100+ things to do in and around Calgary
Think big with endless activities, events, attractions, and day trips around Calgary.
Peace Bridge (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Stay & Wander Media)
Updated: October 2025
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.
Save money at some of Calgary's top attractions with the FREE Calgary Attractions Pass. Check in at participating locations to access special deals and discounts at Calgary attractions, exclusive prizing, and chances to win a weekend getaway in Calgary!
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Arts and Culture in Calgary
Get a front row seat to world class live arts and entertainment experiences in Calgary.
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.
Art Galleries & Museums in Calgary
Discover the best places to explore art and history in Calgary.
Performing Arts
Your guide to live theatre, dance, and music in Calgary.
Museums in Calgary
From downtown galleries to music memorabilia at Studio Bell, explore history, culture, sports and art with interactive activities and events at these memorable museums.
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: A great spot to stop to smell the flowers in the garden and learn about local history without having to leave downtown.
Details: Through hands-on exhibits, multimedia shows, and themed galleries, experience the people, events, and traditions that make the Calgary Stampede legendary.
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.
Beyond Calgary
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.
Public Art
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.
Best Live Music Venues in Calgary
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.
Things to Do Outdoors in Calgary
Calgary is the perfect place for outdoor activities. Home to expansive parks and rivers, while also neighbouring the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park, there are endless experiences for you to get fresh air and have memorable adventures.
‣ 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
Outdoor Winter Activities in and Around Calgary
Discover the best outdoor activities to try in and around Calgary during the winter.
Outdoor Summer Activities in and Around Calgary
There is nothing like summer in Calgary, the sunniest major city in Canada with the longest trail network in North America.
Calgary Attractions
From the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to Heritage Park Historical Village, discover awe inspiring things to do at attractions in Calgary you will never forget.
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: A photo studio outfitted with 25+ backdrops for the perfect Instagram selfie.
Details: Iconic Calgary destination with 360 degree panoramic views of the city from 191 metres in the air.
Details: Over 250 animals including sloths, kangaroos, wallabies, alpacas, goats, pigs, emus, reptiles, and more. Activities include giant mazes, mini golf, pedal carts, slides, games and more.
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: Through hands-on exhibits, multimedia shows, and themed galleries, experience the people, events, and traditions that make the Calgary Stampede legendary.
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.
FREE Calgary Attractions Pass
Experience some of the best things to do in Calgary while enjoying special offers and discounts with the free 2025 Calgary Attractions Pass.
Top Attractions in Calgary for Families
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.
Sports, Fitness, & Games in Calgary
Get into the game with world class sports facilities, activities, and professional teams in Calgary.
Adrenaline Activities
Capture the Flag Paintball & Airsoft
Professional Sports Teams
Calgary Flames (NHL Hockey)
Calgary Wranglers (AHL Hockey)
Calgary Hitmen (WHL Hockey)
Calgary Roughnecks (NLL Lacrosse)
Calgary Stampeders (CFL Football)
Cavalry FC (CPL Soccer)
Calgary Surge (CEBL Basketball)
Calgary Wild FC (NSL Soccer)
The Calgary Flames Game Day Guide
Experiencing a Calgary Flames game is a must-do experience for any sports fan in Calgary.
The Calgary Stampeders Game Day Guide
Everything you need to know to attend a Calgary Stampeders game at McMahon Stadium.
The Cavalry FC Game Day Guide
Game day for the Cavalry FC is a one-of-a-kind sports experience and a chance to see professional soccer in Calgary.
Golf Courses In & Around Calgary
Calgary is home to world class golf courses in and around the city for all skill levels.
Cycling
Escape Rooms & Laser Tag
Board Game Cafés
Equestrian Activities
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
River Activities
Foot & Chain Fly Fishing Exchange
Swimming Pools
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
Venues & Facilities
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 .
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Festivals & Events in Calgary
Feel the energy of live events and fill your calendar full of festivals and events in Calgary.
Alberta Beer Festivals (various events)
Details: Bringing the beer world together with hundreds of breweries and hundred of beers to taste.
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.
Country Thunder (August)
Details: From Nashville headliners to local favourites, Country Thunder brings country music to life in the heart of Calgary.
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.
Festivals in Calgary
Plan your next trip to Calgary around one of these must-attend festivals and discover how every season is festival season in Calgary.
Things to Do in Calgary at Night
Keep the party going after the sun sets and explore Calgary’s nightlife scene.
Calgary Casinos
Nightclubs in Calgary
Get on the dance floor with the best nightclubs in Calgary.
Calgary Breweries
With more than 40 breweries to explore, you won’t go thirsty. Now is the time to get a taste of Calgary beer.
Shopping in Calgary
Shopping Centres & Department Stores
Shopping Districts
17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District
Local Farmers’ Markets in Calgary
Meet the farmers and producers that bring farm to table in and around Calgary.
Things to Do in the Calgary Area
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)
Day Trips from Calgary
Explore our great region with attractions just outside of Calgary.
Where to See Dinosaurs near Calgary & Drumheller
Dig up something prehistoric with the top places to see dinosaur attractions near Calgary & Drumheller.
Tours in and around Calgary
Expert guides bring your trip to Calgary and the Canadian Rockies alive with tips and tricks only the pros know. Add these tour activities to your itinerary.
Calgary City Tours
AM PM Limo & Party Bus Calgary
Adventure Tours from Calgary
Rocky Mountain Sidecar Adventures
Springbank Air Training College
