Explore Downtown YYC

Tinariwen
2026-09-07 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Edmonton) | The Palace Theatre, 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1B7
Grammy-winning Tuareg musical pioneers Tinariwen play The Palace on Monday, September 7th!

Date: Monday, September 7th, 2026

Doors: 7:00 p.m.

18+ only with valid government issued ID

Samantha Walrod: Off The Beaten Path
2026-09-08 10:30 - 17:00, 2026-09-09 10:30 - 17:00, 2026-09-10 10:30 - 17:00, 2026-09-11 10:30 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Newzones Gallery Of Contemporary Art, 730 11 Ave Sw, Calgary, T2R 0E4
Newzones is thrilled to present Off the Beaten Path, an upcoming solo exhibition of new work by Albertan contemporary artist Samantha Walrod.
Off the Beaten Path considers how humans view and interact with wildlife in the Canadian wilderness from a “close” distance. Motorists and hikers observe animals from cars and trails while the animals watch in return. Bears, elk, and wolves are depicted on the edge of the wilderness, adjacent to roads and thoroughfares, visible to humans before disappearing onto paths less accessible to human transportation. Walrod’s artwork represents a fleeting moment of human/animal interaction while observing the essential but shrinking distance between human/animal habitats.
Samantha Walrod’s work is influenced by similarities and differences between imagined and reconstructed environments. She uses many layers of paint, collage, photography and inks, as tactility is a very important element of her practice. Images are incorporated with collage and digital technologies, while maintaining the exploration of paint. In reconstructing disparate images from various sources including art history, popular culture and her own photos, Walrod addresses the cultural construction of nature.

Knitting & Crochet Club by Carya Village Commons
2026-09-08 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
2026-09-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-10 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.

Wordfest Presents Liane Moriarty
2026-09-08 19:00 - 20:15 (America/Edmonton) | Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library, 800 3 Street Se, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0E7
Big Little Truths is the delicious binge read we’ve been waiting for, full of Moriarty’s trademark duplicity and intrigue. The follow-up to 2014’s Big Little Lies, it follows fabulous fremenies—Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie—a decade into the future as they navigate the volatile teen years. Big kids. Big problems.
Your ticket includes an on-stage conversation, hosted by Jenny Steele, a pre-signed copy of hot-off-the-presses Big Little Truths, and a post-show book signing.
Wordfest showcases the world’s most intriguing authors (in every genre!) from January through December. For more information about this show and others coming up soon to Calgary, visit wordfest.com.

Forever Young: Instrument Petting Zoo
2026-09-09 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Edmonton) | Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 Street Southeast, Calgary, T2G 1R1
Join us for a special edition of Forever Young: Seniors’ Wednesdays at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, featuring interactive experiences for all ages that spark memories, inspire creativity, and create connections across generations.
Instrument Petting Zoo invites participants of all ages to feel like a kid again and explore a wide variety of musical instruments.
Approach instruments with curiosity and playfulness as you try strings, percussion, winds, and more. No experience required.
About Forever Young: Seniors’ WednesdaysForever Young celebrates lifelong connections to music, offering free Studio Bell admission for music lovers aged 65 and up every Wednesday. This engaging program invites seniors and their families to explore Canada’s musical heritage across five floors of exhibitions, bringing to life the stories — and soundtrack — of their generation through rare memorabilia and hands-on activities. Part of the National Music Centre’s commitment to using music as a tool for wellbeing, Forever Young creates welcoming spaces for seniors to gather and connect with music, community, and each other. Monthly drop-in programs will feature a variety of interactive experiences for all ages that spark memories, inspire creativity, and create connections across generations.
Studio Bell admission is free for seniors every Wednesday thanks to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

OPEN MIC IS BACK!
2026-09-09 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Unicorn, 223 8 Ave Sw, Calgary, Ab
Join us for Open Mic hosted by Earl Morgan every Wednesday from 8 PM to 11 PM.

Beyond the History Books: Exploring Stories of the Land
2026-09-10 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.

River Hall YYC
2026-09-10 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-11 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-12 11:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-13 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.

Wordfest Presents Téa Mutonji + Imaginairium Preview
2026-09-10 18:00 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | Calgary Public Library – Memorial Park, 1221 2 St Sw, Calgary, T2R 1N8
Téa Mutonji’s conversation with Joshua Whitehead was one of the standouts of our 25@25 online anniversary shows in 2020. So we’re thrilled to (finally!) be presenting her in person to celebrate My Person, her debut novel, in conversation with Paula Turcotte.
This special show will be preceded at 6PM with an exclusive preview of Wordfest’s 2026 Imaginairium (Oct. 13-18), presented by Wordfest’s Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut. This is your exclusive opportunity to optimize your festival experience: get the inside scoop on the 30+ shows and stellar international lineup, ask questions, and be the first to buy festival books and the official festival tote. It’s also your last chance to secure a Festival Pass for the early bird rate of $195. (Buy now before June 30 for an additional $30 savings!)

Owl’s Nest Books will be on site with both of Téa’s books (you might remember her debut short-story collection Shut Up You’re Pretty from the 2024 Canada Reads competition), as well as a curated selection of Imaginairium books.

