Explore Downtown YYC

Current // Process + Place
2026-07-21, 2026-07-22, 2026-07-23, 2026-07-24, 2026-07-25 | The New Gallery, 208 Centre St S, Calgary, T2G 2B6
Current is a new series of public art activations presented by The New Gallery (TNG), transforming the Bow River pathway into a flowing corridor of creativity. Connecting Calgary’s cultural landmarks and natural landscapes, these activations merge art, nature, and community through installation, performance, and interactive projects. It invites audiences to experience the city through the rhythm of the river and the energy of downtown life.

Presented by The New Gallery and supported by RISEUp Calgary, Current runs through July 6 – 30th, 2026.
Current brings together the works and creative processes of Calgary artists through installation, performance and socially engaged practice. At times ecological, social and deeply rooted in process, Current invites artists to slow down and work directly within the liminal space of the river’s edge, the histories it holds, its riparian habitat, transition to the urban environment, and the material relations both carried and deposited.

Artist participation is site-specific, and interventions are simultaneously temporary, time-based and socially engaged. Current merges an outdoor exhibition program with musical and movement-based performance, installation, sound, participatory workshops and facilitated interdisciplinary tours.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Summer Challenge!
2026-07-21, 2026-07-22, 2026-07-23, 2026-07-24, 2026-07-25 | 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.

The Market on Stephen Avenue
2026-07-21 11:00 - 23:59 (America/Denver) | 8th Street 8th Avenue, Calgary, Calgary, Ab
✨ A Downtown Favourite Returns in 2026! ✨
The Market on Stephen Avenue is officially returning for the 2026 season — and vendor applications are now OPEN!Set in the heart of downtown Calgary, this vibrant daytime market offers exceptional exposure for small businesses, makers, artists, and creative brands looking to connect with locals and visitors alike.
🗓 Market on Stephen Avenue📅 Select Tuesdays | June 23 – September 22, 2026🕚 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📩 IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ CAREFULLYTo protect our vendor community from scams, all vendor applications are issued by email only.👉 events@dmeinc.ca👉 info@dmeinc.ca
⚠️ We do NOT accept applications via:❌ Instagram or Facebook DMs❌ PayPal❌ Third-party links or payment requests
✨ Full market details, pricing, and next steps will be shared once we receive your email inquiry.We can’t wait to welcome you back to Stephen Avenue and continue supporting local businesses throughout the 2026 season!Delisle Marketing & Events Inc. & The Downtown Markets

Brad Semotiuk
2026-07-21 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-07-22 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-07-23 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-07-24 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Comedy Cave, 1020 8 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1J2
Brad started stand up at 17, since then he has recorded an album with just for laughs originals, been on CBC radio, headlined across canada, and bought a huge iced out cuban link chain. His mind is crazy, twisted, and insane (in a cool way). He flies around in a private jet telling jokes and stories, and when he’s not doing that he’s riding around on a yacht telling jokes and stories. He hopes you will like his jokes and stories.

Summer Sun Embroidery Workshop
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Lougheed House National & Provincial Historic Site, 707 13 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, T2R 0K8
Always wanted to try your hand at embroidery? This summer embroidery workshop is for you! Our experienced crafting facilitator will take you through the basics of embroidery, in the historic Conservatory at Lougheed House where House residents of the past once did their own handicrafts. Choose from 3 designs inspired by vintage embroidery patterns and spend the afternoon crafting in good company! All supplies are included for this workshop. Recommended as a beginner-level adult workshop. Choose which embroidery design to make when purchasing a ticket.

Museum admission is included in your ticket, so feel free to explore the house before the workshop!

Cypher Club YYC
2026-07-22 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Alcove Centre for the Arts, 244 7 Ave Sw, Calgary, T2P 0X4
Come join the vibe and freestyle with us every month at Cypher Club! Everyone is welcome – rappers, producers, singers, poets and artists – to share your voice on the mic at our open Cypher featuring local DJs on the decks.BEATS. BARS. COMMUNITY.
-This event is put on by Cypher Club YYC. For any inquiries, please contact Zoe.– Drop-in, no registration. All ages.– Free to attend! Donations accepted to support Cypher Club.

