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 a 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

Monday, June 30, 2025

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!

Monday, June 30, 2025 @ Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Calgary

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Canada Day Celebrations

The best way to start summer? Celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday and enjoy the spectacular fireworks brightening the night sky.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Eau Claire Plaza Opening Celebration

This event is a chance for Calgarians to explore the revitalized Plaza.  Come enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks, fun giveaways, remarks from City Council and live entertainment.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 12 p.m.
@ Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary

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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 2 – August 27, 2025 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Heritage Town Square

Thursday, July 3, 2025

 

 

Homecoming Hoedown! 

Award Winning Stampede Breakfast featuring Starbucks Coffee, YYC Princesses, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Bouncy Castles and Much Much More!

Thursday July 3, 2025 | 9 am to 11 am
@ Calgary Dream Centre, 4510 Macleod Trl SW, Calgary

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Denim Re-Defined Sustainable Fashion Show

This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, community, and conscious fashion. In collaboration with talented local Calgary artists, GoodWill is transforming donated denim into stunning, upcycled runway pieces – proving that sustainable fashion can be both stylish and meaningful.

Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 12 p.m.
@ Riverwalk East Village Calgary, 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary

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First Flip

Bring your family and friends for a morning of fun, food, live music by The Frontiers and fantastic entertainment from Mackenzie Brown, Green Fools Theatre Society, and Chinook Country Line Dancers.

Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 07:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
@ Stephen Avenue Walk, Calgary

Friday, July 4, 2025

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.

Saturday, July 4, 2025 | 9 AM
@ Downtown Calgary
Free Admission to Stampede from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Mexifest

Come and enjoy the three hottest days of the summer with over 30 authentic food vendors, hundreds of national and international performers, an artisan market, a kids’ area, beer gardens, and lots of fun.

  July 4 to 6, 2025
@ Eau Claire Plaza,  200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary

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Stampede Breakfast

Have a FREE Community Pancake Breakfast organized by MaKami College. Along with the delicious food, this year’s pancake breakfast will also feature live music, a fun kids zone with games and a petting zoo, and tons of great giveaways!

Sunday, July 5, at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  @ Marlborough Mall, 1600-3800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Family Day

Bring the whole family to the Calgary Stampede and celebrate with FREE fun for everyone. Admission is free until 11 a.m., with a free pancake breakfast available until 10 a.m., while supplies are still available.

Sunday, July 6 | Admission is free until 11 a.m. @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary

Monday, July 7, 2025

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

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

TC Energy Community Day

Enjoy free admission to Calgary Stampede.

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary

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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.

Select Dates, Tuesdays & Saturdays
@Central Library, Calgary

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

BMO Kids’ Day

Visit Calgary Stampede with your little ones and enjoy free breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8-10 a.m. while quantities last, and a FREE variety show from 8-10 a.m.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 9-11 am @ Calgary Stampede, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary

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Pink Pancake Stampede Breakfast

Enjoy free breakfast, entertainment, and Stampede-inspired activities for the entire family.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | FREE entry all day for kids 12 & under | FREE entry for everyone until 10 a.m. @ Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Explore Calgary’s Urban 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 11, 2025

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 11, August 8, September 5, 2025
@ 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE, Calgary

Saturday, July 12, 2025

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 5 to 12,2025 @ Stephen Avenue, Calgary

Sunday, July 13, 2025

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 12 & 13, 2025 @ Alberta Waterbodies

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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.

 July 13, 27, August 10 & 24 @ Riley Park, 800 12 St. N.W, Calgary

Monday, July 14, 2025

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 daylight hours.
@ Fish Creek Provincial Park, 13931 Woodpath Rd SW, Calgary

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Calgary’s Downtown Strategy team and Calgary Surge offer free basketball clinics for youth aged 9–17. The program includes pro-level coaching and a high-energy 3-on-3 tournament later this summer.

