Free Events in Calgary

International Avenue shuts down for the biggest street party in the east — live music, food from every continent, two stages, patios open late. Bring the group, bring cash for vendors, plan to stay through the headliners.

A 10-day arts and culture festival filling Inglewood's alleyways, historic buildings, and crooked streets with artists, artisans, handcrafters, and makers.

Inglewood's three-day maker takeover kicks off Friday night — shops stay open late, alleyway pop-ups, live demos in every nook of 9 Ave. The opening crawl is the best night of the weekend if you like wandering and stumbling into stuff.

The city's best food trucks parked under one roof, drinks flowing, picnic tables, no entry fee. Show up hungry, share dishes, plan on three hours.

South Asian cultural festival in the NE — colour throws, bhangra stage, samosas the size of your hand. Bring white clothes you don't mind retiring.

The launch party for the citywide hot dog crawl — 45 restaurants doing limited dogs over the next two weeks. Start at Cold Garden's patio, build your route from there.

Free passport-style tasting tour through the South market — vendors from a dozen countries doing samples. Easiest Sunday morning of the year.

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month at this vibrant Vietnamese festival featuring food, culture, and community in Marlborough Park.

Learn about migratory bird species returning this spring. Hands-on activities at the provincial fish hatchery and interpretive centre.

One of Canada's most unique rodeos - youth competitors in a classic small-town Alberta setting. 45 min south.

Outdoor pop-up market along the RiverWalk - local artisans, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Kids create DIY instruments from everyday materials at Studio Bell's interactive musical playground. Ages 3-12.

Heritage Park reopens the Historical Village for the season. Paddlewheeler, steam train, vintage buildings, and summer dining.

Last day - immigrant artists explore migration, identity, and transformation. Shared Flight Collective exhibition.

Western Canada's first Shake Shack - Alberta-exclusive menu with local collabs from Pie Junkie and Beretta Farms.

Pop-up Mexican cantina with tequila cocktails, festive decor, and fiesta vibes all long weekend.

New free hands-on policing museum opens — K-9 demos, climbable cruisers, interactive exhibits. Brand-new and free.

Cevapi, kolo dancing, Balkan folk bands. Free, easy parking, great food.

Free kids' fest 25 min north — bouncy castles, stage shows, face paint.

Outdoor sing-along for under-fives — bring a blanket and a snack.

Local makers, baked goods, kid corner — SW alternative to the farmers market crush.

The bigger, busier farmers market — go early Saturday for empanadas.

Weirder, cheaper, vintage-heavier market on the east side.

Over 50 farms, food artisans, craft vendors, and food trucks at this vibrant community market in Marda Loop.

Grammy-nominated Carnatic flute maestro Shashank Subramanyam closes out Asian Heritage Month with an intimate performance of South Indian classical music.

Explore the sprawling Spruce Meadows grounds for free. Walk the paths, enjoy green space and bring your own picnic.

A modern local pop-up market featuring cool local makers sharing their craft in a stylish environment.

Vibrant Sikh cultural celebration - dance performances, live music, food stalls, and community togetherness. Free, open to all.

The monthly vintage and maker market takes over Crossroads Market for a Sunday browse. Handmade goods, vintage finds, local food vendors, and the kind of relaxed weekend energy that pairs perfectly with a coffee and no plan. Free entry, all ages.

Olympic-calibre judo in Calgary. Watch Canada's best compete for national titles at the Olympic Oval. Fast, technical, and surprisingly dramatic. Free to watch on the final day.

Painter Cindy Bouwers explores light and shadow in nature through layered artwork on display in the Ambrose University gallery during building hours.

Young Alberta artists' work displayed across 160 feet of wall space at CF Chinook Centre, near the former Hudson's Bay — a partnership with ArtLaunch showcasing emerging talent.

The Calgary Stampeders open McMahon Stadium to fans with a live QR Calgary broadcast, player appearances, and pre-season festivities — free entry for all.

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month in PlayLab with Mr. Rayz and the vibrant sounds of Indonesia's angklung — storytelling, live performance, and hands-on music exploration for families.

Curated group exhibition showcasing Canadian artists exploring themes of home, land, memory, and care — on display through May 30 at Newzones Gallery in the Beltline.

50% off cocktails, margaritas, wine, beer, and tacos during happy hour. Daily 4-6pm plus 9-close Mon-Sat.

All day happy hours. Mon-Thurs 4pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 4pm-1am at this popular 17th Ave craft beer and wine bar.

Open mic afternoons with 'The Fog' at Munch on 17th Ave — every Saturday from 2 to 6 PM. Family-friendly, low-key, and free to attend.

