Enjoy your July without breaking the bank! Here are 50 FREE events happening in Calgary this month, including Stampede Pancake Breakfasts, Night Markets, and more.
For more things happening around town check out our events section.
See also
- All the best Calgary Stampede pancake breakfasts to hit this year
- There's a 'clothing-optional' wave pool swim in Calgary this July
- RENT celebrating 20th anniversary with shows in Calgary this fall
Explore the city and the outdoors
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 perfect day at the park. First-come, first-served. 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
Dungeons & Dragons at the Ship
What: Learn all about Dungeons & Dragons on the first Monday of the month at The Ship & Anchor. These nights are specifically designed for anyone who has no experience with theworld of ‘tabletop role-playing games’ such as D&D, Pathfinder, or any of the others out there. The evening will begin with a first-come-first-served selection of a character to play, followed by a quick Q&A, then diving right into the adventure.
When: The first Monday of every month – July 1, August 5, and September 2, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Ship & Anchor Pub – 534 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Sign-up: Email [email protected]
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 – Wednesday, July 3, 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
Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfasts
Making pancakes/Shutterstock
What: The annual event has a million different traditions that it’s known for – world-famous rodeos, bull-riding, music festivals, and food galore. But the most delicious tradition of them all is the pancake breakfasts that are held all over the city, from free to bougie.
Celebrate the Calgary Stampede in the most belly-satisfying of ways and gorge on fluffy pancakes, sweet syrup, buttery goodness, hot sausages, eggs, coffee, and OJ to your heart’s content. Scroll through this comprehensive list of all the pancake breakfasts scheduled during the stampede and start marking your calendar.
When: Various dates from July 4 to July 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Full List: Online, various prices including free
Calgary Stampede Cenovus Family Day Free Admission 2019
What: The free admission will be available between 7:30 and 11 am on Sunday, July 7, along with a free pancake breakfast (while flapjacks last, that is). If you’re busy that day, you can also get into the Stampede for free on Friday, July 5, if you get to the gates between 11 am and 1:30 pm — but expect a line, as it is the opening day of the festivities.
When: Sunday, July 7, 2019
Time: Between 7:30 and 11 am
Where: Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
The 37th Annual Cowboys VS. Firefighters Charity Pole Climb
What: The 37th annual event features 10 Pro Rodeo Contestants going up against 10 Calgary Firefighters in a timed flagpole climb. All the proceeds from the event will go directly towards The CPRA Cowboy Benefit fund and the Firefighter Charitable Society.
When: July 8, 2019
Time: Auction at 6 pm, climb at 9 pm
Where: Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall – 9615 Macleod Tail SE
Admission: Free
Print(ed) Word Salon Series: Tim van Wijk and Erin Vance and 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: Tuesday, July 9 and 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
Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven
Slurpee Canada/ Facebook
What: On July 11, 7-Eleven will be celebrating 7-Eleven Day by giving away FREE Slurpee drinks across the country. In past years, 7-Eleven have handed out nearly 900,000 Slurpee drinks at locations all over Canada on the one day. In celebration of their 50 years in Canada, 7-Eleven will also have some seriously cool retro shirts available for purchase — and for you to win. They will also be releasing an exclusive Snapchat experience for you to get involved and #DanceTheSlurp. Head to your local 7-Eleven to scan the Snap code to unlock the experience
When: Thursday, July 11, 2019
Time: All Day
Where: Participating 7-Eleven locations across Canada
Price: Free
Cyclepalooza
What: Join this community-driven bicycle festival for a week full of cycling festivities. Take part in the second annual Warrior Ride, Spoke and Word, Pedal & Paint, and more events.
When: July 12 to July 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Calgary
Admission: Free
Calgary Turkish Festival
What: The Festival will display Turkish art, folk dance, music and gourmet food, where visitors will get an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, heritage and cuisine. Visitors will be able to browse and buy Turkish products, souvenirs and handcrafts, participate in activities for children, view many authentic demonstrations and performances, sample Turkish cuisine, and more.
When: July 12 to 14, 2019
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Eau Claire Festival Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Admission: Free
Inglewood Night Market
Inglewood Night Market/Facebook
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 and 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: July 12, August 9, September 13 and September 14, 2019
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: Between 9 Avenue and 10 Street SE
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 – July 14, 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.
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: July 18, 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
Fiestaval Latin Festival
What: Fiestaval in Calgary is one of Calgary’s most lively summer celebrations, which showcases the culture of Calgary’s Latin community. Attendees can expect live music, shows, a beer garden, an artisan market, and a number of drool-worthy vendors with food.
When: July 19 to 21, 2019
Time: 11 am to 11 pm (Friday and Saturday), 11 am to 10 pm (Sunday)
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Taste of Okotoks and Artisan Market
What: Eat great food, enjoy live music, and shop local vendors in this fun-filled event in the heart of Okotoks.
When: July 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Downtown Okotoks – Elizabeth Street
Admission: Free. Sampler tickets $1 each, samples cost a few tickets
Calgary Night Market
What: Spend your Friday or Saturday evening shopping your favourite local makers, while munching on delicious eats and listening live entertainment. The market has two locations this summer – Calgary Night Market Bridgeland and Calgary Night Market SOUTH.
