This is the long weekend where summer officially hands the keys to fall, and the city is going out on its own terms. BBQ smoke at Shriners Stables, a free Afro Caribbean festival downtown, dragon concerts, dinosaurs at Spark, and a Labour Day Classic that has been circled on calendars since last September. Pick one anchor, add one easy market stop, and you have four days that feel like a proper send-off.
Jamie's Picks This weekend's best
3 picksCurated
🥂Couples Pick
King & NMC Present — GBÈDU: An Afro-Jazz Orchestral Experience
Friday night at Studio Bell, King and his orchestra blend African rhythms, jazz harmony, and full orchestral sweep in a show that feels like a private concert for the city. It is the rare date that is both sophisticated and genuinely fun, and the East Village walk after makes it feel complete. Book it before the weekend fills up.
👨👩👧Kid-Friendly Pick
Back to School Scavenger Hunt at Calgary Farmers Market
Free is the magic word, but the real hook is that the kids have a mission. Find the vendor clues, fill in the sheet, and collect a prize from Guest Services at Calgary Farmers Market South before Sunday. It turns a regular grocery run into a family activity with a reward at the end, and it works any time the market is open.
🎉Social Pick
BBQ on the Bow – BBQ Festival and KCBS Competition
Canada's oldest BBQ competition turns 35 with a free day of smoke, food trucks, live music, and enough brisket to feed the whole group chat. It is the kind of festival where everyone can wander at their own pace and still end up at the same table. Bring chairs, bring friends, and let the smell do the planning.
Friday YYC picks
Temps: —° / —°
🥂Couples Pick
King & NMC Present — GBÈDU: An Afro-Jazz Orchestral Experience
Friday night at Studio Bell, King and his orchestra blend African rhythms, jazz harmony, and full orchestral sweep in a show that feels like a private concert for the city. It is the rare date that is both sophisticated and genuinely fun, and the East Village walk after makes it feel complete. Book it before the weekend fills up.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 In Concert
The sequel soars onto the Jubilee screen with a live orchestra playing John Powell's score underneath. It is the rare concert that works for kids, parents, and anyone who still thinks dragons are the best part of the story.
Inglewood Night Market
The first Friday of the month turns 9 Avenue into a free evening market with local vendors, food, and music. It is the easiest way to start the long weekend: wander, snack, and let the night set the pace.
Fiesta Filipino Calgary 2026
Fiesta Filipino marks 12 years at Eau Claire Park with food, music, and more than 300 local artists. It is a free, family-friendly way to kick off the weekend with the whole city.
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd's iconic album becomes a full-room visual and sound experience inside TELUS Spark's 360-degree Infinity Dome.
Also on Friday
04 picks🏈›
UCalgary Dinos Football vs. UBC Thunderbirds
Season opener under the Friday lights.
🎸›
Music in the Streets
Free live sets at ContainR Art Park.
🎭›
Calgary Night Live!
Top comedians in an Inglewood coffee house.
🛍️›
Calgary Night Market
Bridgeland food and local stalls.
Saturday YYC picks
Temps: —° / —°
🎉Social Pick
BBQ on the Bow – BBQ Festival and KCBS Competition
Canada's oldest BBQ competition turns 35 with a free day of smoke, food trucks, live music, and enough brisket to feed the whole group chat. It is the kind of festival where everyone can wander at their own pace and still end up at the same table. Bring chairs, bring friends, and let the smell do the planning.
Afro Caribbean Festival YYC
Lot 6 becomes a free celebration of African and Caribbean culture with food, music, and community all day. It is the kind of festival that works for a group, a family, or a solo wander with good taste.
Calgary Vegfest
Calgary Vegfest fills Sunalta Community Hall with plant-based food, vendors, and a friendly crowd. Even committed carnivores will find something worth trying.
Secret Impro Show
Loose Moose builds a comedy show from scratch every Saturday, and no two nights are the same. It is the low-stakes, high-laugh plan that makes a long weekend feel complete.
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd's iconic album becomes a full-room visual and sound experience inside TELUS Spark's 360-degree Infinity Dome.
Also on Saturday
02 picks🎻›
CIBC Backbeat: Bow & Tell with Diane Lane
Hands-on violin for young explorers.
🍺›
Banded Peak Brewery Tour
Behind the tanks at a local brewery.
Sunday YYC picks
Temps: —° / —°
UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony
The beloved indie game's soundtrack gets the full orchestral treatment at the Jubilee, with a large ensemble bringing the most memorable themes to life. It is a big, emotional night for gamers and newcomers alike.
Sunday Safari Brunch
An all-you-can-eat brunch at Safari Lodge with giraffe viewing and zoo admission is the slow-morning plan that still gets kids out of the house. The adults get coffee and a view; the kids get animals. Everyone wins.
By The Bridge Pop-Up Market
Worn Studio hosts a free Inglewood pop-up with vintage clothing, jewellery, pottery, and handmade goods. It is a low-key Sunday browse with a local feel.
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon
Pink Floyd's iconic album becomes a full-room visual and sound experience inside TELUS Spark's 360-degree Infinity Dome.
Also on Sunday
04 picks🧘›
Puppy Yoga at Rebarkable Retreat | A Joy Filled Yoga Experience
Gentle yoga with playful puppies.
🎨›
Art in the Park! Fall 2026
Hands-on creativity by the Bow.
🎵›
Pan in the Park: a Beginners Class on the Art of Handpan
Learn the handpan in Riley Park.
🥂›
About Love – 5th Anniversary! Celebrating with Photography,Poetry and Music
Photography, poetry, and live music.
Monday YYC picks
Temps: —° / —°
Labour Day Classic: Calgary Stampeders vs. Edmonton Elks
The Stampeders and Elks renew the Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium, the rivalry game that has been circled on calendars all summer. It is the group plan that turns a holiday into a proper event.
Labour Day Teas at Heritage Park
Heritage Park serves an afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, sweet pastries, and classic scones in a historic setting. It is the calm, polished way to close the long weekend.
Red Panda Breakfast
Start Labour Day with pancakes and a red panda encounter at the zoo, with conservation messaging and buffet favourites included. It is worth the early alarm for the kids and the animal lovers.
Also on Monday
03 picks🎉›
Cochrane Labour Day Parade
Lawn chairs and a small-town tradition.
🐎›
Preview to the 'Masters'
A first look at Spruce Meadows.
🎸›
Deep Dark Woods
Folk-roots favourites at Festival Hall.
All weekend runs Fri–Mon
Also all weekend
03 picks🦕›
Dino Summer
Last chance for SUE and fossil digs.
⛳›
WinSport Mini Golf
18 hillside holes above the city.
🏴›
Canmore Highland Games 2026
Celtic athletics and market stalls in the mountains.
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In Case You Missed It News
Rosso Coffee Roasters is heading to Houston - The Calgary staple since 2012 is expanding with a new coffee shop and roastery in Texas.
Feast on Fourth is back with $10 dishes - Sixteen restaurants on 4th Street SW will serve select dishes for $10 each from September 23-27.
A giant Dolly Parton corn maze is open in Alberta - Maizex Corn Maze near Kitscoty has an eight-acre tribute maze open Fridays through Sundays until late October.
Lululemon launches resale with a Calgary hub - The new Canadian resale site is backed by a 25,000-square-foot processing centre in Calgary.
More Events 83 listings
Beyond our curated picks, here’s everything else happening in Calgary this weekend.