Historic Stephen Avenue Guided Walking Tours
2026-07-23 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-25 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.

Beyond the History Books: Exploring Stories of the Land
2026-07-23 11:00 - 12:45 (America/Edmonton) | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Ab, T2G 5E1
Explore stories carried by the rivers, rooted in the plants, and uncovered through archaeology. Learn how Indigenous Peoples, the original stewards of the land, lived and prospered at this important gathering place, and how the arrival of the North-West Mounted Police in 1875 changed everything.
Through a guided storytelling tour, teachings with an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and an exclusive tour of The Confluence archaeological collection, you’ll discover the complex and many histories of the site that became known to many as Fort Calgary. You’ll also gain insight into Indigenous ways of knowing and how The Confluence is working to tell a more complete story of the past, present, and future of the land.

Calgary Folk Music Festival 2026
2026-07-23 17:00 - 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | Prince’s Island Park, 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW, Calgary, Ab, T2P5N4
Join us on Prince’s Island Park for the 47th annual Calgary Folk Music Festival, from July 23–26, 2026!
The Calgary Folk Fest returns July 23-26, 2026, featuring performances by Valerie June, Goldie Boutilier, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Killer Mike, Bia Ferreira, The Free Label, Mary Gauthier, YAGODY, & many more to be announced.
*To purchase a Fee Assistance ticket under the City of Calgary’s Fair Entry Program, please call 403-233-0904 – A Recreation’s Fee Assistance card with a valid sticker and picture ID must be presented at the gate for entry.

SURGE CITY Hoops Summer Series
2026-07-23 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.

Somatic Sessions at Yoga Passage
2026-07-23 19:30 - 23:59 (America/Denver) | Yoga Passage, 524 11 Ave Sw, Calgary, T2R 0C8
Join Lindsay for a 5-week somatic immersion blending nervous system literacy, somatic movement, breathwork, inquiry and embodied practices designed to deepen awareness, release stored tension and build emotional resilience.
Each week explores how your body communicates through sensation, movement, and pattern. You’ll learn to track your nervous system states, respond to activation with practical regulation tools, and build a balanced baseline for daily life.
Bring clothes to move in, a water bottle, journal, and pen. Workbook also provided.
Week 1 – Safety In Presence: Nervous System Literacy & The Felt Sense
Week 2 – Your Window Of Tolerance: The Cycle Of Stress & The FFFF Responses
Week 3 – Inner Parts Work: Awareness Of The Shadow & Inner Child
Week 4 – The Body As A Healer: Fascia, Flow & Vagal Resilience
Week 5 – SOMAMVMNT: Integration, Expression & Embodied Empowerment
Facilitator: Lindsay Hainstock
When: Thursdays July 2 – July 30, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Investment: $133 for 5 weeks

Fresh Lines: A Pixel Park Skate Pop-Up
2026-07-24 09:00 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | Pixel Park, 314 12 Ave Se, Calgary, T2G 0Y2
Join us for an afternoon of skateboarding, community, and fun with the McMorris Foundation.

July 5: Jam session + game of s.k.a.t.e competition with The Compound YYC
July 10, 17 + 24: Learn to skate with Skatelife
July 11: Skateboard demo + autographs with pro-skaters
July 18: Skate session with 100% Skate Club

Afro Urban Dance Workshops Vol. 11
2026-07-25 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Edmonton) | Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, 111 12 Ave Se, Calgary, T2G 1A1
Join us for the eleventh instalment of our workshop series highlighting dance styles from Africa and the Afro-Diaspora since 2017. This is a vibrant celebration and recognition of popular Afro-Diasporic dances, offering participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of movement, culture, and history through African traditional, street, and social dance forms that continue to shape Calgary’s urban dance landscape.