When: July 26, and August 23 (Bridgeland), June 28 to 29, July 19 to 20, August 16 to 17 (SOUTH)
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
Calgary Arab Festival
What: This is a free, family-friendly event that is presented as a platform to share Arabian traditions, such as folk dance, traditional music, food, customs, Arts, and much more, to the general public in Calgary.
When: July 27 and 28, 2019
Time: 10 am to 11 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 8 pm (Sunday)
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Saturdays on 17th
What: Spend your Saturday on 17th Ave all summer long. From now through to July 27, the neighbourhood will be featuring live music, games, giveaways, and movies in Tomkins Park. Bring the whole family and enjoy the festivities.
When: Every Saturday from now to July 27, 2019
Time: 12 to 9 pm (movie screenings start at 6 pm)
Where: Tomkins Park (corner of 8th Street & 17th Avenue SW)
Admission: Free
Sunnyside Open Stage
Emotions studio / Shutterstock
What: SOS Tuesdays are back for the summer in Sunnyside! Every Tuesday features an Open Mic Jam to entertain, inspire, and support 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 anything else the community might offer.
When: Every Tuesday until August 20, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: containR – 1020 2 Ave NW, 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 First Thursday at Glenbow Museum
Glenbow Museum / Facebook
What: Explore the Glenbow Museum at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month.
When: The first Thursday of every month – July 4, August 1 and September 5, 2019
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
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. 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
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
Music in the Plaza
What: Each Wednesday evening throughout July and August, rain or shine, Heritage Town Square plays host to a wide range of the best performing talent you’ll find anywhere. 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 guaranteed to delight.
When Wednesday evenings from July 3 to August 28, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
Admission: Free
Happy Canada Day
Parks Canada – Free Admission for Canada Day
La Mauricie National Park, parks.canada/Instagram
What: Parks Canada is offering free admission to all of its national parks and historic sites this July 1. Whether you live near one of these beautiful destinations, or you’re up for a little road trip, you’re going to want to clear your calendars this Canada day and get exploring. And even though admission to these parks is only free on Canada Day, if you’re 17 and under, you can visit all Parks Canada locations for free, any time of the year.
When: July 1, 2019
Time: All Day
Where: List of national parks and historic sites here
Admission: Free
Canada Day in Banff and Lake Louise
What: Come celebrate Canada’s birthday with activities happening in and around Banff and Lake Louise. In Banff, begin your day with public art outside the Whyte Museum before taking in the famous Canada Day Parade down Banff Avenue beginning at 11:30 am. Explore family-friendly activities in Central Park and at the Banff Secondary High School field, and finish your day with a dazzling pyrotechnic show. In Lake Louise, start your day by feasting at the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Lake Louise Fire Department. Be sure to catch the flag raising and national anthem at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, before enjoying the parade on Village Road. The day is full of performances and family activities on the lawns of the Lake Louise Sport and Recreation centre, including a BBQ lunch.
When: July 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Banff and Lake Louise
Admission: Free
Canada Day at Southcentre
What: Head to Southcentre for an all-day Canada Day celebration with CRAFT Beer Market and Encore 4 on 4 Street Hockey. Stop by the South parking lot and enjoy the free come-and-try-it booth with Breathe Parkour, Archery Zone by Strike Combat Archery, beanbag toss games by Cornhole YYC, food and outdoor beer gardens by CRAFT Beer Market – Southcentre (18+), and a Kid’s Zone by Trico Centre.
When: Monday, July 1, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Canada Day at Eau Claire
What: Come out to enjoy all the family friends festivities, including FREE ice cream, live entertainment, an artisan market, crafts, and a petting zoo, to name only a few. Get ready to celebrate Canada’s birthday in style!
When: Monday, July 1, 2019
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade
Admission: Free
Canada Day at Fort Calgary
Canadian Flag/Shutterstock
What: Outside on the grounds, grab a bite from the food trucks’ caravan, take the kids to the Fort Calgary Kids Zone, meet your neighbourhood champions at the Community Tent Village, get a free temporary tattoo with the Girl Guides of Canada, and see the North West Mounted Police brass band perform live.
Enjoy a drink in our family-friendly indoor/outdoor beer garden located on the Fort Calgary patio, featuring Village Brewery beer and cider. Head inside the museum to enjoy some shade, the Indigenous Learning Space in Burnswest Theatre, Mountie uniform try-on station, and more.
When: July 1, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Admission to the museum is by cash donation, or bring a non-perishable food donation to the Veterans’ Food Bank
The City of Calgary Fireworks Show
What: Wrap up your Canada Day with a spectacular fireworks show set to iconic Canadian music at Centre Street Bridge.
When: Monday, July 1, 2019
Time: 11 to 11:30 pm
Where: Centre Street Bridge, Calgary
Admission: 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: July 16, July 30, 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 & artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts & 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. We began as a small weekend fruit stand that consisted of 3 display tables, but have since grown to become an independent produce market that is open 7 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
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