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
Seconds Collective Vintage Market: Seconds Saloon
When: July 4-11
Where: 205 Eighth Ave. S.W. (Stephen Avenue)
Website: Seconds Collective Vintage Market
Get ready for 7 days of the wildest Seconds market yet! With donuts, non-alcoholic beers, photo ops, and all the vintage you can handle, this pop-up market celebrates sustainable style and community connection.
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.
Calgary International Blues Festival
The 21st Annual Calgary International Blues Festival promises an unforgettable experience with live blues performances, a diverse selection of food trucks, a vibrant artisan market, unique festival souvenirs, and bar service throughout the site. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly event has been a cornerstone of Calgary's cultural scene for two decades!
When: July 31 - August 3
Taste of Calgary
Discover Calgary’s rich culinary scene at Taste of Calgary, a unique mix of restaurants and beverage companies with a side of live music. Admission to the festival is free, and you can purchase sample tickets for $1.00 to try select dishes from some of the city’s best restaurants and brewers.
Calgary Fringe Festival
Calgary Fringe Festival is a nine-day theatre festival showcasing a wide range of performances. The term “fringe” refers to a festival where any and all submissions are accepted and includes emerging and established artists alike to share stories on stage. Watch street performances, browse vendors, and experience the eclectic entertainment presented each day.
BUMP Festival
The BUMP Festival is Calgary’s community-led, city-wide street art movement - transforming the city into an open-air visual art gallery. Its annual August run features vibrant new murals, graffiti jams, guided tours, live music, outdoor cinema, artist talks and installations.
Design Week Calgary
Created by designers, for designers, this new festival invites the public to explore the creative minds shaping our city. Expect exhibitions, panels, and public events that celebrate creativity, innovation and Calgary’s growing design economy.
African Cultural Festival
AfricFest Calgary is the city's premier African cultural festival showcasing African excellence through music, art, food, fashion, storytelling, workshops and community engagement.
Lantern Peace Festival 2025
Experience the breathtaking beauty of lanterns floating in the pool. This is an annual summer peace event shares a wish for a peaceful society and a world free from violence.
Calgary Arab Festival
The Calgary Arab Festival highlights regional and cultural distinctions in Arab countries celebrating clothing, cuisine, dance, and art, providing attendees with a deeper appreciation of the cultural diversity within the Arabic world. Come support local artists by providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work.
Korean Day Festival
Experience Korea's vibrant culture and unique heritage at the Korean Day Festival, including exciting traditional dance performances, K-pop Contest, delicious Korean food, and a lively parade.
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.