Searching for free events, festivals or free places to visit and things to do this summer in Calgary? Here is a list of 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). A few day trips are also included.
- U-Pick farms are not included even though admission is free.
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 on any date of your choosing).
75+ FREE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN CALGARY
Friday, June 30, 2023
Visit Century Downs Racetrack for a fun-filled evening to kick off Canada Day celebrations! Enjoy a live outdoor concert followed by a spectacular fireworks show!
Friday, June 30, 2023 | 7:30 pm @ Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Calgary
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Canada Day Celebrations
The best way to start summer? Celebrate Canada’s 156th birthday and enjoy the spectacular fireworks brightening the night sky.
Sunday, July 2, 2023
JazzWalk – JazzYYC Canadian Jazz Festival
Enjoy live jazz music all day long with food trucks, beer gardens, and some of the best Calgary and Canadian musicians around. And it’s free!
Sunday, July 2, 2023 | 11:30 AM – 7 PM @ Jack Long Park, 920 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Monday, July 3, 2023
St Patrick’s Island Park
Visit Calgary’s 31-acre Island Oasis! Have a go at the playground, have a fun time at the pebble beach and explore the naturalized wetland as you stroll the park enjoying the artwork!
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
The Little Forest by Clem Martini
Enjoy a play by Wagonstage Children’s Theatre. In “The Little Forest” by Clem Martini, four siblings in a treeless neighbourhood embark on a mission to bring nature back to life. Join them on their journey of planting dreams, overcoming obstacles, and working together to transform the world.
June 24 until August 25, 2023 @ Across Calgary
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Heritage Park
Music in the Park
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 6 – August 31, 2022 | 6:00-8:00 PM @ Heritage Town Square
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Badlands Music Festival
Pull up your bootstraps and saddle up! Admission is free with RSVP for Badlands Music Festival on July 6 & 7 before 8 p.m.
July 6 — Gareth Emery
July 7 — Dom Dolla @ Knoxville’s Tent – 840 – 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Explore Calgary’s Urban Village
Credit: East Village
From festivities at RiverWalk Plaza to strolls across Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk to major public art installations, the site of Studio Bell, Public Library and historic sites like Fort Calgary, Hillier Block, and St. Louis Hotel, there are lots to do and see for free at East Village.
Friday, July 7, 2023
Stampede Parade Day
Enjoy Calgary’s Parade, which 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 7, 2023 | 8:55 AM
@ Downtown Calgary
Free Admission to Stampede from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Family Fishing Weekends Alberta
Enjoy free fishing. Try fishing on waterbodies with open fishing seasons (not in national parks). Keep in mind that fishing regulations still apply.
July 8, 9, 2023@ Alberta Waterbodies
Stampede Breakfast
Have a FREE Community Pancake Breakfast organized by MaKami College. This year’s breakfast will feature live music and a fun kids zone with games and face painting.
Saturday, July 8, at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.@ Marlborough Mall, 1600-3800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Family Day
Credit: Calgary Stampede
Bring the whole family to the Calgary Stampede and celebrate with FREE fun for everyone. Admission is free until 11 a.m., with free pancake breakfast will be available until 10 a.m. while supplies last.
Sunday, July 9 | Admission is free until 11 a.m. @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
2. Calgary Wind Symphony
Join the Calgary Wind Symphony for a free family-friendly concert in Riley Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us for a wonderful afternoon of music.
Sunday, July 9, 16, 23, August 13, 20, 27 | 2:00 p.m. @ Riley Park, 800 12 St. N.W, Calgary
Monday, July 10, 2023
Summer on 17th
Check out live music, fitness classes, DJ and drag shows, outdoor movies and special programming for Canada Day and Stampede programming throughout the summer.
Unlti Saturday September 23, 2023
@ Tomkins Park, 17 Ave. & 8 St. S.W, Calgary
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
1. TC Energy Community Day
Enjoy free admission to Calgary Stampede.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
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.
Tuesdays & Saturdays | 12 – 1 p.m.
@Central Library, Calgary
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
BMO Kids’ Day
Visit Calgary Stampede with your little ones to enjoy FREE breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8-9:30 a.m. while quantities last, and a FREE variety show from 8-10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 | 8-10 a.m. Free entry @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Fluor Rope Square
At Fluor Rope Square, every day starts with a bacon pancake served hot off a chuckwagon or smokie paired with Stampede-style entertainment including marching bands, dancers, singers, fiddlers, friendly mascots plus so much more!
July 8 to 15, 2023 @ Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Friday, July 14, 2023
Shakespeare by the Bow Photo by Trudie Lee./Theatre Calgary
1. Inglewood Night Market
The Inglewood Night Market features 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 14, August 11, September 8, and 15 2023
@ 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE, Calgary
2. Shakespeare On the Go
Grab a blanket, a picnic, and take in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays by Theatre Calgary’s emerging artists.