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

Part 1 – Saturday, July 11, 2026 (10 am – 3 pm)
Mekbul Jamal Tahir – Traditional Ethiopian Dance
Blue – Kuduro
Registration Link: https://AUDWP1.eventbrite.ca

Part 2 – Saturday, July 18, 2026 (10 am – 3 pm)
Athena Lucie Assamba – Traditional Cameroon Dance (Bikutsi)
Ordinateur – Coupé-Décalé Foundations
Registration Link: https://AUDWP2.eventbrite.ca

Part 3 – Saturday, July 25, 2026 (10 am – 3 pm)
Akosua Akoto – Azonto
Ordinateur – Coupé-Décalé Evolution
Registration Link: https://AUDWP3.eventbrite.ca

Limited spaces available.

Inglewood Sunfest
2026-07-25 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Edmonton) | 9 Avenue Southeast, 9 Ave Se, Calgary
Welcome to the Inglewood Sunfest
A stylish summer festival in the heart of Inglewood.
We’re here to celebrate, engage, entertain, and delight.
See you July 25, 2026 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
At Sunfest, there is fun for everyone. Visit 9th Ave SE in Inglewood for a day of free entertainment, shopping, food trucks and patios!
Inglewood is host to over 200 vendors that include artisan crafts, small businesses, community organizations and more!

NMC Tours: Greatest Hits
2026-07-25 11:00 - 2026-07-26 14:30 (America/Edmonton) | Studio Bell, 850 4 St SE, Calgary, Ab, T2G 0L8
Dive into the world of music technology and explore unique instruments from the National Music Centre’s world-renowned collection.
This is your chance to see how music is made and experience one-of-a-kind instruments in action. Step beyond the exhibits as interpreters go behind the glass to demonstrate historic artifacts, revealing the mechanics, sounds, and stories that make each instrument extraordinary.
Plus, this tour includes a sneak peek into NMC’s recording studios! For an in-depth studio experience, check out the Backstage Pass tours.
Studio Bell admission is required.
Space is limited and first-come, first-served. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.
Tours are one hour in length. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
Are you an NMC Member? Visit the front desk to book your free Greatest Hits tour!

Drop-in Art Making
2026-07-25 13:00 - 17:30 (America/Edmonton) | Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 Street Southwest, Calgary, Ab, T2P 2C4
Embrace creativity and exploration in our Saturday Drop-in Art Making program. This program is offered most Saturdays from 1-5 PM throughout the year. Materials and light instruction are provided, along with rotating themes and activities.
Our programs encourage children, youth, and families to connect with modern and contemporary art through enjoyable and interactive creative experiences.
JULY SCHEDULE

July 4: Thaumatropes

July 11: Paper Puppets (Stampede Themed)

July 18: Pipecleaner Summer Flowers

July 25: Paper Pinwheels

In addition to the above activities, there will be both a collage and drawing station available for creative free time during each session.
These are drop-in sessions running from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Come anytime — no registration is required.

CIBC Backbeat: Bow & Tell with James Watson
2026-07-25 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Edmonton) | Studio Bell, 850 4 St SE, Calgary, Ab, T2G 0L8
Join us on Saturdays in PlayLab for a hands-on violin experience designed for young explorers and future musicians alike! Presented by Jubilee Arts in partnership with the National Music Centre, and featuring live performances alongside guided instruction from professional violinists, including musicians from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, this interactive program invites children of all ages and skill levels to step into the world of music-making.
PlayLab is a hands-on sound playground where young visitors can discover how music works. With interactive stations that feature strings, wind, percussion, and electronic instruments, kids experiment with the building blocks of sound—pitch, volume, timbre, and vibration. Pluck a string, strike a drum, blow into an organ, or shape sound on a synth to hear how instruments create their unique voices. Designed for curiosity and creativity, PlayLab encourages visitors to listen closely, explore freely, and learn how musicians turn sound into music.
