Summer is here and there are plenty events happening around town! Make the most of your last month of sun with events around town.
Here are 41 things happening in Calgary this September.
See also
Get outside
Go on a hike
With Calgary being so close to the mountains, we’d be foolish not to take advantage of them. Plus, it’s a pretty rewarding feeling to know you literally conquered a mountain. Not to mention if you find yourself sore after a long day’s hike, the hot springs are never too far away.
Jump on a bike
There are beautiful bike paths in Calgary, that many of us don’t know about. So jump on your bike without the worry of vehicles whizzing past you. Click here for five beautiful bike paths in Northwest Calgary you need to experience this Summer.
Rafting down the Bow River
A perfect way to cool off and relax on a hot summer day. Grab a raft and lifejacket (yes they’re required) and sail away to leisurely paradise. You can start from Baker Park or Bowness Park and it’s free with you own raft and lifejacket or you can rent from Lazy Day Raft Rentals.
Food and drink festivals
Fiesta Filipino
- What: Eat, breathe and dance in the Filipino Culture at this years Fiesta Filipino. The giant plaza street party is open for all ages to enjoy.
- Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
- When: September 2 and 3
- Cost: Free
BBQ on the Bow
- What: The 24th annual BBQ on the Bow festival (the city’s oldest BBQ competition) will take place this September at the Montgomery Community Centre, and will see meat lovers from across the city gather to enjoy all things BBQ. Teams will compete over two days showing off their cooking skills on everything from Weber bullets to fancy rigs and trailers with expensive smokers built right on them.
- When: September 3 to 4
- Where: Montgomery Community Centre – 5003 16th Avenue NW
- Cost: Free admission
Calgary Greek Festival
- What: This three day celebration of Greek culture is a chance for the community to come together. Attendees to this free annual event will find a range of entertainment options, traditional Greek food, dancing, and a whole lot more.
- When: September 16 to 18
- Where: Hellenic Community Centre – 1 Tamarac Cresent SW
- Cost: Free admission
Oktoberfest
- What: Similar to the original Munich festival, which celebrates local beer and food, Calgary Oktoberfest will feature both local craft and authentic Bavarian breweries. There will be a wide selection of craft beers and delicious foods to sample from, along with authentic Oktoberfest music from the German Knights Band, dancers, games, and more!
- When: September 23 and 24
- Where: Upper Big Four Building – 1800, 1898 Macleod Trail SE
- Cost: $30 (weekend pass), $16 general admission
Kiwanis Apple Festival
- What: Kiwanis members in Calgary sold baskets of apples as one of our major fundraisers through the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. The Kiwanis Apple Festival will be a celebration of our history, a celebration of children, and a celebration of special cuisine, entertainment, education and outdoor exploration of a very special place – Kamp Kiwanis.
- Where: Kamp Kiwanis – 241001 Range Road 42
- When: September 24 and 25
Markets
Farmers Market on Stephen Avenue
- What: Fresh produce and local vendors right outside your office. Twice a month, over 40 vendors will setup shop for the farmers market coming to Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary. Check online for dates.
- Where: On 8th Avenue between 1st Street SE and 1st Street SW
- When: June 21 to September 20 from 10 am to 3 pm
Bridgeland Riverside Farmers Market
- What: Visit Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market for their first market of the year! Enjoy eating at local vendor stations, dance to live music and shop until you drop. For the kiddos, there are free activities set up.
- Where: Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market – 917 Centre Avenue NE
- When: Thursdays until October 6
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Popular among chefs, home cooks, and local gastronomes, farmers’ markets have become an integral part of Calgary’s food landscape. Not only do these community events grant local farmers, growers, and bakers the opportunity to connect with urban folk but they also provide them with a space to show off their seasonal favourites. Here’s a quick list of a few.
