Looking for a way to save this summer? We’re here to help with our list of 54 FREE events happening in Calgary this August, including Tour de Bowness, Marda Gras Street Festival, and more.
For more things happening around town check out our events section.
See also
- A Floating Lantern Peace Ceremony will be held in Calgary August 3
- Heritage Park is hosting an adults-only night this August
- Tegan and Sara playing show in Calgary this October
Explore the city and the outdoors
Film Through the Decades Historic Calgary Week Screening Series
What: Calgary Public Library and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers presents Film Through the Decades Historic Calgary Week Screening Series. Enjoy films like Jaws, Back to the Future, and WALL-E.
When: July 29 to August 4, 2019
Time: 7 pm (Monday to Thursday), 9 pm (Friday and Saturday), 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: Memorial Park Library – 1221 2 St. SW, Calgary; Central Memorial Park – 1221 2 Street Southwest, Calgary
Admission: Free
Wetland Bug Safari
What: The interactive sessions hosted by Calgary Parks will explore swimming, flying and crawling creatures using hands-on activities. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.
When: August 1, August 20, August 22, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Ralph Klein Park – 12350 84 St, Calgary
Admission: Free
Free First Thursday at Glenbow Museum
What: Explore the Glenbow Museum at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month.
When: The first Thursday of every month – August 1 and September 5, 2019
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Music in the Park
What: The City of Calgary and Calgary Parks presents Music in the Park, a week of live music over the lunch hour at Central Memorial Park. Genres include country, jazz, and a Chinese orchestra.
When: Now until August 2, 2019
Time: 12 to 1 pm
Where: Central Memorial Park – 1221 2 Street Southwest, Calgary
Admission: Free
Tour de Bowness
What: Get a taste of what the Tour de France is like at the 18th Annual Tour de Bowness. For three days you will have the opportunity to watch cyclists from various viewpoints throughout the city as they compete for a variety of titles and prizes. This event started in 2001 and is now the largest amateur bike race in the province. The Tour de Bowness will be adding hand cycling to the event in 2019, and stick around on Monday to enjoy the Tour de Bowness Street Festival put on by the Bowness BRZ.
When: August 3 to 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free to watch
Floating Lantern Peace Ceremony
Floating Lantern Peace Ceremony
What: The Floating Lantern Peace Ceremony will be held in downtown Calgary on August 3, marking “a wish for a peaceful society and a world free from violence, especially the ultimate violence, nuclear weapons,” a release from organizers states. The event is free for all to attend, with lanterns being rented out to minimum donations of $5.
When: August 3, 2019
Time: 8:20 to 9:45 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admissions: Free, minimum $5 donation to rent a lantern
Inglewood Sunfest
What: Celebrate summer in #yyc at this day-long street festival featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
When: August 3, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Main Street Inglewood- 9 Avenue SE
Admission: Free
East Village Hive Tour with MOB Honey
What: Learn all about urban beekeeping with MOB HONEY’s workshops at The Hive in East Village. You’ll get a tour of the five beehives behind the EV Experience Centre and get up close and personal with thousands of honey bees who live there. Children aged four and up are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
When: August 4, September 1, 2019
Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, 1 to 3 pm
Where: East Village Experience Centre – 553 Riverfront Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free
YYC Free Market
What: An experimental market where attendees collaboratively create an atmosphere that focuses on sharing what we know and offering what we have. This market requires you to make it your own. No money is required.
When: August 6, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Container Site in Sunnyside – 1010 2nd Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Who’s in the Hall Wednesdays
What: Enjoy a free night at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. For the first time, the hall will be opening their doors on the first Wednesday of every month featuring free admission, cash bar, fun interactives, and a speakers series. Talk, learn and play.
When: The first Wednesday of every month – August 7, September 4, 2019
Times: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame – 169 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Taste of Calgary 2019
What: The annual celebration is celebrating its 23rd event this year, and it will feature global cuisines from a mix of unique restaurants and beverage companies. Going down from August 8 to 11 at 200 Barclay Parade SW (Eau Claire Market), this event offers patrons free entry and then the opportunity to buy $1 sampling tickets for food and drink once inside. Expect amazing vendors and some live music too.
