Explore Downtown YYC

Get Ready for the Ultimate Summer Challenge!
2026-08-20, 2026-08-19, 2026-08-18, 2026-08-17 | Calgary Public Library – Central, 800 3 St Se, Calgary, T2G 2E7
The Challenge is simple — read every day this summer.
Everyone can be part of the Ultimate Summer Challenge. This shared reading adventure is a great way to connect, discover, and keep learning through the summer months.
From July 1 to August 31, read, attend programs, explore new stories, and have fun at the Library as part of the Ultimate Summer Challenge.
Registration opens June 15.

Nick Callas
2026-08-19 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-17 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Comedy Cave, 1020 8 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1J2
Nick Callas is an NYC based stand up comic. He is a regular at the Comedy Cellar and frequents the top NYC comedy clubs. He’s opened for SNL’s Colin Jost, Dana Carvey and Tracy Morgan. On Television, Nick starred in Music Choice’s Questionable Choices and was featured on NY’s Funniest for NBC’s SeeSo. Nick hosted MTV’s One Shining Moment, and his impressions, original characters and physical comedy have landed him multiple 8H SNL Screen Tests with Lorne Michaels. Nick has created digital shorts for Comedy Central and Cracked.
As an actor Nick appeared in Jennifer Esposito’s FEATURE FILM, Fresh Kills, which debuted at the TriBeca Film Festival in NYC and starred as the lead in both JAMS and At Midnight which featured in San Francisco’s International Film Festival.He is a cast member and cofounder of American High Shorts which has grossed hundreds of thousands of views and followers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Historic Stephen Avenue Guided Walking Tours
2026-08-19 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-18 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-17 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-16 10:00 - 15:30 (America/Boise) | Stephen Avenue Walk, 340 8 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, T2P 1C1
Discover the architectural gems, historic landmarks, and stories that have shaped this dynamic city on a guided walking tour that explores Stephen Avenue, Calgary’s National Historic District.
These tours are approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and include part of the surrounding area of Stephen Avenue.For a private tour or group larger than 20 people, please contact us at info@heritagecalgary.ca.
Tours are held twice a day at 10 am and 2 pm during July and August.

Minto Cup 2026
2026-08-19, 2026-08-18, 2026-08-17, 2026-08-16 | Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail Se, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6S2
The Minto Cup is emblematic of the National Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse Champions of Canada.

The Minto Cup has a storied history dating back over a century. From its inception in 1901 to the present day, this trophy has witnessed fierce battles, remarkable feats, and the emergence of future lacrosse stars.

Coheed and Cambria
2026-08-18 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Edmonton) | The Palace Theatre, 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1B7
Coheed and Cambria brings the This is Our War Tour to The Palace on Tuesday, August 18th with special guests Chixdiggit!

Date: Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

Doors: 7:00 p.m.

18+ only with valid government issued ID

SURGE CITY Hoops Summer Series
2026-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Century Gardens Basketball Courts, 826 8 Ave Sw, Calgary, T2P 1H7
This summer, the Calgary Surge & The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy team have partnered to bring back Surge City Hoops, and our FREE youth basketball clinics to the heart of our city.
Join us for free basketball clinics every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from June through September, hosted at the ﻿Century Gardens Basketball Courts (826 8 Avenue SW).
Open to youth ages 8 to 17, these clinics are all about building skills, boosting confidence, and having fun on the court—whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your game to the next level. Surrounded by the downtown energy and led by experienced coaches, this is your chance to train, play, and grow in one of Calgary’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Knitting & Crochet Club by Carya Village Commons
2026-08-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Carya Village Commons, 610 8 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Ab, T2G 5B4
A vibrant weekly club meant for both first-time fabric artists and veterans.
Bring your project and chat with out knitters and crocheters, or join us for an introductory lesson!
Who We Are
Carya is a social impact agency that has been responding to the evolving social needs of the Calgary community since 1910. Today, with over a century of expertise, we remain deeply rooted in being a place of connection and support for Calgarians when and where they need us most.Carya impacts the lives of thousands of Calgarians each year, through a range of comprehensive, low to no-cost programs and services that enhance mental well-being, strengthen families, improve living conditions, and create meaningful social connections.

Tiny Homes Workshop with Kseniia Koshnai
2026-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Sparrow Artspace, 36 4 Street Northeast, Calgary, Ab, T2E 5A8
Tickets $0-$25, please register

This workshop invites participants to reflect on what home means to them through painting. Each person will create a small wooden box inspired by a memory, a place, a feeling, or something important. Participants will be guided through simple painting techniques and supported in developing their ideas. The focus is on creating something personal and meaningful rather than perfect. Each box becomes a small container for a story. Participants leave with an object they can keep and carry as a piece of home.

This workshop is facilitated by resident artist Kseniia Koshmai, whose practice explores memory, belonging, and the idea of carrying home within. Through her work with miniature painting on wooden objects, she creates pieces that connect people with their personal stories and the warmth of their memories.

