the exquisite gardens.
April to October | Dawn to Dusk
@ Olds College, 4500 50 St, Olds
Friday, August 16, 2019
Skate Calgary
Test your skating skills at Calgary’s Skate parks or at North America’s largest outdoor skatepark, Shaw Millennium Park – This skate park has something for every ability level of the skater, from beginner to expert.
Late Spring To Fall
@ Various Skate Parks, Calgary
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Carifest Calgary
Carifestcelebrates the fusion of the Caribbean’s varied cultural components into a vibrant, dynamic, ambiance which draws millions of visitors to the Caribbean region each year.
Saturday, August 17, 2019 | 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM @ Millennium Park – 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary
Franco Festival Calgary
FFC is a celebration of many diverse Francophone cultures (Africa, North- America, South-America, and Europe) through dance, music, food, arts & crafts.
Saturday, August 17, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
@Olympic Plaza, 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Okotoks Show & Shine
See cool cars at the 10th annual Olde Towne Okotoks Show & Shine.
Sunday, August 18, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
@ Olde Towne, Okotoks
Open Farm Days
Alberta Open Farm Daysis about farmers and ranchers inviting their urban and rural neighbours to stop in for a visit to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the farmers who grow their food.
August 17 & 18, 2019
@ Participating Farms, Alberta
Monday, August 19, 2019
Reader Rock Garden
Visit Calgary’s most unique cultural landscapes that is also a designated provincial historic site featuring the restored Reader house , rock pathways, bridges, benches and beautiful flowers.
Year Round
@ 325 25 Ave. S.E., Calgary
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Explore Calgary’s Parks
Calgary is home to some of the great parks including Bowness Park,Carburn Park, Elliston Regional Park, Edworthy Park, Glenmore Parks, and Stanley Park. Explore the walking trails, amble along the river paths, read a book, and picnic at the park.
Year round
@ Various Calgary Parks
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
1. Devonian Gardens
Enjoy the calm oasis in the heart of Calgary that offers one hectare of botanical gardens including over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, a 900 sq. ft. living wall, fountains, fish ponds and a playground to climb and explore.
Monday to Wednesday, Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Thursday & Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM.
Sunday: noon – 5 PM.@ 4 floor in the CORE Shopping Centre, 400, 317 7 Ave. S.W, Calgary
2. Bike Calgary
Explore Calgary through Calgary’s extensive bike paths – North America’s most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network. Biking is a great activity to do with kids.
Late Spring to Fall
@ choose the river path you want to follow.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
McDougall Centre
Explore the Renaissance Revival architectural style building in the middle of modern downtown Calgary.
Tuesday to Friday : 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM on Alberta Govt Work days.
@ McDougall Centre, 455 6th St SW, Calgary
Thursday, August 23, 2019
City of Calgary Community Summer Programs
City of Calgary Community Summer Programs offers plenty of free activities throughout the summer days including Live entertainment, face painting, bouncy castles, climbing walls, games, snacks and more!
Various Dates in Summer
@ Various locations, Calgary
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Calgary Ribfest
Delicious sticky and unbelievable succulent ribs, BBQ chicken and pulled pork are all served by awesome Ribbers, featuring Live Music, Craft Beer and Wine Pairings, a very popular Pulled Pork Eating Contest, Foodie and BBQ demonstrations, desserts, treats, non-alcoholic bevvies, a rib cutting contest, and lots more FUN for everyone!!
August 23-25, 2019
@ TBA
Okotoks Chilifest
Take part in western themed activities, live music and entertainment during Okotoks Chilifest. Spice up your weekend with children’s activities, live music, and an outdoor artisan street market!
Saturday, August 24, 2019 | 11:00AM to 4:00PM
@ Downtown Okotoks
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Milky Way Nights August
The dark sky conditions on August 22, 23, 24 are perfect for viewing planetary nebula, globular clusters and distant galaxies. Saturn and Jupiter will all be visible for a spectacular display. Each evening we will offer a sky tour outside on our viewing terrace and point out some of the highlights of the summer sky.
August 22 to 24, 2019
@Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Lougheed House Gardens

Credit: Lougheed House
Take a tour of the Lougheed House Gardens.
Any Day round the year | 7:00 AM until sundown.
@ Lougheed House, Calgary
Monday, August 26, 2019
Cemetery tours
Learn about great Calgarians and their fascinating stories through free guided walking tours of Calgary’s cemetries.
From Spring to Fall
@ St Mary’s Cemetery, Union Cemetery and Burnsland Cemetery.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Learn about coins
See the Numismatics Collection – one of the most important numismatic collections in Canada at Nickle Galleries.
Year round. In summer – Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
@ Taylor Family Digital Library on the University of Calgary
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Shaw Charity Classic
The Shaw Charity Classicwill host some of the greatest names in the game of golf.
Free Admission on August 28 & 29 @ Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club
Go Geocaching
Enjoy a funscavenger hunt across Calgary, find hidden geo caches and discover unique geographical features!
Round the year
@ Various locations, Calgary
Thursday, August 29, 2019
BUMP Festival
Visitors are invited for the annual BUMP Festival for mural tours and artist events as a flurry of new murals are being painted. Artists will be installing their works throughout the week, self-guided tours will be available, and various events will take place in conjunction with the art installation.
August 28 to 31, 2019 @ Beltline Community , Calgary
Name the artwork!
Explore City of Calgary’s Public Art collection by going on an artwork tour!
Year round
@Various locations,Calgary
Friday, August 30, 2019
Fiesta Filipino
Revel in the sights and sounds of traditional Filipino festivities, and celebrations showcasing the art, food and culture of Philippines.
August 31 to September 2, 2018
@ Olympic Plaza, Calgary
Saturday, August 31, 2019
BBQ on the Bow
Enjoy live concerts and learn how to make that perfect BBQ during cooking demos at BBQ on the Bow.
August 31 & September 1, 2019
@ Montgomery Community Centre, 5003 16th Avenue NW, Calgary
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Pride Parade & Pride in the Park
Join for one of Calgary’s largest FREE outdoor cultural celebrations, immediately following the Pride Parade. Enjoy live music on the main stage, activities for youth and children in the family zone, a cold beer or refreshing cocktail in the Village Brewery Beer Gardens, or get better acquainted with the local community as your browse the marketplace.
September 1, 2019 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
@ Prince’s island Park
Monday, September 2, 2019
Downtown Calgary Tour
Explore Calgary’s downtown by going on a free walking tour. Details
Year Round
@ Calgary Downtown
A Last Summer Hurrah at the Beach!
Pack the kids and a picnic basket, and head to Sylvan Laketo enjoy the last days of summer holidays at one of the best lakes in Alberta.
Summer @ Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Thanks we miss out on so much but now we can enjoy activities around the city.
Do you have a version of this “Free Family Activities for every day this summer in Calgary” for 2017 – this summer?
Where can I find this same thing for this summer? Please let me know asap. Thank you so much!
Thanks for putting this together. I always consult this website when looking for summer activities for the family. keep cup the good work!