When: August 8 to 11, 2019
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Price: Free entry
Inglewood Night Market
What: The Inglewood Night Market occurs every second Friday in the summer months in Calgary. Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade craftsmen items to vintage clothing, antiques & collectibles, artisan eats and more. You’ll also find food trucks, singer-songwriters, bands, dancers, outdoor seating, a family-friendly licenced area and other fun things to check out.
When: August 9, September 13 and September 14, 2019
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Between 9 Avenue and 10 Street SE
Admission: Free
Marda Gras Street Festival
What: Marda Gras is a free family-friendly event that attracts over 35,000 visitors from all over Calgary. On Sunday, August 11, 2019, the streets of Marda Loop celebrate the festival’s 35th year in the community. Come and enjoy live music, dance and cultural performances, a fun kids area, unique shopping and lots of great food.
When: August 11, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 33rd Avenue SW between 18th and 22nd street
Admission: Free
Monthly Open House at AVRO Museum
What: Learn more about Avro Canada and its contributions to Canada’s aviation and aerospace legacy, plus see the latest progress on the Arrow II project. There will be a flight simulator on-site, used in AVRO’s design and testing, which will be open for the public to take for a spin.
When: The Second Sunday of every month – August 11, and September 11, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: AVRO Museum – 229 Avro Lane, Calgary
Admission: Free. Small donation when using the flight simulator to help maintain its operation.
The Backyard Patio Party Summer Series
What: Head to Tavernetta YYC on July 8, August 12, and September 2 for a backyard patio party to remember. Enjoy a full day of drinks by Tavernetta, burgers by Vegan Street food truck, music, and bocce all day.
When: August 12, and September 2, 2019
Time: 2 to 10 pm
Where: Tavernetta YYC – 1002 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Print(ed) Word Salon Series: Sylvia Arthur and Susan Calder
What: Every month, a different artist-writer pair and their collaborative artist books included in Print(ed) Word, on permanent display at Calgary’s new Central Library will be highlighted.
When: August 13, 2019
Time: 7 to 8 pm
Where: Central Library – Level 4 – Simons-Harvie Community Reading Room – 800 3 St SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Cochrane Street Market
What: The Cochrane Farmers’ Market in partnership with the Historic Downtown Cochrane businesses invite you to experience a unique shopping experience in Historic Downtown Cochrane. Enjoy Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market vendors, artisans, food trucks, live music, buskers, as well as late night shopping and dining at local businesses.
When: August 15, and September 12, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Address: Historic Downtown Cochrane – 1st Avenue to 3rd Avenue West on 1st Street West
Admission: Free
Expo Latino
What: Western Canada’s largest Latin festival. Celebrating its 19th anniversary. Enjoy live entertainment, dancing, exotic food, artisan market, and more.
When: August 16 to 18, 2019
Time: 6 to 10:30 pm (Friday), 12 to 11:30 pm (Saturday), and 12 to 10 pm (Sunday)
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 689 Eau Claire Avenue SW
Tickets: Online. Children 12 and under free. Free on Friday with a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank, and free on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 1 pm, though no re-entry.
Calgary Night Market
What: Shop your favourite local makers, while enjoying delicious eats and listening to live entertainment. The market has two locations this summer – Calgary Night Market Bridgeland and Calgary Night Market SOUTH.
When: August 16 to 17 (SOUTH), August 23 (Bridgeland)
Time: 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Calgary Night Market Bridgeland – 917 Centre St NE; Calgary Night Market SOUTH – Bonaventure Dr SE at 90 Ave SE
Admission: Free
Alberta Open Farm Days
What: More than 100 farms, ranches, and ag-tourism operators open their gates and invite visitors to share in local stories, see on-farm demonstrations and purchase locally grown and produced products.
