Get Ready for the Ultimate Summer Challenge!
2026-08-28, 2026-08-29, 2026-08-30, 2026-08-31 | 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.

Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
2026-08-28, 2026-08-29, 2026-08-30 | Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Alberta
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is a no minors event (18+ in Alberta) – including infants/babies. Get ready to laugh under the open sky! Join us as we showcase an incredible lineup of comedic talent—ranging from local gems to superstar headliners—all in the stunning backdrop of our beloved parks and communities across the nation. Come for the jokes, stay for the scenery, and let the good times roll!

River Hall YYC
2026-08-28 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-29 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-30 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-03 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.

Calgary ReggaeFest 2026
2026-08-28 16:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-29 15:00 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Rise, Calgary, T2E 4E2
Join us August 28 & 29 for Calgary’s premier celebration of reggae music and Caribbean culture at The Rise on St. Patrick’s Island.
More than a music festival, Calgary ReggaeFest is a pulsating rhythm of unity, culture, and celebration. There will be a beer stand by Village Brewery, food trucks, craft vendors, and a dance floor.

Eco Arts Book Club
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Canopy Studios, 1723 9th St SW, Calgary, Ab, T2T 3C1
You’re invited to the Eco Arts Book Club! Read, reflect & create with natural materials. Slow, inspiring evenings at Canopy Studios.
Join artist and facilitator Andrea Merredew at Canopy Studios for a slow, spacious, and inspiring monthly practice that blends reading, reflection, and art‑making.
Each workshop begins with a conversation about the book we’re exploring together. From there, the themes and questions that surface become the spark for that month’s eco‑art project.
Over the course of the series, we’ll journey through a new book every two months, giving ideas time to settle, deepen, and bloom into artwork made with natural and sustainable materials.
Expect evenings filled with:

Thoughtful, nourishing book discussions.
Hands‑on eco‑art projects inspired by the land.
Playful experimentation with natural materials.
A warm, supportive creative community.
Space to reconnect with your senses, imagination, and the world around you.

Jingle Cone Keychain Workshop
2026-08-29 12:00 - 16:30 (America/Edmonton) | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, T2G 5E1
Have you ever heard the twinkling of the jingle dress and wanted to know how they’re made? The jingle cones behind the iconic sound have been made from repurposed and recycled materials since at least the 18th century. Historically used as decoration on clothing and jewelry, now they typically adorn beautiful jingle dresses at powwows.
In this workshop, Saulteaux-Métis artist Rey-J Horsefall and Métis artist Arlan LaVallee-Nairn will teach guests the historical and modern Indigenous use of jingle cones. Using metalsmithing and cold smithing techniques, Rey-J and Arlan will walk you through the hands-on process of cutting and shaping jingle cones to create a unique jingle cone keychain.
Workshop includes materials, instruction, and admission to The Confluence Cultural Centre.

CIBC Backbeat: Bow & Tell with James Watson
2026-08-29 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.

Soccer City FC - Presented by Calgary Wild FC
2026-08-30 | Peace Park, 2 Ave SW, Calgary, T2P
Free youth soccer is taking over Peace Park this summer, bringing high-energy, high-quality programming right to the heart of downtown. Whether your child or teen is trying soccer for the first time or building on their skills, these free programs offer a fun, positive, and accessible way to stay active and connected all summer long.
Delivered in partnership with The City, Cavalry FC, Calgary Wild FC, Calgary Minor Soccer Association and the Centre for Newcomers, this initiative creates meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, play, and thrive. With coaching led by Cavalry FC and Calgary Wild FC, participants get top-tier instruction at no cost, learning from the pros, building confidence, and experiencing the joy of the game in a supportive environment.

Soccer City FC – Presented by Cavalry FC & Suncor
2026-08-30 | Peace Park, 2 Ave SW, Calgary, T2P
Free youth soccer is taking over Peace Park this summer, bringing high‑energy, high‑quality programming right to the heart of downtown. Whether a child or teen is trying soccer for the first time or building on their skills, these free clinics offer a fun, positive, and accessible way to stay active and connected all summer long.
Delivered in partnership with The City of Calgary, Cavalry FC, Calgary Wild FC, Calgary Minor Soccer Association, and the Centre for Newcomers, this initiative creates meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, play, and thrive. With coaching led by Cavalry FC and Calgary Wild FC, participants receive top‑tier instruction at no cost while learning from the pros, building confidence, and experiencing the joy of the game in the heat of the city.
When: June 7 – September 20, most Sundays Who: Youth ages 8–17 Where: Peace Park (2 Avenue & 8 Street SW) Weather: Clinics may be cancelled if conditions are unsafe

Red Panda Breakfast
2026-08-30 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

Sunday Safari Brunch
2026-08-30 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!