No experience required and all supplies will be provided.

This is part of the HOME residency in July/August 2026 and gratefully funded by Calgary Arts Development.

The Official Carifest After Party
2026-08-16 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Modern Love, 613 11 Ave Sw, Calgary, T2R 0E1
After Carnival In D’Park – We Fete!

Keep the energy going for the Official Carifest After Party! Local and International Caribbean DJ’s All On One Stage!

Hosted by Drew Atlas featuring Jus Jay (Barbados) DJ Becks (St.Vincent & The Grenadines), King Mars (Jamaica/St.Kitts & Nevis), DJ Suppa D (Trinidad & Tobago) and DJ Majesti (Trinidad & Tobago)

Location: Modern Love (613 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB ) Time: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
18+

Pete Murray
2026-08-16 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0W6
Gateway Events Presents
Pete Murray on August 16th in Calgary!

Festival Hall! w/ Brett Wood

7:00 p.m. doors

7:30 p.m. show

All Ages

Pete Murray
One of Australia’s most enduring and beloved singer-songwriters, Pete Murray has built a career spanning decades with a string of multi-platinum selling albums and hit singles. He has sold over 1.2 million albums, with three of his albums reaching the top of the ARIA charts. His career has earned him 17 ARIA Award nominations.

Pink Pop Party
2026-08-16 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Palace Theatre, 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1B7
The Pink Pop Party comes to The Palace on Sunday, August 16th!

Date: Sunday, August 16th, 2026

Doors: 12:00 p.m.

All ages

River Hall YYC
2026-08-16 11:00 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | 311 8 Street SW, 311 8 Street Sw, Calgary
River Hall YYC

☀️ Free open air community events
along the Bow River
🎶 Entertainment •
Activities • Wellness & more!
💫
Family + Dog friendly 🐾
📍 Lot 6, 311 8 ST SW

Hours
✨ Thursdays & Fridays:
5–10 PM
✨ Saturdays & Sundays:
11 AM–10 PM

Enjoy the best of summer at River Hall with vibrant events,
local talent, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to connect, relax, and have
fun!

Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing, a perfect
date spot, or simply somewhere to soak up the sunshine, there’s plenty of room
to hang out and make the most of the season.

Cyanotype Workshop: Bleaching, Toning & Wet Cyanotypes
2026-08-16 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Edmonton) | Sparrow Artspace, 36 4 Street Northeast, Calgary, Ab, T2E 5A8
$70, please register, ages 15+

In this experimental workshop, participants will explore how water, bleaching, and toning can transform cyanotype prints on paper. Moving beyond the traditional process, we will embrace unpredictability to create expressive and varied results.

Participants will begin with a brief review of cyanotype printing on paper before experimenting with wet techniques—using water during the developing stage to alter tones, create movement, and introduce unexpected textures. We will also explore bleaching and toning methods using everyday materials such as coffee and a variety of teas, shifting the classic blue into a range of earthy colours.

Through a series of small studies, you will build a collection of sample prints that reflect each technique. This workshop encourages curiosity, play, and a willingness to explore the unexpected.

You will leave with a selection of unique cyanotype samples and the knowledge to continue experimenting with wet processes and toning methods on your own.

All materials are included – but you can bring flowers and leaves!
No experience necessary.

Sunday Safari Brunch
2026-08-16 09:00 - 23:59 (America/Denver) | Calgary Zoo, 1300 Zoo Rd Ne, Calgary, T2E 7V6
Join us for a unique Calgary brunch experience in the heart of the zoo. You can enjoy both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, including a free-flowing chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, a Belgian waffle bar, cooked to order omelets, and much more. Get your combo brunch and admission tickets today!

Red Panda Breakfast
2026-08-16 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Edmonton) | Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive Ne, Calgary, T2E 7V6
Get red-y to start your day with a hearty pancake breakfast, fresh fruit, and other buffet favourites while learning about our beloved red pandas. Your ticket includes exclusive early zoo access, a delicious breakfast, an engaging interpretive talk, and a private viewing of our red pandas in their newly redeveloped Asian Highlands habitat. Perfect for families and little ones of all ages, you’ll discover fascinating facts about red pandas, their unique adaptations, and the efforts conserving this beautiful species.