Every Tuesday and Saturday from July to October at Century Gardens.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

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.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

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

Friday, July 18, 2025

  Yabber 

Join Mudfoot Theatre as they bring you this Calgary-born tale. A celebrity, an orphan, a crone, and a cowboy collide to bring you a cautionary folk tale that will leave you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes. Old junk transforms into masks, puppets, and instruments in a tale that shows us how love and sacrifice could save our planet.

Friday July 18,  6:30pm-9:00pm
@ ContainR Art Park, 1020 2 Ave NW, Calgary

Saturday, July 19, 2025

1. 403 Market

 This vibrant market showcases well-known and emerging artisans and vendors, including unique local crafts such as exquisite pottery, woodwork, textiles, and so much more.

 July 19 & 26, August 2, 2025 @ The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary

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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!

 July 19, August 23, | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ 524 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary

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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.

Saturday, July 19, 2925 | 11:00am to 4:00pm
@ Downtown Okotoks

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4. 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 19th.

• Waterfalls Getaways in Alberta
• 25 Day Trip Waterfall Hikes from Calgary

July 19, 2025
@ Kananaskis Country, no pass required.

Sunday, July 20, 2025

  Fiestaval Calgary

Enjoy Latin arts and family entertainment at this multicultural festival that showcases Latin American Culture.

July 18 to 20, 2025
@ Calgary Olympic Plaza

Monday, July 21, 2025

 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, 2025

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.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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 24, 2025

 Explore Contemporary Art Galleries

Visit Calgary’s art museums and enjoy the creative imaginations and clever interpretations of the world around you!

Wednesday to Saturday, 11-6pm
Saturday & Monday, 12-5pm @ Esker Foundation Contemporary Art Gallery

Friday, July 25, 2025

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!

Saturday, July 26, 2025

1. 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 26 to August 5, 2024
@ Various venues, Calgary

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2. Inglewood Sunfest

Have a gala time at this feisty summer festival in the heart of Inglewood.

Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 11:00 AM to 07:00 PM
@ Main street Inglewood, Calgary

Sunday, July 27, 2025

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 26 & 27, 2025
Eau Claire, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary

Monday, July 28, 2025

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)

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

U/D Night Markets

Stop by University District’s Central Plaza to enjoy more than 20 local vendors, live music, entertainment and more.

July 30, August 27 | 5- 9 PM
@ University District’s Central Plaza, 4410 University Ave. NW, Calgary

Thursday, July 31, 2025

The Big Rock

Visit the largest glacial erratic near Okotoks – a 16,500-tonne quartzite boulder, known as the Big Rock.

Year Round
@ Near Okotoks.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Taste of Calgary

Enjoy a taste of Calgary’s best musical acts during Taste of Calgary.

July 31 to August 4, 2025

@ Calgary Parking Lot #6, 311 8 Street S.W., Calgary

Saturday, August 2, 2025

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!

Sunday, August 3, 2025

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 August 3, 2025 | 10am – 5pm
@ Greenview Industrial, 4001 Edmonton Trail, Calgary

Monday, August 4, 2025

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 4, 2025
@ 6303 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

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

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Reader Rock Garden

Visit Calgary’s most unique cultural landscapes, which 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

6 Gorgeous Calgary Gardens For Tranquil Summer Walk

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Olds College Botanic Gardens and Treatment Wetlands

See flowering trees and shrubs, fabulous displays of annuals, the 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 8, 2025

1. Calgary Dragon Boat Festival

Cheer on the racers, enjoy kids zone, multi-cultural entertainment, live band and more during Dragon Boat Festival Calgary.

August 8 to 10, 2025
@ North Glenmore Park, Calgary.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Lantern Peace Festival

For families, couples, and anyone who wants to be inspired by peace-seeking spirit through art and culture, the best event is this! Enjoy Martial Art performance, Yosakoi Dance, Youthful Chorus, and Wendy Walker & The Tribe’s performance!

