Explore Downtown
#ExploreDowntownYYC Explore Downtown Calgary
In the city of possibility, downtown is the face and the place of Calgary’s future.
It’s a mix of bold entrepreneurship, where dreams become reality and where creative curiosity is unleashed; it’s toes tapped to music and dipped in the river, drinks sipped from a rooftop and art and culture appreciated up close and personal.
Downtown is where it all happens – it’s the pulse of our city and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Sip, Shop & Stroll into Spring!
Plan your spring adventure while supporting local businesses.
From cozy cafes and wine shops to pet stores and wellness services, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Every visit helps keep our community vibrant.
Let’s celebrate spring and support our local gems.
Support Local DowntownEvents in the Spotlight
Check out what's happening downtown this week.
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Wok and Talk
May 31, St Stephen’s Anglican ChurchKensington Sinfonia presents a free workshop of two new commissions, “Wok Hei” by Roydon Tse and “Variations for Piano and Chamber Orchestra” by Mark Limacher. Listen as they whip up a spicy sonic Mapo Tofu and develop a dreamy jazz infused cocktail of instruments.
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Legally Blonde
Now playing until June 15, Max Bell Theatre, Arts CommonsThe season closes with a fabulously fun musical that proves you can be both brilliant and bold in pink. Join Elle Woods as she heads to Harvard Law in this upbeat, empowering Broadway hit.
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4th Street Lilac Festival
June 1, 4th Street SW, between 12th Avenue and Elbow DriveA Calgary tradition, it’s the unofficial kickoff to summer in the city! Wander six blocks of pedestrian-only 4th Street SW with over 500 vendors, multiple music stages, street performers, patios, and food trucks.
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Surge City Hoops Summer Series
Coming soon in June! Century Gardens - 826 8 Avenue SWThis summer, the Calgary Surge & The City of Calgary's Downtown Strategy team have partnered to bring FREE youth basketball clinics and a SURGE CITY 3-ON-3 TOURNAMENT to the heart of our city.
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Chinatown Block Party
May 31 & June 1, Sien Lok ParkCalgary Chinatown Celebrating the CanAsian in you! We invite all the Calgarians to come into Chinatown, experience our morning exercises, cuisines, arts, new technology & new media.
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Local on Stephen
Every Thursday, May - August, Stephen Ave (From 2nd to Centre St SW)Marketspot setting up shop on Stephen Avenue this spring and summer! Check out Local on Stephen every Thursday (11 AM - 6 PM) from May to September, as they turn Stephen Avenue into a lively marketplace celebrating and supporting local talent.
Itineraries
Explore these sample itineraries to help guide your visit. New memories are waiting – start here, in downtown Calgary.
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Downtown offers plenty of opportunities to be a tourist in your own city from boutique hotel experiences, to amazing attractions, local shopping and top restaurants.
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Downtown offers plenty of opportunities to ‘woo’ your loved one, from spa experiences, to fun date ideas and romantic dinners.
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Downtown offers plenty of budget-friendly activities, from exploring the outdoors, to consignment shopping and happy hours!
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Choose your own downtown adventure and decide how you'd like to spend your day. Your itinerary could include a warm cup of coffee, a peaceful bookstore, a hearty meal, a thought-provoking film or a magical cocktail.
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There’s a wide variety of family-friendly activities to keep you and your kids entertained for hours!
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Calgary is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in Canada, and downtown is where the culinary magic is happening.
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In the mood to go shopping or enjoy a day of window browsing? Look no further than Downtown Calgary, where you’ll find the very best in shops, services and unique handmade goods.
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Calgary is a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant night life scene that has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a cozy pub, you’ll be sure to find your perfect spot.
Neighbourhood guides
There are so many downtown neighbourhoods to explore! Use these guides to help plan your outing.
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Your guide to experiencing the Downtown Core
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s premier cultural neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic, urban Victoria Park
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Your guide to experiencing the eclectic Beltline neighbourhood
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Your guide to experiencing historic and modern 4th Street
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Your guide to experiencing Calgary’s red mile
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Your guide to experiencing the culturally rich Downtown West
Getting here
Get downtown by using one of these modes of transportation.
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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.
Photo credit: Colin Way
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For information about parking spots, promos and move, visit Calgary Parking. Don’t forget to enjoy free parking after 6 p.m. every day and all day on Sundays!
Photo credit: Calgary Parking
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Walk, wheel or run
Downtown is accessible by walking, wheeling, or running.
Photo credit: Colin Way
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Discover parking information tailored for out-of-town visitors. Explore the best payment methods, value-added services and tips for a stress-free visit.
Stay connected
Don't miss a beat! Stay up-to-date on the latest downtown news.
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Keep connected on the latest events, projects and all things Downtown Strategy – stay in the know!
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Follow us on social media and share your photos using #ExploreDowntownYYC