Where: Kitamba Café and Asian Highlands

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

7:15 a.m. – Guests may begin to arrive at the North Entrance and proceed to Kitamba Café
7:30 a.m. – Red Panda Breakfast begins
8:00 a.m. – Red panda interpretive presentation from Conservation Education begins
8:30 a.m. – Guests proceed to Asian Highlands for an exclusive viewing of red pandas
8:45 a.m. – Early access to Asian Highlands with a special red panda enrichment
9:30 a.m. – Red Panda Breakfast concludes

NMC Presents: Eddy Fest
2026-08-16 | Studio Bell, 850 4 St SE, Calgary, Ab, T2G 0L8
In honour of the King Eddy’s 120th anniversary, NMC presents Eddy Fest, a three-day music festival from August 14-16, celebrating every chapter of the venue’s history.
Eddy Fest showcases an eclectic mix of performances that represent the venue’s past and present — from blues and rock to country and singer-songwriters!
The King Eddy has lived many lives over of its 120-year existence. Built between 1905 and 1907 as the King Edward Hotel on 9 Avenue SE (then known as “Whiskey Row”), it provided a home away from home for settlers, railway workers, travellers, and people from all walks of life. Decades later, it became an important part of the city’s music scene during its heyday as “Calgary’s Home of the Blues” from the early 1980s until it closed in 2004. That rich civic and musical history is the primary reason that the National Music Centre worked to save the King Eddy and build its new home around the venue. When the reimagined King Eddy reopened in 2018, it did so with a mandate to continue offering a welcoming space for legendary live music — “all music for all people.” Now, the Eddy celebrates its 120th anniversary alongside the 10th birthday of NMC’s home, Studio Bell, remaining an important piece of Calgary’s music story and one of the oldest music venues in Canada that is still in operation today.
Eddy Fest Lineup
Friday Night (August 14)
7:30 pm – Duke Domino
8:30 pm – Ollee Owens Band
9:30 pm – Brother Bicker Band
Saturday Brunch (August 15)
11:30 am – Jessie Bird
12:30 pm – Ross Fizzard
Saturday Afternoon (August 15)
1:30 pm – Ashley Ghostkeeper
2:30 pm – Take the Sonset
3:30 pm – Leo Martinez
4:30 pm – John Rutherford
Saturday Evening (August 15)
7:30 pm – Sonia Deleo & The New Dads
8:30 pm – Deicha & The VuDudes
9:30 pm – Jade Elephant
Sunday Brunch (August 16)
11:30 am – Lewis Cardinal
12:30 pm – Toni Vere
Sunday Afternoon (August 16)
1:30 pm – Black Crow Funk
2:30 pm – Marcus Trummer

Expo Latino Festival 2026
2026-08-16 | Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5N4
Celebrate With Us at the 30th Annual Expo Latino Festival in 2026!

The Hispanic Arts Society and its Board of Directors are thrilled to invite you to join us for a milestone celebration—the 30th Annual Expo Latino Festival—a joyous tribute to Hispanic culture, music, dance, art, and community. As Western Canada’s largest Latin festival, Expo Latino has been a beacon of diversity and cultural pride for three decades, bringing thousands together each summer to experience the vibrant traditions of Latin America.

For nearly 40 years, the Hispanic Arts Society has worked tirelessly to promote and support Hispanic artists, foster cultural understanding, and celebrate the incredible talents of our community. This 30th anniversary marks a momentous achievement, made possible by the dedication and hard work of our amazing volunteers who play an essential role in bringing Expo Latino to life. Their passion and commitment enable us to host this extraordinary festival and carry out our mission throughout the year, creating meaningful connections and opportunities for all.

This family-friendly celebration offers something for everyone—delicious Latin cuisine and beverages, engaging dance workshops, stunning visual art displays, and our beloved Cultural Pavilions featuring Latin American Cultural Ambassadors who proudly share the stories and traditions of their heritage. At the heart of the festival are spectacular performances by international stars and exceptional local artists who bring the spirit of Latin America to life on stage.

We are immensely grateful for the continued support of our sponsors and partners, including The City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Alberta, whose dedication makes this celebration possible year after year.

Join us at Prince’s Island Park on August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, to embrace the richness of Hispanic culture and enjoy a weekend filled with music, dance, art, and unity. Let’s come together to celebrate three decades of Expo Latino and create unforgettable memories as a community.

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, artists, and the community —your support and contributions are what make this festival truly special.

¡Nos vemos en la fiesta! We look forward to seeing you there!

When Words Collide Festival 2026
2026-08-16 | Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre St S, Calgary, T2G 5P6
​Featuring 170+ events, 150+ presenters, and more genres than you can shake a bookmark at for 3 sweet summer days and nights in Calgary, AB, from August 14-16, 2026.

​If you are a writer, reader or fan, we dare you to have more fun at a festival this summer.

About the Festival
Held in Calgary, Alberta, every August, When Words Collide is Canada’s largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/ festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children’s books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world.

When Words Collide supports writers in the craft and business of writing, exploring all avenues of the writing process, publishing and storytelling, while building a strong literary community. We love to bring local writers (Alberta and Canada) to the attention of book lovers.

Carifest 2026
2026-08-16 | Cowboys Park, 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary
Aug 14 – 16, 2026
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and vibes! Carifest Calgary returns, promising an unforgettable weekend of vibrant festivities.