August 9, 2025 @ Calgary Parking Lot #6, 311 8 Street S.W., Calgary

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2. Calgary Korean Day Festival

Enjoy Korean culture, which includes food, sports events, folk games, and more!

August 9 & 10 @ Calgary Parking Lot #6, 311 8 Street S.W., Calgary

Sunday, August 10, 2025

1. 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 to 19, 2025 @ Beltline Community, Calgary

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2. Calgary Arab Festival

Travel through the Middle East in a day, enjoying the sights and tastes of the region.

August 9 & 10, 2025
@ Cowboys Park , 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary

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3. 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!

Monday, August 11, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
@ Marda Loop – 33rd and 34th Avenues SW, Calgary

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Monday, August 11, 2025

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 12, 2025

  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 13, 2025

RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre

Visit the RCMP dog training facility and see public demonstrations that showcase the skills of police dogs.

 July 9, August 13, 2025 – 10 am
@ RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre, Hwy 2, Innisfail

Thursday, August 14, 2025

RBC Charity Classic

The RBC Charity Classic will host some of the greatest names in the game of golf.

Free Admission on August 13 & 14 @ Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club

Friday, August 15, 2025

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 15 to 17, 2025 @ Millennium Park – 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary

Saturday, August 16, 2025

 Chinatown Street Festival

Experience the Silk Road with your family at the  Chinatown Street Festival of food, music, dance, and other multi-cultural offerings.

Saturday, August 16, 2025
@ 3 Avenue Southeast, Calgary

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2. 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 16, 2025
@ Facilities Across Calgary

Sunday, August 17, 2025

 Okotoks Show & Shine

See cool cars at the 11th annual Olde Towne Okotoks Show & Shine.

August 17,  2025 | 11 AM – 04 PM
@ Olde Towne, Okotoks

Monday, August 18, 2025

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 19, 2025

McDougall Centre

Explore the Renaissance Revival architectural style building in the middle of modern downtown Calgary. Explore the adjacent public plaza and surrounding gardens.

@ McDougall Centre, 455 6th St SW, Calgary

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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

Thursday, August 21, 2025

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

Friday, August 22, 2025

Lougheed House Gardens

Take a tour of the Lougheed House Gardens.

Any Day round the year | 7:00 AM until sundown @ Lougheed House, Calgary

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Learn about coins
See the Numismatics Collection – one of the most important numismatic collections in Canada at Nickle Galleries.

 

Year round. In summer – Monday – Friday 9 – 4 pm, Closed weekends and holidays @ Nickle Galleries, 435 Campus Lane NW, Calgary

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Cemetery tours

Learn about great Calgarians and their fascinating stories through free guided walking tours of Calgary’s cemeteries.

Various Dates
@ St Mary’s Cemetery, Union Cemetery and Burnsland Cemetery.

Monday, August 25, 2025

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

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

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Go Geocaching

Enjoy a fun scavenger hunt across Calgary, find hidden geo caches and discover unique geographical features!

Round the year
@ Various locations, Calgary

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Downtown Calgary Tour

Explore Calgary’s downtown by going on a free walking tour. Details

Year-Round
@ Calgary Downtown

Friday, August 29, 2025

Name the artwork!

Explore the City of Calgary’s Public Art collection by going on an artwork tour!

Year round
@Various locations, Calgary

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Fiesta Filipino

Revel in the sights and sounds of traditional Filipino festivities, and celebrations showcasing the art, food and culture of the Philippines.

August 29 to September 1, 2025
@ Olympic Plaza, Calgary

Sunday, August 31, 2025

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 thfe local community as your browse the marketplace.

August 31, 2025
@ Downtown Calgary

Monday, September 1, 2025

A Last Summer Hurrah at the Beach!

You can find several beaches close to Calgary if you need to beat that heat. Even if you just want to relax and read in the sand, picnic with your family, or explore the waters further by boat, you can find many places for a wicked cool day trip.