Candlelight: Ed Sheeran & Coldplay
2026-08-30 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Edmonton) | Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 Street Southeast, Calgary, T2G 1R1
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Calgary. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Tentative Program

Coldplay – Clocks
Coldplay – Something Just Like This
Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
Coldplay – Adventure of a Lifetime
Coldplay – Fix You
Ed Sheeran – Photograph
Coldplay – The Scientist
Coldplay – Feelslikeimfallinginlove
Ed Sheeran – Shivers
Ed Sheeran – Perfect
Coldplay – Viva la Vida
Ed Sheeran – Give Me Love
Coldplay – Sky Full of Stars

Performers

String Quartet: 2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cello

The Oratory: Live at Kipling Square!
2026-08-31 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Edmonton) | Kipling Square, 10 Ave Sw, Calgary, T2R 0B2
With joyful urgency, we have co-imagined and co-designed an experience for curious minds seeking deeper connection to themselves, to one another, and to the world around them, through the inviting and transformative embrace of the arts.
Together, we explore the questions we’re often afraid to ask, but suspect everyone else is quietly wrestling with too. Think Saturday Night Live meets the energy of your favourite daytime talk show, with a touch of Sunday gathering (minus the dogma).
You’re invited to experience:

In depth conversation featuring special guests, JUNO-nominated and Canadian Radio Music Awards-winning artist Kreesha Turner and Art Bus 2026 multidisciplinary artist and FOREIGNERZ creative director Jae Sterling.
Live music with a curated ensemble and choir.
Audience games.

Whether we’re your entire Sunday plan or simply a small part of it, be our guest, bring a friend, and let our reimagined third space be your home away from home.

Monday Rap Night by Tribe Cypher
2026-08-31 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Boise) | Werklund Centre, 205 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Every Monday
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Werklund Centre, formerly Arts Commons, 205 8 Ave S.E.Room: Arts Learning CentreAge: 18+Cost: Free
Schedule:5:00-5:30 p.m. – Snack, Chill, Network5:30-6:00 p.m. – Smudge
6:00-6:30 p.m. – Mini Workshop
6:30-7:30 p.m. – Cypher

The Variety Show with David Lavoie
2026-08-31 18:00 - 21:30 (America/Edmonton) | Business & Pleasure, 1327b 9th Ave Se, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0T2
Join us every last Wednesday of the month at Business & Pleasure for live jazz in the back room. David Lavoie on bass and Aaron Shorr on guitar bring the room to life for two intimate sets at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Settle in with cocktails and wine from our bar team, plus sandwiches and snacks from Super Variety room.
6 and 8p.m. sets, no cover, https://www.itsbusinessandpleasure.com/ to book your spot.

Party in the Park
2026-09-01 | Lougheed House, 707 13 Avenue Sw, Calgary, Ab, T2R0K8
An all-ages, pet-friendly outdoor celebration each September at Lougheed House. Enjoy live music, food and drink, lawn games, local vendors, and end-of-summer vibes in one of Calgary’s most beautiful green spaces. Free to attend and open to everyone.

East Village Public Art Experience
2026-09-01 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Ab, T2G 5E1
Discover the artistic gems of the East Village through a guided walking experience that brings public art to life. Explore a curated selection of vibrant works while uncovering the stories, meaning, and local context behind each piece. The experience concludes with a hands-on opportunity to create your own public art on The Confluence’s free graffiti wall, with all supplies provided.
The walking tour covers approximately 3 to 4 km and takes 1.5 hours. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear. Following the walk, guests will have the opportunity to contribute to public art.

Knitting & Crochet Club by Carya Village Commons
2026-09-01 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.

Surge City Hoops Summer Series
2026-09-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-03 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.

Mike Earley
2026-09-01 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Comedy Cave, 1020 8 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1J2
Born at a very young age, Mike Earley has made some noteworthy progress since those early days. Growing up in Minnesota, he was born in St. Paul, eventually moving to the suburb of Woodbury. Mike was a quiet kid in school depending on who you ask, but if you ask me, he was quiet. Given his introverted characteristics, when it came time to speak in front of the class, his natural gift to make people laugh came out. Although these engagements were few and far between, they were the initial experiences that prompted him into standup comedy.Since his first performance in 2009, he has been writing and performing comedy for over a decade. With an experience that spans a spectrum of clubs, theaters, colleges, bars, organizations, corporate events, and the grand opening of a Woman’s Fitness Center, Mike has entertained audiences of all backgrounds, finding only the occasional need to shock and disgust crowds for effect. Mike has become a prominent talent on both the national comedy club circuit and digitally after achieving viral status with his series of videos about framing houses. He can be seen regularly at the Comedy Cellar in NYC where he currently is based out of and at Acme Comedy Club in his home state of Minnesota.