Explore how Napoleon Bonaparte used money, medals, art, and official imagery to finance conquest and shape his empire's political memory. On view at UCalgary's Nickle Galleries through September 18.

Colourful hand-woven textiles from Qashqa'i and Khamseh tribal weavers of southwestern Iran, drawn from the Nickle Galleries permanent collection. On view through July 24.

A gathering for all nations and community members to celebrate, participate, and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions.

A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle on a Greek island paradise in the hit ABBA musical.

Fan Fest with field access for autographs, yard games, face painting, and dunking some of their favourite players.

Calgary's first-ever hot dog festival celebrating classic and creative hot dogs across the city with $1 from every festival dog donated.

Discover over 50 farms, food artisans, craft vendors, and food trucks at this vibrant community market in Marda Loop. Free to attend.

Yard sale with clothes, knick-knacks, and more. Bring your items to sell or find great deals.

Alberta residents compete to create a short film using only a mobile device in 48 hours. Pre-registration required. Open to all skill levels across Alberta.

Come check out Eye Candy, a fun and colorful geometric abstract art show featuring the playful Jelly Beans Series. Free to attend at cSpace Marda Loop.

Mini Mexico vacay without leaving Calgary! La Tequila Cantina takes over TOPS with fiesta decor, tequila cocktails, and Mexican vibes all month long.

ANTHONY ATTALLA • 05.23.26 - Sub Rosa, Calgary Alberta

Science exhibits and interactive programs at TELUS Spark.

Elevating the trades to their rightful place within the STEAM framework promotes job parity and respect. It underscores that that trades careers are not just viable but essential, requiring a high lev

Kids can climb, crawl, and move through multi-level structures designed to build confidence, coordination, and curiosity through play.

This gathering circle, created with the guidance of Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous Community members, is a place where the community can gather, learn, teach and grow.

Planet Earth is a fascinating place. In the vastness of the universe, it’s the only known world where life has flourished. But how did it all begin? That’s what this full-dome film, Little Eve, is all

Spark’s hopping into the Stampede line-up… but with a science twist! From rodeo rings to outer space, humans have always had the grit to go beyond. Grab your spurs, strap on your space boots, and sadd

Science exhibits and interactive programs at TELUS Spark.

Science exhibits and interactive programs at TELUS Spark.

A workshop on electricity markets and policy Exhibition - NAPOLEON: Art, Money & War May 22 Multiday Event M-F (to Sep 18) 2:00 p.m. Nickle Galleries, Taylor Family Digital Library Napoleon: Art, Mon

A positive first response to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) can have a powerful impact on the person disclosing. Learn all about how to support disclosures of SGBV in this impo

Join the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute for a special presentation featuring Dr. Jodi Edwards. Dr. Edwards is an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa Heart

Join curator Dick Averns for a tour of the recently opened exhibitions David Garneau Dark Chapters and Reading the Ruins Field Trip: In the Garden

Celebrate the start of Calgary’s gardening season alongside your fellow alumni.

Over 141 local vendors with 80% Alberta-grown produce, baked goods, meats, and artisan foods. Regular weekly market — shop fresh, eat well, support local.

Over 141 local vendors with 80% Alberta-grown produce, baked goods, meats, and artisan foods. Extended Friday hours until 7pm.

Inglewood's annual DIY festival showcasing local artists, makers, musicians, and community spirit in Calgary's most creative neighbourhood.

A celebration of Serbian food, music, and culture with two days of entertainment and traditional cuisine in Calgary.

Canada's biggest fundraiser for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. Join families and supporters from across Alberta walking, running, or rolling to raise awareness and funds for treatments and a cure.

Join for the annual festival hosted by Airdrie Children's Festival Society (ACFS). The event will feature a Children's Village play area, children's entertainment, and activities.

The second annual Powwow will be a place for all nations and community members to gather, celebrate, participate, and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions.

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month in PlayLab with Mr. Rayz and the vibrant sounds of Indonesia's angklung instrument. Through storytelling and performance, this program invites young visitors.

The highly anticipated Annual Stamps Fan Fest is back and it's going to be epic! Join us for free and experience the feeling of being back at a game.

The Dawgs are opening up their doors for Fan Fest! Attendees can step on the field for autographs, yard games, face painting and dunking some of their favourite players.

Welcome to Dog Days, Calgary's first-ever hot dog festival! This two-week event celebrates classic and creative hot dogs across the city, with $1 from every dog donated to the Calgary Food Bank.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a community gathering where local talent, passion, and creativity come to life. Discover over 50 farms, food artisans, craft vendors, and food trucks.