July 14 to August 6, 2023
@ Various Locations, Calgary
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Visit Kananaskis Country
In 2021, the Alberta government introduced an admission fee for Kananaskis. The parks in the area are free to visit on the first Wednesday of each month and on some select days including July 15th.
July 15
@ Kananaskis Country, no pass required.
Sunday, July 16, 2023
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
@ northeast corner of Silver Springs, Calgary
Monday, July 17, 2023
To Do Canada
Pierce Estate Wetlands
Experience nature in the city and 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
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Visit Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature 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
Thursday, July 20, 2023
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
Friday, July 21, 2023
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
Saturday, July 22, 2023
1. Fiestaval Calgary
Enjoy Latin arts and family entertainment at this multicultural festival that showcases Latin American Culture.
July 21 to 23 2023
@ Calgary Olympic Plaza
2. 4th Street Night Market
Calgary’s hippest night market located in the heart of Mission. Visit the lively main street neighbourhood of 4th Street for food, fun, local finds, & friends. Live music from 5 pm to 9 pm every market. Check out the best and brightest local talent and support live music!
Saturdays – July 22, August 12 & September 16, 2023 | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ 524 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary
3. 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.
Sunday, July 22, 2023 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
@ Downtown Okotoks
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Afro-Caribbean Food Festival
A celebration of the Caribbean, Africa, and everything in-between through food, culture, and music. Sample some yummy foods and experience all that Calgary has to offer!
July 22 & 23 | 10am – 10pm
@ Celebration Square (C-Square), 508 7 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Monday, July 24, 2023
Ralph Klein Park
Explore Canada’s largest man-made wetland. Take a self-guided walk around the largest constructed stormwater treatment wetland in Canada! The total walking distance is approximately 2.5 km.
Year-round
@ Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E.
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
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.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
U/D Night Markets
Stop by University District’s Central Plaza to enjoy more than 20 local vendors, live music, entertainment and more.
July 26, August 30 | 5- 9 PM
@ University District’s Central Plaza, 4410 university Ave. NW, Calgary
Thursday, July 27, 2023
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.
July 28 to August 7, 2023
@ Various venues, Calgary
Friday, July 28, 2023
1. Visit a Scenic Lookout
Whether rolling farmlands to the east or majestic mountains to the west, Calgary has the scenic lookout you are craving. Not to mention, there are some pretty spectacular city views right in the middle.
Various locations in Calgary, like Dale Hodges Park, Tom Campbell Hill, Stanley Park Lookout and many more!
2. Calgary Night Market
Enjoy a nighttime stroll at Calgary Night Market. Make it a date night with your favourite people and enjoy some music, stop by the many food trucks and shop till you drop for local goods. It will be a great night!!
July 28, August 18, 2023 @ Bridgeland Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave NE, Calgary
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Pet-A-Palooza
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 29 & 30, 2023
Eau Claire, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
Inglewood Sunfest
Inglewood Sunfest
Have a gala time at this feisty summer festival in the heart of Inglewood.
Saturday, July 29, 2023
@ Main street Inglewood, Calgary
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Tango 2 Echo Fest
From the local arts & vendors market to the beer garden, food trucks, live entertainment, mural tour, and car show – Tango 2 Echo has something for everyone in the family!
Sunday, July 30, 2023
@ Greenview Industrial, 4001 Edmonton Trail, Calgary
Monday, July 31, 2023
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
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
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
@ South of Calgary – Hwy 22x at 160th Street. (Parking is paid at $10)
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
The Big Rock
Visit the largest glacial erratic near Okotoks – 16,500-tonne quartzite boulder, known as the Big Rock.
Year Round
@ Near Okotoks.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
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
Friday, August 4, 2022
Calgary Cup WWS
Cheer the men and women of the WWS Overall Tour at the site of the 2009 World Water Ski Championships, the Lake of Cast in Stone/Predator Bay Water Ski Club.
August 4 to 6, 2023
@ Predator Bay Water Ski Club, Predator Bay, Foothills County
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Taste of Calgary
Enjoy a taste of Calgary’s best musical acts during Taste of Calgary.
August 3 to 7, 2023
@ Venue TBA
Sunday, August 6, 2023
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
Monday, August 7, 2023
1. Tour de Bowness Street Festival
The Tour de Bowness Street Festival & Bike Race is an annual family-friendly event in Bowness, celebrating the community’s history. It features a thrilling bike race hosted by Bow Cycle and a lively street festival with food trucks, live music, local artists, and activities for kids, showcasing the vibrant talent and promoting community unity.
August 7, 2023
@ 6303 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary
2. Incredible IndiaFest
This one day festival will feature Southeast Asian vendor booths, dance, food, culture, arts, interactive sessions and fashion shows. There will be shows throughout the day, to keep the guests entertained. The event will celebrate both traditional and contemporary spheres of South Asian music, dance, film, theater. literature, poetry, cuisine, arts & crafts.
