Looking for places to visit in Calgary? Things to do? Start exploring the incredible activities, events, attractions, festivals, museums, shopping, and nightlife that make Calgary a vibrant place to visit. Whether it’s your first visit or you are hosting friends and family in the city, there are always exciting things to do in and around Calgary.
Last Updated: March 2023
Cavalry FC are back in action this May on ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows. Witness the passion and energy Canadian professional soccer has to offer. Home games in May are May 13 (Saturday) vs Halifax and May 21 (Sunday) vs Ottawa.
CrossIron Mills is a must-visit stop on your trip through Alberta. Experience premium shopping at over 200 fashion and outlet stores, including COACH Factory, Nike Factory, and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Shop in an unforgettable setting that showcases Western Canadian culture. Out-of-town visitors can save up to 25% off!
Festival of Quilts returns to the Heritage Park Historical Village May 27 & 28! For two days the village is draped in patchwork as hundreds of presenters show off their handiwork. You can take in several workshops, take part in the popular trunk show, and meet this year’s Quilter of Distinction Karin King.
Details: Canada's second largest ballet company performing everything from classics to contemporary.
Details: Calgary's best place to dance for beginners to professionals in ballroom, salsa, country, and Latin dance.
Details: Celebrating the art of live theatre with new works by Canadian playwrights and contemporary theatre from around the world.
Details: One of Canada's largest and most vibrant art centres and home to the world-class Jack Singer Concert Hall.
Details: Bringing the best of Broadway theatre to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary.
Details: One of Canada's most innovative professional opera companies, featuring fresh new works and timely masterpieces.
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Details: More than 80 concerts each season offer orchestral music from the classics to popular songs.
Details: Professional dance company dedicated to evolving the art of jazz dance.
Details: Interactive musical comedies take on the best in pop culture and served with a four-course dinner.
Details: Noon hour theatre serving shows to downtown audiences during their lunch hour.
Mount Royal University Conservatory
Details: Hosting regular performances from both established talent and up-and-coming faces at the beautiful Leacock Theatre.
One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre
Details: Award-winning theatre company that has created over 80 original productions, noted for intricate physical movement and musicality all over the world.
Details: Calgary’s award winning classical theatre company offering premium productions throughout the year.
Stage West Theatre Restaurants
Details: Live theatre productions paired with a Grand Buffet.
Details: Theatre Calgary brings Canadian and international plays to life on stage, entertaining locals and visitors since the 1940s.
Details: Calgary's culture house for contemporary live arts including local, national, and international theatre, dance, and music.
Details: Add a little mystery to your life with Canada’s only professional theatre dedicated to the mystery genre.
Check out the top museums, galleries, theatre groups, dance performances, and classical music in Calgary.
Details: Discover contemporary and traditional fine craft from Alberta-based artists working across ceramics, furniture, jewellery, wood, textiles, and glass.
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre Museum
Details: Community centre serving the community with educational and cultural programs to enrich the lives of all Calgarians.
Details: 40,000 square feet of sports galleries and a collection 100,000 pieces of memorabilia at the home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary.
Please note: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is currently closed.
Details: Art exhibitions, speaker series and education programs at Canada’s newest modern and contemporary art gallery.
Details: Largest privately funded, non-commercial contemporary art gallery in Calgary, hosting exhibitions, contextual talks, tours and hands-on workshops.
Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park
Details: Return to the golden age of the automobile with memorabilia ranging from collections of antique vehicles to gas-related artifacts.
Details: One of the largest museum collections in Canada with over 150,000 artifacts
Please note: Glenbow is temporarily closed for major building renovations. Visit the satellite gallery Glenbow at The Edison – this space is hosting touring exhibitions until 2024 when Glenbow’s renovated building re-opens to the public.
Details: National and Provincial Historic Site offering unique historic experience with immersive and dynamic exhibits and events.
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
Details: Explore five floors of music memorabilia that tells the story of music in Canada, with Canadian Halls of Fame and Rolling Stones Mobile Studio.
Details: Take flight with aircraft and exhibits that tell the story of flight in Western Canada.
Details: Second largest military museum in Canada, telling the stories of Canada's navy, army, and air force.
Details: Discover the world of policing through interactive exhibits, stories of true crime and facts.
Pioneer Acres of Alberta Museum (Irricana)
Details: Two museums dedicated to preserving Alberta’s pioneering heritage.
Remington Carriage Museum (Cardston)
Details: The world's largest carriage museum, the Remington houses over 250 coaches, carriages, wagons and sleighs.
Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller)
Details: Canada’s only museum devoted exclusively to palaeontology celebrates the diversity of life on Earth.
Discover some of the best public art in Calgary from the Peace Bridge and Wonderland to the Corridor of Connection and the Centre Street Lions.
From small music venues and bars with live music to headlining stadium shows and live music downtown, these are the best places to see live music in Calgary.
‣ An Insider's Guide to the Top Hiking Experiences in Calgary
‣ 6 Hikes Near Calgary That Everyone Will Love
‣ 10 Best Lakes Near Calgary for Swimming and Summer Fun
‣ Why Calgary is a Fly Fishing Paradise
‣ 10 Epic Bike Pathways in Calgary
Discover the best outdoor activities to try in and around Calgary during the winter.
There is nothing like summer in Calgary, the sunniest major city in Canada with the longest trail network in North America.
Aspen Crossing (Mossleigh)
Details: Family friendly fun with historic dining car, replica train station gift shop, big rig friendly campground, glamping caboose cabins and a full-size train themed excursions.
Details: Explore Alberta's fish, wildlife, water, and aquatic ecosystem with family friendly interactive exhibits and activities.
Butterfield Acres Children’s Farm
Details: Get the real farm experience with interactive kids activities, pony rides, and goat milking.
Details: Fun for the whole family with Western Canada's largest outdoor family amusement park.
Details: Barnyard petting farm, miniature train rides, giant slides, zip lines, mini golf, jumping pillows, paintball, gemstone mining, and giant mazes.
Details: Iconic Calgary destination with 360 degree panoramic views of the city from 191 metres in the air.
Details: More than 50 twists and turns take you down an 1,800 metre track on a purpose built kart everyone in the family can ride.
Details: Past meets present at this family friendly attraction with the story of how Calgary came to be.
Details: Family friendly fun with a 36 acre Play and Learn Park and local farmers' market with over 30 vendors for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Details: Take flight with aircraft and exhibits that tell the story of flight in Western Canada.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Details: Over 180 exhibits on 127 acres of land tells the story of Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s at Canada’s largest living history museum.
Details: World renowned equestrian venue featuring indoor and outdoor tournaments and home to the Cavalry FC and International Christmas Market.
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
Details: Explore five floors of music memorabilia that tells the story of music in Canada, with Canadian Halls of Fame and Rolling Stones Mobile Studio.
Details: Ignite your curiosity with the thrilling overlap of science, art and technology with over 200 hands on experiences and the largest Dome theatre in Western Canada.
Details: Home to nearly 1,000 creatures from around the world, including the Penguin Plunge and Land of Lemurs.
Details: Year round sports facility with downhill karting, mini golf, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and Western Canada's largest tube park.
Whether you're in the city for a vacation or are passing through on your way to the mountains, these attractions are a must for the whole family.
Explore exciting indoor attractions no matter what the weather is like in Calgary.
Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft
Calgary Flames (NHL Hockey)
Calgary Wranglers (AHL Hockey)
Calgary Hitmen (WHL Hockey)
Calgary Roughnecks (NLL Lacrosse)
Calgary Stampeders (CFL Football)
Cavalry FC (CPL Soccer)
Experiencing a Calgary Flames game is a must-do experience for any sports fan in Calgary.
Everything you need to know to attend a Calgary Stampeders game at McMahon Stadium.
Game day for the Cavalry FC is a one-of-a-kind sports experience and a chance to see professional soccer in Calgary.
Calgary is home to world class golf courses in and around the city for all skill levels.
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
Foot & Chain Fly Fishing Exchange
Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Renfrew Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Practice your soccer skills at the Calgary Soccer Centre.
Train, learn, and connect with your community at The Genesis Centre of Community Wellness.
Active your health & wellness routine at UCalgary Active Living.
Enjoy a public skate at the Olympic Oval.
Train, swim, and get active at the MNP Community & Sport Centre.
Experience live concerts and high energy sports at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Summer and winter activities at the home of Calgary’s Olympic legacy at WinSport.
Alberta Beer Festivals (various events)
Details: Bringing the beer world together with hundreds of breweries and hundred of beers to taste.
Beakerhead (September)
Details: Beakerhead is a smash-up of art, science and engineering with artists, performers, engineers, designers, makers, scientists and inventors.
Block Heater (February)
Details: The Calgary Folk Music Festival's annual winter music extravaganza.
Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo (April)
Details: Celebration of all things pop culture including comics, sci-fi, gaming, fantasy, horror and more for fans of all ages.
Calgary Dragon Boat Festival (August)
Details: Calgary’s premier water sport festival brings together over 1000 competitors, 4000 spectators for an exciting cultural experience.