Come join us at the Manchester Yard Sale and Free Repair! There will be clothes, knick-knacks, and all sorts of things available!

Celebrate and experience the rich history of the Serbian culture featuring live traditional folklore dances and music performances, delicious authentic Serbian food, cultural exhibits and various sporting events.

Step into the world of Broadway and come celebrate the Calgary Women's Chorus 15th Anniversary. This musical extravaganza features music from 101 Dalmatians.

Come check out two floors of local vendors, featuring artisans, crafters, creators, makers, a baker and even a candlestick maker! Also have select food vendors.

Community gathering with over 50 farms, food artisans, craft vendors, and food trucks. Vibrant atmosphere.

Free pop-up music class for babies and toddlers (and their caregivers). 45 minutes of structured music and movement activities.

Two floors of local vendors featuring artisans, crafters, creators, makers, a baker and more.

Inglewood's signature arts and culture festival filling historic buildings, alleyways, and industrial spaces with local artists, artisans, handcrafters, and makers.

Celebrate Filipino culture through food, music and community during Philippine Heritage Month. Enjoy live music, local market vendors and ube-flavoured treats.

Coffee festival featuring Calgary cafes, roasteries and tea houses. Download the digital passport to collect stamps at participating shops. Supports the YWCA.

YYC Flea brings together the city's best vintage, up-cycled goods, handmade finds, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Kids colouring sheets and pencil crayons available during market hours in the food hall and near the market office.

Petting zoo with friendly farm animals near Rocky's Burgers (the Big Red Bus). Open 10am-1pm.

Dive into The VERGENCE—where bold minds collide and new ideas spark live and loud!

Connect with your inner self and find healing through music, art, and mindfulness.

Drift through auroras, soar among the stars, and explore otherworldly landscapes in this immersive dome experience combining stunning visuals and an epic score. Third-party show — separate ticket required, not included with general admission.

45-minute 360° journey through Earth reimagined as art — kaleidoscopic reefs, glowing skies, forests of light, and digital landscapes that bloom and shift around you. Third-party show — separate ticket required, not included with general admission.

Explores how Napoleon Bonaparte built power through material culture — coins, medals, artworks, and official documents showing how finance underpinned military ambition. Features objects from the Nickle Numismatic Collection and private loans. Curated by Marina Fischer.

Textiles woven by Qashqa'i, Afshar, Khamseh and other tribal weavers from Nickle Galleries permanent collection. Colourful and densely patterned, they offer spaces for care, hope and dreams. Curated by Michele Hardy.

Official kickoff for Calgary's first hot dog festival. The Dogfather food truck serves Cheesy Pawrito dogs ($1 to PALS charity), Cold Garden Pool Party Blonde beer on tap ($1 to PALS), plus meet PALS volunteer therapy dogs. Bring your own dog.

Interactive police museum with Alberta's largest collection of policing artifacts, forensics exhibits, and uniform try-ons. Free admission, donations welcome.

Meet the 2026 Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. Player meet-and-greets, Grey Cup photos, alumni autographs, giant inflatables, face painting, and live entertainment. Free for all ages.

A curated underground DJ night hosted on the Studio Bell Skybridge, suspended above Calgary's skyline. Doors at 9:30 pm.

Annual 48-hour filmmaking challenge open to all Alberta residents. Pre-register to receive your assignment and create a short film on your mobile device.

A fun and colorful geometric abstract art show featuring the playful Jelly Beans Series on Level 2 of cSPACE Marda Loop.

Calgary's first hot dog festival brings 45 restaurants together serving creative hot dog creations. $1 from each featured hot dog sale donated to Pet Access League Society (PALS). Participating spots include Lulu Bar (Hot Dog Bao), Palomino (Get Along Little Doggie), Posto Pizzeria (Truffled Carbonara Dog), Village Brewery (Tocino Pineapple Heat Dog) and more. Runs May 23 to June 6.

Stand-up comedy with Morgan Jay as part of the Goofy Guy Tour at Grey Eagle Event Centre.

Stand-up comedy with Morgan Jay as part of the Goofy Guy Tour. Second Calgary show at Grey Eagle Event Centre.

Calgary's annual marathon event weekend with multiple race distances. Race weekend kicks off Saturday May 23 with main race day Sunday May 24. Start line at 11 Ave SE downtown.

West location of Calgary's favourite farmers market with 141+ vendors. Open Wed-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-5pm.

Aviation career days at The Hangar Flight Museum. Kids and teens explore careers in aviation with hands-on activities and museum exhibits.