When: August 17 and 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free
2019 Chinatown Street Festival
Chinatown Street Festival (Facebook)
What: Anyone and everyone is welcome to participate in the “Silk Road” experience that includes multi-cultural performances, cuisines, arts, crafts, and more. This all-day event is the pride of Chinatown’s summer festivities and is expected to see around 30,000 visitors this year.
When: August 17, 2019
Where: Chinatown, 3rd Avenue / Centre Street SE
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Tickets: Free to attend. Register here
Sunnyside Open Stage
What: Every Tuesday features an Open Mic Jam with the talent of local artists and neighbours. Warm-up your vocal cords, grab your favourite instrument, or just come by to enjoy the night. SOS Tuesdays are hosted by Eugene Saunders and guests, and welcomes all kinds of performances: music, dance, theatre, spoken word, poetry and placemaking, green initiative, and more.
When: Every Tuesday until August 20, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: containR – 1020 2 Ave NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Rug Riot – Come to the Party!
What: Rug Riot – Come to the Party! is a rug hooking exhibition commemorating the Guild’s 90th Anniversary. Some members challenged themselves by trying different methods, materials and shapes, while others are paid tribute to what the guild means to them.
When: Now until August 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Galleria Inglewood – 907 9th Ave.S.E., Calgary
Admission: Free
Taber Cornfest
What: Every year in August the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce hosts the largest free family festival in western Canada. It celebrates with music, entertainment, rides, chili cookoff, show and shine, skateboard corn-test, huge fireworks, and more.
When: August 22 to 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Confederation Park – 50th Avenue and 50th Street, Taber
Admission: Free
Calgary Pride
Calgary’s new Pride crosswalk (saitsa/Twitter)
What: It’s the most colourful celebration of the year. Enjoy a week of festivities as you celebrate LOVE, equality, and happiness in YYC. Highlights include Memorial Park Pride on August 24, and Pride Parade and Pride in the Park on September 1.
When: August 23 to September 2, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Vary per event. See full event listings here
#IAMDOWNTOWN Summer Stage
What: Spend your lunch hour listening to some of Calgary’s best local talent on this outdoor stage on Stephen Avenue. DJs, live bands, and more — you will always be pleasantly surprised by the live performances set to play this stage this summer.
When: Mondays to Saturday until August 24, 2019 (No show on August 5)
Time: 12 to 1 pm (weekdays), 6 to 8 pm Saturdays
Where: Stephen Avenue, outside the Telus Convention Centre
Admission: Free
Rob & Eric’s Acoustic Punk Rock Sing-a-long at The Ship & Anchor
What: Annex Ale Project and the Ship & Anchor present another summer of Rob & Eric’s Acoustic Punk Rock Sing-A-long. Sing along to all of your favourite punk rock hits.
When: Every Monday until August 26, 2019 (no show on August 5)
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Ship & Anchor Pub – 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Music in the Plaza
What: Heritage Town Square presents Music in the Plaza throughout the summer. From roots and country to blues and swing, this line-up of free concerts offers something for everybody. Each week starts with a rising star of tomorrow from the Stampede Talent Search topped off by a featured act.
When: Wednesday evenings until August 28, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
Admission: Free
Fiesta Filipino
What: True to its primary objective in promoting the Filipino arts, culture, and traditions, the Fiesta Filipino YYC, during its two-day celebration, features exhibits, paintings, songs, sports, and dances that showcased the richness of our cultural heritage.
When: August 30 and September 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8 Avenue SE
Admission: Free
BBQ on the Bow
smoking BBQ / bbqonthebow.com
What: BBQ on the Bow is an annual Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned BBQ Competition and outdoor festival taking place at the Montgomery Community Association (Shouldice Park) during Labour Day long weekend. Enjoy food demos, live music, beer gardens, food trucks, kids zone, and more.
When: August 31 and September 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Montgomery Community Centre – 5003 16th Avenue NW
Admission: Free
Sunday Funday at East Village
What: A quick game of giant Jenga? Or ladder golf, perhaps? Come find EV’s EAST Crew, who will be set up on the island every Sunday with games and activities for a day at the park. First-come, first-served and the honour system applies.
