It’s summertime in the city! Downtown is the best place to live because you’re just a stone’s throw to all the action, but a quick trip to the highway when the mountains are calling.

Not sure what to add to your bucket list this summer? There’s so much fun going on! The challenge will be choosing your favourites.

Here’s our round-up of local events, festivals, and fêtes in and around downtown Calgary.

DJs’ in the Park

June 7, 14, 28

Kick summer off right: enjoying the fresh air with friends! Bring your crew to Central Memorial Park on Fridays in June to picnic and dance at DJs’ in the Park. It’s the perfect mix of party and chill from 4 to 9 pm.

Sled Island Music & Arts Festival

June 19-23

Sled Island’s eclectic lineup brings together music, comedy, film, and art for 5-days of fun across over 30 venues. The festival is an entirely different experience for every attendee as you pick your favourites and diy your own lineup schedule!

Canada Day

July 1

Celebrate Canada’s birthday with friends and family downtown Calgary. There are plenty of options to choose from including fireworks, the East Village Street Fair, the yearly favourite Eau Claire Market, Fort Calgary family fun, and the Canada Day Block Party at the Max Bell Centre. Visit Calgary knows the entire run-down.

Stampede

July 5-14

Stampede is like Christmas for Calgarians! There’s no better time of year than early July when the city comes alive over a shared love for country music, midway meals, cowboy boots, and all things giddy-up!

Calgary Folk Music Festival

July 25-28

After the craziness of Stampede season, relax and unwind in Prince’s Island Park at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Bring your friends and pack your snacks for a weekend of lounging and dancing under the sun. 

Pet-A-Palooza

July 27-28

Even if you don’t have a dog of your own, you might want to go to Pet-A-Palooza to pet everyone else’s dogs! This free, pet-friendly event celebrates our furry family members with fun outdoor games. Will you sign up for the ruff-mud race or puppy yoga?

Calgary International Blues Festival

July 29-August 4

Blues Fest is back again this summer at Shaw Millenium Park. The lineup is stacked and the sun will be shining! Have you grabbed your ticket yet?

Chasing Summer Festival

August 3-4

Have you seen the Chasing Summer Festival lineup? The big DJs like Steve Aoki, Alesso, and The Chainsmokers are coming to Calgary to dance all day and night at Max Bell Centre. A quick trip from downtown to the grounds means you can maximize your time dancing in the sun.

Inglewood Sunfest

August 3

Seize Inglewood Sunfest this summer! Local businesses, street performers, and cool music come together to celebrate the unique community of Inglewood for a full day in the sunshine. There’s so much to do and see (and eat and drink!) that you won’t know what to pick first.

Taste of Calgary

August 8-11

Speaking of eating… why not try a little of this and a bit of that? Taste of Calgary gets us outside of our homes to eat, drink, and be merry with local restaurants. Live music, good food, and delicious drinks—what more could you need? Sample all that Calgary’s participating restaurants have to offer!

Calgary Dragon Boat Festival

August 9-11

The Dragon Boat Race and Festival is free family fun in the middle of summer! Take your pick between food trucks and beer gardens, or be entertained by the performers. Of course, you need to watch at least one dragon boat race throughout the weekend.

Did we miss anything? Let us know where you hang out! Share your summer fun with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.