- Calgary Farmers’ Market
- Crossroads Market
- Symons Valley Ranch
- DJ Market
- Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
- Marda Loop Farmers’ Market
Mid-Autumn Night Market
- What: Lovers of night markets, mark your calendars, the Mid-Autumn Night Market is hitting Calgary.The Mid-Autumn Night Market coincides with the Mid-Autmn Festival, a celebration based on the lunar calendar that occurs when the moon is at its roundest and brightest. This symbolizes togetherness and reunion in Chinese culture.
- When: Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 11; various times.
- Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 First Street SW
Art and theatre
Beakerhead
- What: Calgary’s annual smash up of art, science and engineering, is here this September. More than 110,000 festivalgoers and 150 international artists and engineers are expected to attend, to build, compete and exhibit interactive works of art throughout the city. This year, Beakerhead will include more than 65 mechanical sculptures, interactive street art, classrooms of creators, culinary delights, and spectacular performances. Plus, Beakernight will light up the streets of Bridgeland with live music, beakerbar and quirky inventions ranging from a hamster wheel-powered tricycle to a can-crushing cow.
- Where: All over Calgary
- When: From Wednesday, September 14 through Sunday, September 18
- Tickets: beakerhead.com
Gabriel Iglesias
- What: Mexican-American comedian Gabriel Iglesias is bringing his #fluffybreakseven tour to Calgary, playing the WinSport Arena in September. Born in San Diego, Iglesias – who likes to call himself Fluffy – is known for his high school anecdotes, mastery of funny voices and absurd sound effects.
- Where: WinSport Arena at Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
- When: Saturday, September 24 at 7:30 pm
- Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $47.78 to $89.78
Shadowland
- What: Alberta Ballet brings you the exhilarating Canadian Premiere of Shadowland from world-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theater. These world famous artists challenge the edges of performance, enveloping you in a magical coming of age story told through two different worlds. A teenaged girl is transported by the shadows lurking behind her bedroom wall into a dreamlike land of darkness, light, and adventure…what happens next? You’ll have to watch it and see!
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
- When: September 22 to 24
Million Dollar Quartet
- What: The Tony® Award Winning musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956. History was made when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest impromptu jam sessions ever. It brings to light the extraordinary story of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of four friends that is altogether poignant, heartwarming and funny.
- Where: Stage West – 727 42 Avenue SE
- When: September 9 to November 13
- Tickets: $119 (includes dinner)
Festivals and other events
Image: Doors Open YYC / Facebook
The Wizard of Oz: Sing-A-Long
- What: Come together for a sing-a-long to one of the most iconic (and gay) films of all time: The Wizard of Oz. Participation is encouraged, as is dressing up as your favourite character from the film.
- Where: The Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road NW
- When: Friday, September 2; 7 to 10 pm
Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies
- What: Every Saturday in August at 9 pm experience Kensington’s Summertime outdoor movie series. This Saturday, The Breakfast Club will be the feature film.
- Where: Calgary Parking Authority Lot 57 – 1210 Kensington Road NW
- When: Saturday, September 3 from 9 pm to 12:30 am
- Info: On Facebook
Calgary Pride Parade
- What: The Calgary Pride Parade is described by the Pride Society as the most one of the most colourful celebrations of the year. With 125 parade entries from various organizations and 60,000 spectators, it would seem Calgary is set to get into party mode. This years’ Pride Parade Grand Marshal is singer/songwriter Rae Spoon, hailed as one of the best in Canada.
- When: Sunday, September 4
- Wesbite: calgarypride.ca
Pride in the Park
- What: One of Calgary’s largest free outdoor cultural celebrations that immediately follows the Pride Parade. Enjoy a family zone, a cold beer or refreshing cocktail or browse the marketplace.
- Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW
- When: Sunday, September 4; 12:30 to 6 pm
Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening
- What: Calgary Underground Film Festival has partnered with Fairy Tales and Hole in the Wall Studios for another edition of their unique presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show during Pride Week. Live pre-show featuring performances by Phil and Fake Mustache Costumes and full audience participation encouraged.
- Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8th Avenue SW
- When: Sunday, September 4; 10:30 pm to 2 am
Calgary Night Market 2016
- What: Featuring a variety of ethnic street foods, local vendors, buskers, and entertainment, the Calgary Night Market has everything from jewelry to clothes, to household items. The market is happening on the first and last Fridays of the month until September 9. Admission to the Night Market is free.
- When: September 9 from 4 to 10 pm
- Where: Central Memorial Park – 1221 2nd Street SW
- Event page: facebook.com
Canadian Women in PR networking event
- What: Women in public relations will gather for a major networking event in September put on by The Organization of Canadian Women in PR. Industry friends will enjoy each other’s company while sipping on wine, and allow the opportunity to meet newcomers as well as media professionals.
- When: Thursday, September 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
- Where: The Bank and Baron – 125 8th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Start at $35. Click here to purchase.
Adults Only Night at TELUS Spark
- What: Get hands-on with science while indulging in the adult juice. Enjoy free reign in the galleries, a fully licensed bar, and tunes all night long.
- Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St Georges Drive NE
- When: Select Thursdays from 6 to 10 pm
- Cost: $19.95
Doors Open YYC 2016
- What: Doors Open YYC will reveal the inner workings of businesses all over Calgary this September, as they fling open their doors to thousands of locals. The annual event on Saturday, September 24 will allow you to look round, go on a special tour or get a behind-the-scenes experience at a myriad of businesses.
- Where: Locations across Calgary
- When: Saturday, September 24
- Info: Find the full map and listings at doorsopenyyc.org/site-list
Something Old, Something New: 125 Years of Wedding Fashion
- What: See some of the most trendsetting and common wedding dresses in Alberta from the last 125 years. The exhibition features collections from the Museum of the Highwood, the Red Deer Museum, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Lougheed House Conservation Society, as well as numerous private collections.
- Where: Lougheed House – 707 13th Avenue SW
- When: Now until October 2
- Cost: Regular admission $8.50
Concerts and parties
Image: Keith Urban / Facebook
X Fest
- For those about to rock, X Fest salutes you. Celebrate Labour Day weekend with a stellar lineup that includes Twenty One Pilots, The Lumineers, Halsey, and Canadian rockers Arkells. And for the low-low price of $5,000, fans can buy a VIP Cabana that includes 10 VIP weekend passes, a dedicated serving staff and, best of all, private bathrooms.
- When: Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4
- Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Single day passes start at $89.50.
One Love Music Festival
- Canada’s largest hip hop festival returns to Calgary on September 10 with a jaw-dropping roster that features Big Sean, Tyler the Creator and more. Last year’s inaugural One Love Fest lured 8,000 hip hop fans to the festival grounds; organizers are hoping to increase that figure and have promised improved sight lines and amenities for this year’s attendees.
- When: Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11
- Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68 Street SE
- Tickets: Weekend passes start at $169.99.
Circle the Wagons
- What: An awesome festival brought to us by BassBus, YYCFoodTrucks & Village Brewery, Circle the Wagon featurelocal food, beer, music, art and performers. This is the third annual event raising funds for community initiatives, and features music from Beats Antique DJ Set ft. David Satori & Sidecar Tommy, GOLDFISH, Pomo, JPod, Pat Lok, and so much more
- When: Friday, September 10 at 11 am
- Where: University District Park, West Campus Blvd NW
- Tickets: Available online from $17.50 to $35. All ages
Keith Urban
- Not only does Keith Urban have the prettiest hair in country music; he has one of the genre’s prettiest voices, too. Expect the awesome Aussie to play hits from 2016’s Ripcord, in addition to Grammy-winning favourites like “You’ll Think Of Me” and “Stupid Boy”.
- When: Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Available online from $69.50 to $109.50. All ages
Dolly Parton
- Here she comes again! Country legend Dolly Parton will dazzle Calgary on September 16 with songs and stories from her storied, six decade-long career. Parton has racked up an impressive 25 Number One songs on Billboard’s country chart, more than any other female artist, and her latest album Pure & Simple is a best-seller.