Iguana Death Cult, Hot Garbage, Ancient Greece, Still Depths
2026-09-10 19:00 - 23:59 UTC | The Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club, 109 7th AVE SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0W5
Iguana Death Cult (The Netherlands), Hot Garbage (Toronto), Ancient Greece (Toronto), Still Depths (Vancouver)

Where: Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club
18+ with government issued identification
When: Thursday September 10, 2026
Doors: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $28.00
On Sale: Fri, June 19th 10:00 a.m.

NO JERK POLICY ALWAYS IN EFFECT!

Dialogues with the Piano
2026-09-10 19:00 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | Performance Hall, National Music Centre, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Ab T2g, T2G
6 p.m.
Pre-Concert Chat

Topic: Programming and curation for artists on their journey to becoming Complete Artists
Speakers: Winston Choi, Jon Kimura Parker, and Élisabeth Pion

7 p.m.
Concert

Enjoy an evening blending live piano and digital performances. Using Steinway & Sons Spirio player piano technology, Winston Choi, Jon Kimura Parker, and Carter Johnson perform live alongside their own pre-recorded performance, creating layered musical dialogues where past and present coexist and voices multiply. This showcase of artists sharing the stage with their past selves is followed by an exploration of the expansive sounds of the piano.

Inglewood Night Market
2026-09-11 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Denver) | Inglewood Night Market, Inglewood 10th avenue and 11th Street SE, Calgary
Inglewood Night Market is a series of FREE summer night markets taking place in the heart of Inglewood. The markets have over 150 unique and local artisan vendors, food trucks, an all-ages licensed area & live music. The markets feature the best arts and culture talent Calgary has to offer. Come to shop and stay for the atmosphere!

Reverberations: Chopin Reframed
2026-09-11 19:00 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | Performance Hall, National Music Centre, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Ab T2g, T2G
6 p.m.Pre-Concert ChatTopic: The importance of connecting with audiences from the perspective of becoming a Complete Artist
Speakers: Carter Johnson, Jon Kimura Parker, and Nicolas Namoradze
7 p.m.Concert
Experience a piano masterpiece … reimagined. Known for performances of imagination, intensity, and individuality, 2025 Honens Gold Laureate Élisabeth Pion returns to Calgary with Frédéric Chopin’s Études Op. 25. This time, she presents the piece with a poetic and fiery twist—interspersed with works of shimmering reflections and bold clarity from other composers.
After the concert, hop across the street for Bison Noir: Revisions in Real-Time at 9 p.m. at the historic King Eddy!

Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony
2026-09-11 19:30 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | Jack Singer Concert Hall, 225 8 Ave Se, Calgary, T2G 0K9
Celebrate the songs, stories, and life of one of music’s most beloved stars in this exciting musical experience featuring Dolly on screen, leading you on a one-of-a-kind visual-musical journey. A phenomenal cast of guest vocalists and musicians join your Calgary Phil for innovative orchestrations of Dolly’s greatest hits, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, I Will Always Love You, and many, many more!
Co-Produced by Dolly Parton together with Schirmer Theatrical, and Sony Music Publishing. This performance does not include an in-person appearance by Dolly Parton.

Bambara ft. Pøltergeist, Thespian and Eye of Newt
2026-09-11 20:00 - 23:59 UTC | The Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club, 109 7th AVE SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0W5
Bambara ft. Pøltergeist, Thespian and Eye of Newt

Where: Palomino Smokehouse and Social Club
18+ with government issued identification
When: Sunday September 21, 2026
Doors: 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $28.00
On Sale: Fri, June 19th 10:00 a.m.

NO JERK POLICY ALWAYS IN EFFECT!

Honens Festival: Bison Noir: Revisions in Real-Time
2026-09-11 21:00 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | King Eddy, 438 9 Ave Se, Calgary, T2G 1R1
In true Bison Noir fashion, when the house lights dim, the boundaries of genres blur. Immerse yourself in an all-encompassing evening at the landmark King Eddy, where Chris Andrew, Winston Choi, Carter Johnson, and Élisabeth Pion experiment with historic and modern works on a Steinway & Sons Spirio self-playing piano, responding and improvising to digital recordings in real-time.

Carte Blanche
2026-09-11 22:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto) | Sub Rosa, 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1B5
Join us Friday, September 11 for Carte Blanche as we welcome Toronto producer Dansyn. The rising house artist has quickly earned attention with releases on John Summit’s Experts Only label and appearances at major festivals. Known for his groove-driven, drum-focused sound, Dansyn brings his signature energy to an intimate late-night set at Sub Rosa.
Doors at 10 p.m. | 18+

Storytellers: Babar the Elephant
2026-09-12 10:30 - 23:59 (America/Edmonton) | Performance Hall, National Music Centre, 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Ab T2g, T2G
Join us for a charming morning concert that brings Jean de Brunhoff’s The Story of Babar to life. Children and families are welcomed into Babar’s world in this charming, accessible introduction to classical music and storytelling.
Registration is $5 per group. To eliminate financial barriers, we will refund your $5 registration fee when you attend the event. If you wish to donate your fee, please let us know when you check in.

Soccer City FC - Presented by Calgary Wild FC
2026-09-13 | 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
2026-09-13 | 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
2026-09-13 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
2026-09-13 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!
