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.
Franco Festival Calgary
Franco Festival is a celebration of many Francophone cultures, from Africa to Europe, through Asia and the Americas using music, dance, food, art and crafts and other aspects that demonstrate the breadth and diversity of Canadian heritage.
Wild After Hours: Tapirs
Explore the mysterious world of tapirs in this after-hours experience at the Calgary Zoo. Enjoy a guided evening tour, learn fascinating facts about these unique rainforest creatures, and discover how the zoo cares for them behind the scenes. Adult beverages and light bites are available.
Surge City Hoops Summer Series
The Calgary Surge & The City are teaming up to bring FREE youth basketball clinics to the heart of our city. The clinics run every Tuesday and Saturday from July – October for youth ages 9-17, at the Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 Eighth Ave. S.W.).
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays until Oct. 4
Free Weekend Workouts at Lot 6
The City is hosting free recreation classes for people ages 13 and older at Lot 6. These classes provide a great opportunity to try new workouts, meet people and enjoy downtown in a new way! No registration required, bring your water bottle, a mat, appropriate footwear and sunscreen.
When: Select weekends throughout the summer
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.