When: Every Sunday to September 1, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Esker Foundation
What: Esker Foundation connects the public to contemporary art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. The gallery reflects on current developments in local, regional, and international culture; creates opportunities for public dialogue; and supports the production of groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research. Admission is free and the gallery is barrier-free.
When: Open Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays
Time: Various times
Where: Esker Foundation – 4th Floor – 1011 9th Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Roasterie Tour – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
What: This 20-minute tour gives attendees a look at Phil & Sebastian’s vintage retro-fitted roaster and operations, plus learn about their green coffee sourcing strategies.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:15 to 12:35 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters – 618 Confluence Way Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free
Free Brewery Tours at Red Bison Brewery
What: The tour starts off with an explanation of Red Bison’s name and why founder Steve started the brewery. Attendees will then see the homebrew system Steve used to brew beer on the balcony of his downtown Calgary condo, and talk about malt and how each of the flavours impact the recipes. After this, it’s a walk through the processes for the brew day and the fermentation process. Once the tour is complete, guests will be able to buy flights to try out beer and the kitchen is also open.
When: Every Sunday
Time: 1 pm
Where: Red Bison Brewery – 111, 3016 10 Ave NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Free
Eat fresh at Farmers’ Market
C-Square Tuesday Market
What: Find over 25 local vendors at the C-Square Tuesday Market, who will offer everything from produce, meats, breads, pastries, art, fashion, gadgets, health and wellness products, and more.
When: August 13 and August 27, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Address: Celebration Square – 7 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Grassroots Deerfoot Farmers’ Market
What: For the past 27 years, Grassroots Deerfoot Farmers’ Market has provided Calgarians with a wonderful variety of locally grown, baked, and produced goods. Enjoy fresh fruit and veggies, meats, plants, soups, baked goods, honey, wine, pizza, breads, and crafts.
When: Every Tuesday to September 24, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7 pm
Address: Deerfoot City – 1120 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market
Whole Grain Bread / Shutterstock
What: Enjoy local food, live entertainment, and shop for artisan-inspired products at Bridgeland Riverside Farmer’s Market this summer. From bread to beer, frommage to fresh cut flowers, the market hosts diverse and high-quality vendors to meet all of your local shopping needs.
When: Every Thursday until October 3, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Address: BRCA Hall – 917 Centre Ave, NE., Calgary
Admission: Free
High River Farmers’ Market
What: Located in High River’s beautiful downtown, the outdoor farmers’ market features over 50 vendors on Thursday afternoons until September 12, 2019. You can expect to find everything from locally grown fresh produce, home-baked breads, pies, fudge, and smoked meats, as well as unique and handcrafted housewares, jewelry, and clothing. There is also always a variety of food trucks selling everything from wood-fired pizzas, hand-made perogies and more.
When: Every Thursday until September 12, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Address: High River Downtown – 4 Avenue S.W. and 1 Street S.W.
Admission: Free
Crossfield Farmers Market
What: Explore Crossfield’s fast-growing rural market for the best local produce. Enjoy make it, bake it and grow it vendors and plan to stay for dinner. Crossfield Farmers Market is a member of the Alberta Farmers Market Association.
When: Every Thursday until September 26, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Address: Crossfield Community Center – 900 Mountain Ave, Crossfield
Admission: Free
Robert McClure Farmers’ Market
What: Enjoy live music, food vendors, activities for the family and a wide variety of vendors selling their goods.
When: Every Friday to September 27, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Address: Robert McClure United Church – 5510 – 26 Avenue NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Triwood Farmers’ Market
Shutterstock
What: Check out the weekly Triwood Farmers Market running from July 2 to October 15. Grab some food and explore the various vendors, including produce, bath and body, jewelry and more.
When: Every Tuesday from July 2 to October 15, 2019
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Address: Triwood Community Association – 2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Strathmore Farmers’ Market
What: The Strathmore Farmers’ Market was established in 1997 and is an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market. Vendors include dairy products, baked goods, crafts and more.
