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.
Alcove Centre for the Arts
Alcove is a home for anyone who finds joy in art—whether you're a working artist, a hobbyist, an enthusiast, or someone simply looking for creative experiences. Check out the program schedule for events happening this summer.
Story City
Choose your own adventure with Story City, a free, interactive storytelling experience that makes you the hero of your own adventure. Grab your phone, a few friends, and hit the streets to explore locally made stories by and for Calgarians. Download the app to get started.
Shirley’s Greenhouse Farm Stand
Shirley’s Greenhouses is running a farm stand in Harley Hotchkiss Gardens every Friday from 2PM – 6PM this summer. Get some fresh local fruit, veggies, eggs and baked goods to kickstart your weekend!
When: Every Friday throughout the summer
Local on Stephen
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.
When: Every Thursday throughout the summer
Historic Stephen Avenue Guided Walking Tours
Discover the architectural gems, historic landmarks, and stories that have shaped this dynamic city on a guided walking tour that explores Stephen Avenue, Calgary’s National Historic District.
When: Every Thursday and Friday throughout the summer
Calgary Folk Music Festival
This popular festival takes place on beautiful Prince’s Island Park with 70 artists, performing on five daytime and two evening stages. Regular festival goers enjoy setting up camp right in front of the main stage with blankets, low-rise lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the festival atmosphere.
Historic Calgary Week
Calgarians are invited to step into the city’s past as Historic Calgary Week returns for its 35th year. The event includes more than 81 free experiences offering a deep dive into the people, places and ideas that shaped Calgary and the surrounding region.
Seconds Collective Vintage and Second Hand Market
Seconds Collective is a second-hand market that does pop ups all over the city. Their goal is to empower individuals to buy, sell, and trade quality pre-owned textiles. This calm, cool, collective emphasizes the power of community to create a greener, more responsible, and unique consumer culture.
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.
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.