- When: Friday, September 16 at 7:30 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Available online from $39.50 to $97.50. All ages
The Dandy Warhols
- What: Portland rockers The Dandy Warhols are on the road promoting their ninth studio album Distortland, which Drowned in Sound called “a welcome return for a band who’ve never been afraid to stick two fingers in the face of adversity.” Expect the band, fronted by Courtney Taylor-Taylor, to perform hits like “This Is The Tide” and “Sad Vacation”.
- When: Monday, September 19 at 7 pm
- Where: Marquee Beer Market & Stage – 4630 MacLeod Trail S
- Tickets: Available online from $39.50 to $97.50. 18+
Prozzak
- What: Toronto’s Prozzak haven’t released a proper studio album in more than a decade, but that hasn’t stopped the band from virtually selling out both of their upcoming Calgary shows. Fans can expect hits like “Sucks To Be You” and “Just Friends”, in addition to their latest single “Love Fools Anonymous” which has yet to appear on a Prozzak album.
- When: Tuesday, September 20 and Wednesday, September 21 at 8 pm
- Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301-16 Ave NW
- Tickets: Available online for $25. 18+
GTA
- What: Matt Toth and Julio Mejia better known as GTA, short for Good Times Ahead, will release their full length debut Good Times Ahead on October 7th. After years of cultivating songs, mixes and remixes, and overall vibes for festivals and tours the duo will be touring to coincide with their new release. Joining them in Calgary will be Sleepy Tom and Team Ezy who have collaborated with Diplo and Skrillex respectively.
- When: Friday, September 30 – Doors 9 pm
- Where: Marquee Beer Market and Stage – 4630 Macleod Trail S
- Tickets: Available online for $25 18+
Sports
Image: Calgary Flames / Facebook
Skyline Luge
- What: For the more adventurous side in you, try The Skyline Luge. It’s a three-wheeled cart, part go-kart and part toboggan that is thrilling for all ages and abilities.
- Where: Skyline Luge Calgary – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
- When: Now until October 9
- Cost: $15 for 1 ride; $23 for 2 rides; $32 for 5 rides
Shaw Charity Classic
- What: The annual Shaw Charity Golf tournament is back in Calgary. Don’t miss this PGA Champions golf championship where you can see great golf and some of your favourite pro golfers. Your family will enjoy a KidZone with petting zoo, arts & crafts, modified golf activities, Junior Clinic (Sept. 2 | 3:30 pm), a meet and greet with Harvey the Hound, and much more! Juniors 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
- When: Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4 from 9:30 am – 4 pm
- Where: Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club – 12501 14th Street SW
Spend a day at the races
Bring out your fascinators and bowties and head to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino to take in a day at the track. Your day is sure to be a win, even if your ticket says the opposite.
Calgary Stampeders Games
- What: Watch as our CFL pride and joy take on their rivals this summer.
- Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
- When:
- Monday, September 5 at 1 pm vs Edmonton Eskimos
- Saturday, September 17 at 3 pm vs Ottawa Redblacks
- Saturday, September 24 at 2 pm vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Calgary Flames Pre-season Games
- What: Get ready for the 2016-2017 season with some pre-season action. During September Flames will host two games on home ice.
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- When:
- Monday, September 26 at 7 pm vs Edmonton Oilers
- Friday, September 30 at 7 pm vs Vancouver Canucks
Banff
Banff International String Quartet Competition
- What: Experience a week of exceptional music-making in the Canadian Rockies as ten of the world’s best emerging string quartets vie for over $150,000 in cash and the title of first prize laureate.
- Where: The Banff Centre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
- When: August 29 to September 4
A Night at the Banff Mountain Film Festival
- What: Every Thursday night in downtown Banff for 14 weeks, two identical shows per night will be shown featuring four unique film programs rotating each week.
- Where: Lux Cinema – 229 Bear Street, Banff
- When: Every Thursday until Thursday, September 15. Shows at 7 and 9:30 pm
- Cost: $12 can purchase online