When: Every Friday to September 20, 2019
Time: 3 to 6:30 pm
Address: Strathmore Kinsmen Park – Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore
Admission: Free
Airdrie Farmers Market
What: Come out and find the finest local purveyors and producers of local goods. Everything from original quilts, handcrafted art, to natural soaps and lotions, food trucks, and more — discover a unique gift, or a personal treasure.
When: Every Wednesday to October 9, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 7 pm
Address: Jensen Park – 320 Centre Avenue East, Airdrie
Admission: Free
Lions Club of Bearspaw Farmers’ Market
What: Check out over 120 vendors at Lions Club of Bearspaw Farmers’ Market. During the market, a caterer inside the Lions Hall provides breakfast and brunch/lunch from about 9 am to 2 pm. Several of the outside food vendors also sell food you can eat at the market.
When: Every Sunday to October 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Address: Lions Club of Bearspaw – 25240 Nagway Rd, Calgary
Admission: Free
Canmore Mountain Market
What: The Canmore Mountain Market is a summer tradition in Canmore for over twenty years operating every Thursday from May to October. Visitors and locals are treated to an excellent selection of locally and regionally produced items including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, coffee and baked goods. The Market also offers unique crafts, clothing, jewellery, and other artisanal products. Patrons can experience the Market rain or shine, sip on a coffee, peruse the vendors, and enjoy the live local music – all with a beautiful mountain backdrop.
When: Every Thursday to October 3, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Address: Downtown Canmore next to the Canmore Civic Centre Plaza- 7th Avenue
Admission: Free
Cochrane Farmers’ Market – 2019 Market at the Ranche
What: The “Market at the Ranche” is open for its 21st Season. As an Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market, each and every week will showcase the perfect mix of vendors – full-time favourites alongside a wide range of new and unique products. Farmers, growers, brewers, distillers, artisans, and makers — an amazing variety every week.
When: Every Saturday until September 28, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 1 pm
Address: Cochrane Ranche Historic Site 663 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane
Admission: Free
Okotoks Farmers’ Market
What: Okotoks Farmers’ Market is an Alberta approved farmers’ market and they strive to have a diverse selection of local and Alberta grown and made products. Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of the unique market while supporting local vendors and bringing home something special to share with your friends and family.
When: Every Friday until September 27, 2019
Time: 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Address: 322041 15 St E, De Winton
Admission: Free
Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE
What: Check out 60 local farms, food-makers, bakers, brewers, distillers and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts and culture activities, and more, every Saturday at the Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE
When: Every Saturday year-round
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (June to October 12, 2019), 10 am to 1 pm (October 19, 2019, to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Calgary Farmers’ Market
What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewelry, art and more. Whether it’s the arrival of fresh produce or fun events, there’s always something happening at the market.
When: Open year-round from Thursday to Sunday
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 510 77 Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Granary Road Public Market
What: Granary Road Public Market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, artisan cheeses, pizza, tacos, handcrafted home goods, and more.
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Granary Road Market — 226066 112 Street West, Foothills No. 31
Admission: Free
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
Maram/Shutterstock
What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers’ market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Crossroads Market
What: Enjoy farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lost of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Crossroads Market – 1235 26 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch
What: The Mercantile at Symons Valley Ranch features over 35 vendors under one roof over one counter. Crafts, food vendors, and more.
When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (Fridays), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road
Admission: Free
DJ Market
What: With three generations of produce experience, DJ Market is a family-owned and operated business that was established in 1991 and has been operating for over 20 years. They began as a small weekend fruit stand that consisted of three display tables, but have since grown to become an independent produce market that is open seven days a week in the spring, summer, and fall months
When: Seven days a week in the Spring, Summer and Fall
Time: 9 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 10 am to 5 pm (Sundays and Holidays)
Where: DJ Market – 4645 12th Street S.E., Calgary
Admission: Free