Free PlayLab at Studio Bell where kids ages 9-12 build simple circuits and create sounds they can hear instantly.

Pack a picnic and enjoy free outdoor performances by the Youth Singers of Calgary at Heritage Park Plaza. No park admission required.

Community garage sales across Calgary. Find a community hosting garage sales this weekend and go on a treasure hunt.

Mini-Donuts Canada serving fresh mini donuts at Dalhousie Community Association. Cash and card accepted.

The Dogfather serves up hot dogs and smokies at the Foothills Athletic Park track meet.

The Dogfather at Glenmore Athletic Park. Hot dogs and smokies with mob boss flair.

CF's Kitchen serving at 5200 Richmond Rd SW. Card payments accepted.

Savino Pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas at 3132 43 St SW. Order online available.

Weekly food truck night at McKenzie Lake. Multiple trucks, family-friendly atmosphere.

Guided sound bath meditation session at Saje Wellness on 17th Ave. Relax and recharge with crystal singing bowls and ambient tones. Free to attend.

A free community event featuring live music, performances, and inspirational speaking at the WinSport Event Centre. The Global Crusade tour aims to bring people together for an uplifting experience.

Build circuits and create sounds with synthesizers in this hands-on drop-in program at Studio Bell's PlayLab. Ages 9-12.

Open mic night hosted by Calgary favourite The Kelly T at Dino Park in Capitol Hill. Live music and guaranteed fun.

Calgary's first hot dog festival! Two weeks of classic and creative hot dogs across the city, with $1 from every festival dog going to charity.

Interactive career fair with Police, Fire, EMS, Transit, Community Safety and Dispatch for those considering a career on the front line.

Annual open house at MaKami College's Calgary campus from 11AM to 2PM. Great for anyone looking for a career change.

Spring-inspired show suite open house with the Discovery Centre transformed into a vibrant floral wonderland.

Calgary fine art show featuring local artists showcasing paintings, ceramics, and more. Free admission with works available for purchase.

A fun and colorful geometric abstract art show featuring the playful Jelly Beans Series. Last day to catch this exhibition.

A mini Mexico vacation without leaving Calgary! Fiesta backdrops, cactus, chili peppers and sombreros at this pop-up cantina.

An interactive career fair with Police, Fire, EMS, Transit, Community Safety and Dispatch for women considering a career on the front line.

Weekly farm stand in the heart of Inglewood with fresh local produce. Runs every Saturday through September.

Bring your furry friend to explore Kensington's pet-friendly patios for a relaxed Sunday outing in one of Calgary's most walkable neighbourhoods.

A community-driven DIY festival in Inglewood featuring maker workshops, art installations and hands-on creative activities. Runs May 22–31.

Over 141 local vendors with fresh produce, meats, baked goods and artisan products. Open Thursday to Sunday 9am–5pm. 80% of products grown, baked or made in Alberta.

West location with 80+ vendors, food hall and event space. Open Wed–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 9am–5pm. Free parking and family-friendly.

Calgary's year-round indoor market open Friday through Sunday 9am–5pm. Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, vintage finds and local artisan goods. The People's Market since 1987.

A 10-day creative takeover of Inglewood with 100+ DIY workshops, art installations, yarn bombing, buskers, and pop-up galleries spilling into alleys, historic buildings, and ContainR Park. Walk-in free; individual workshops ticketed separately.

One of Calgary's oldest and largest indoor flea and farmers markets with hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, antiques, clothing, international food, and more. Open Friday through Sunday.

Beatport-charting house DJ Anthony Attalla (Incorrect Music, USA) plays Calgary's underground Sub Rosa with guests Who & Marco Cardoza. Free RSVP available before 10:30pm.

Canada's premier youth volleyball championship returns to Calgary with girls and boys 14U–18U competing across four tournaments. Day passes available, some spectator access is free.

Downstage's new-works festival features six world-premiere plays across May 21–24, plus free events including a DJ night, live music, and an arts market at the Motel Theatre inside Arts Commons.

Calgary's premier sweet treat truck with desserts and confections. Open Saturday and Sunday via Street Food App.

Hot and fresh mini-donuts, snow cones, cotton candy and more. Open Saturday and Sunday via Street Food App.

Beloved Daughters Ministry's Fourth Annual Women's Conference

CALGARY! This is the RnB party you’ve been waiting for, A night of pure vibes, nostalgia, and real grown-and-sexy energy

An arts and culture festival filling nooks and crannies throughout Inglewood's alleyways with creativity, performances, and installations.