Calgary Folk Music Festival (July)
Details: Annually featuring 70 artists from over 16 countries on nine stages on Prince's Island Park.
Calgary International Blues Festival (July/August)
Details: A week of Calgary’s best bass-slapping blues rhythm from around the world covering multiple genres.
Calgary International Film Festival (September)
Details: Showcase of the year's must-see movies from around the world in-cinema.
Calgary International Salsa Congress (April)
Details: World class salsa dancing featuring some of the best salsa dancers in the world, local professionals, and troupes from all over North America.
Calgary Marathon (May)
Details: A challenging, competitive, and fun event with a race designed for everyone at any level.
Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest (February/March)
Details: Full week of blues workshops, concerts & dance parties featuring some of the best blues musicians in the world.
Calgary Pride (August/September)
Details: Celebrating Calgary's diverse and inclusive community with a variety of events throughout the week.
Calgary Stampede (July)
Details: The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth features world’s top rodeo, chuckwagon races, First Nation culture, Agriculture showcase, live music and much more.
Carifest (August)
Details: Calgary's celebration of Caribbean music, costumes, tradition and culture.
Chinook Blast (January/February)
Details: Calgary's midwinter festival showcasing the best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sport and recreation.
Funnyfest Calgary Comedy Festival (May/June)
Details: Memorable shows and amazing laughs for 11 days & nights of pure comedy from multiple venues, from theatres, hotels, and pubs.
GlobalFest (August)
Details: Celebrate Calgary’s diversity through song, dance, food and five nights of mind blowing firework displays.
High Performance Rodeo (January)
Details: Theatre, music, dance and comedy come together at Calgary's International Festival of the Arts.
Honens International Piano Competition & Festival (August/September)
Details: Listen to one-of-a-kind collaborations or inspiring solos from the world’s top piano talent.
Inglewood Sunfest (August)
Details: Free family festival with over 200 vendors, artisans, community organizations, live music, entertainment, and kid's activities.
Lilac Festival (June)
Details: Shake off the winter blues and jump into festival season with a pedestrian-friendly zone of patios, bands, free kids’ activities and more.
Once Upon A Christmas at Heritage Park (November – December)
Details: Family friendly holiday fun with wagon rides, food, shopping, and a visit from Santa.
Otafest (May)
Details: All ages Japanese anime and pop culture festival with meet and greets, video game tournaments, and merchandise.
Pet-a-Palooza (July)
Details: The social event of the year for pets and their people.
Rocky Mountain DanceSport Grand Prix (October)
Details: Featuring dancers from So You Think You Can Dance, top ballet and contemporary companies, and concluding with an exciting after party each night.
Roundup MusicFest (July)
Details: Internationally acclaimed artists take the stage in a first class outdoor music festival format.
Sled Island Music & Arts Festival (June)
Details: Dozen unique venues around the city featuring amazing performers from around the world.
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market (November)
Details: Traditional European style holiday market with food, beverage, artisan, craft, and local vendors.
Taste of Calgary (August)
Details: Calgary's best outdoor food and beverage festival with live music and entertainment.
The Imaginairium by Wordfest (October)
Details: Calgary's top destination for connecting audiences with the world's best writers.
ZOOLIGHTS at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (November – January)
Details: Calgary's award winning, magical holiday tradition glows for six weeks of festive family-friendly fun.
Plan your next trip to Calgary around one of these must-attend festivals and discover how every season is festival season in Calgary.
Get on the dance floor with the best nightclubs in Calgary.
With more than 40 breweries to explore, you won’t go thirsty. Now is the time to get a taste of Calgary beer.
Late night eats and entertainment will keep the party going after the sun goes down.
17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District
Meet the farmers and producers that bring farm to table in and around Calgary.
Calgary is home to many unique shops and brands that are making waves throughout the city.
Alberta Prairie Railway (Stettler)
Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site (East Coulee)
Badlands Amphitheatre (Drumheller)
Banff Gondola (Banff)
Banff Lake Cruise (Lake Minnewanka)
Banff Upper Hot Springs (Banff)
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site (Longview)
Canadian Badlands Passion Play (Drumheller)
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre (Blairmore)
Glacier Adventure (Icefields Parkway)
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump National Historic Site (Fort Macleod)
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site (Rocky Mountain House)
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (Cochrane)
Explore our great region with attractions just outside of Calgary.
Dig up something prehistoric with the top places to see dinosaur attractions near Calgary & Drumheller.
AM PM Limo & Party Bus Calgary
Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures
Springbank Air Training College