August 7, 2023
@ The Westin Calgary Airport, 671 Aero Dr Ne, Calgary
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
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 9, 2023
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 10, 2023
BUMP Festival
Join for BUMP Festival 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 5 – 26, 2023, @ Beltline Community, Calgary
Friday, August 11, 2023
Calgary Dragon Boat Festival
Cheer on the racers, enjoy kids zone, multi-cultural entertainment, live band and more during Dragon Boat Festival Calgary.
August 11 to 13, 2023
@ North Glenmore Park, Calgary.
Saturday, August 12, 2023
1. 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 12, 2023
@Olympic Plaza, 8 Ave SE, Calgary
2. Calgary Arab Festival
Travel through the Middle East in a day, enjoying the sights and tastes of the region.
August 12 & 13, 2023
@Shaw Millennium Park, 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary
Sunday, August 13, 2023
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 13, 2023
@ Marda Loop – 33rd and 34th Avenues SW, Calgary
Monday, August 14, 2022
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.
Year Round @ 4 floor in the CORE Shopping Centre, 400, 317 7 Ave. S.W, Calgary
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
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
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Shaw Charity Classic
The Shaw Charity Classic will host some of the greatest names in the game of golf.
Free Admission on August 16 & 17 @ Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club
Thursday, August 17, 2023
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
Friday, August 18, 2023
Carifest Calgary
Carifest celebrates 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.
August 18 to 20, 2023 @ Millennium Park – 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary
Saturday, August 19, 2023
1. Chinatown Street Festival
Experience the Silk Road with your family at the 18th Chinatown Street Festival of food, music, dance, and other multi-cultural offerings.
Saturday August 19, 2023 | 11am to 7pm
@ 3 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
2. Open Farm Days
Alberta Open Farm Days is 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 19 & 20, 2023
@ Participating Farms, Alberta
3. All Sport One Day
All Sport One Day is an amazing opportunity for Calgary children and youth to try a new sport. With 100+ sessions featuring 30+ exciting activities to choose from, parents or guardians can enroll children (ages 6 and above) in FREE sport sessions
August 19, 2023
@ Facilities Across Calgary
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Okotoks Show & Shine
See cool cars at the 11th annual Olde Towne Okotoks Show & Shine.
Sunday, August 20, 2023 | 11 AM – 04 PM
@ Olde Towne, Okotoks
Monday, August 21, 2023
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.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
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
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
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
Thursday, August 24, 2023
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
Friday, August 25, 2023
Learn about coins
See the Numismatics Collection – one of the most important numismatic collections in Canada at Nickle Galleries.
Year round. In summer – Monday – Saturday, 12 – 4pm
@ Nickle Galleries, 435 Campus Lane NW, Calgary
Saturday, August 26, 2023
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!
August 26, 2023
@ Downtown Okotoks
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Cemetery tours
Learn about great Calgarians and their fascinating stories through free guided walking tours of Calgary’s cemeteries.
From Spring to Fall
@ St Mary’s Cemetery, Union Cemetery and Burnsland Cemetery.
Monday, August 28, 2023
1. Downtown Calgary Tour
Explore Calgary’s downtown by going on a free walking tour. Details
Year-Round
@ Calgary Downtown
Go Geocaching
2. Enjoy a fun scavenger hunt across Calgary, find hidden geo caches and discover unique geographical features!
Round the year
@ Various locations, Calgary
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Name the artwork!
Explore the City of Calgary’s Public Art collection by going on an artwork tour!
Year round
@Various locations, Calgary
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Free programs at your local library
Calgary Public Library offer 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
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Night Lights
When the sun sets, the night lights begin. From bridges to buildings, explore some of these buildings and bridges glow in the dark!
Year-round
@ Various Calgary
Friday, September 1, 2023
Fiesta Filipino
Revel in the sights and sounds of traditional Filipino festivities, and celebrations showcasing the art, food and culture of the Philippines.
September 1 to 3, 2023
@ Olympic Plaza, Calgary
Saturday, September 2, 2023
A Last Summer Hurrah at the Beach!
Pack the kids and a picnic basket, and head to Sylvan Lake to enjoy the last days of summer holidays at one of the best lakes in Alberta.
Summer @ Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Calgary Pride Parade & Festival
Join for one of Calgary’s largest FREE outdoor cultural celebrations – the Pride Parade. Enjoy live music on the main stage, activities for youth and children in the family zone, or get better acquainted with the local community as your browse the marketplace.
September 3, 2023
@ Downtown Calgary
Monday, September 4, 2023
A Last Summer Hurrah at the Beach!
Pack the kids and a picnic basket, and head to Sylvan Lake or nearby beaches to enjoy the last days of the summer holidays at one of the best lakes in Alberta.
Summer @ Sylvan Lake, Alberta
View Comments (3)
Thanks for putting this together. I always consult this website when looking for summer activities for the family. keep cup the good work!
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 we miss out on so much but now we can enjoy activities around the city.