Please note: These events and activities are no longer up-to-date.
It's Canada's birthday! How will you be celebrating Canada Day this year? From free family fun to live music, food trucks to fireworks, and much more, there is so much to see and do in Calgary on Canada Day.
Check back for more updates and special Canada Day event announcements for 2023!
Show your Canadian spirit and celebrate Canada Day in Calgary!
Enjoy the tradition of Canada Day Fireworks at 11:00 p.m. with a music soundtrack played on CJSW (90.9FM), a blessing from an Indigenous Elder, and a message from Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Fireworks will be launched from the Calgary Municipal Building, and you can watch them from Olympic Plaza and other viewpoints in and around the downtown area, along with on a digital livestream.
Where: Fireworks from the Municipal Building
When: July 1, 2022, at 11:00 p.m.
Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, Olympic Plaza will offer a gathering place to show off your national pride. Catch performances on Olympic Plaza’s stage throughout the day and celebrate with locals and visitors alike. Live ArtsXpeditions performances, presented by Arts Commons, will feature a variety of local musicians performing jazz, Indigenous, Afro-Fusion, hiphop, folk, country, and more.
Where: Olympic Plaza
When: July 1, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Studio Bell (Brandon Wallis)
Studio Bell celebrates both Canada Day and its sixth anniversary this July 1. Explore Canada’s incredible music industry with new exhibitions, hands-on activities, pop-up performances, an instrument petting zoo, and the Dueling Piano Kings all-request show. Admission is pay-what-you-can, and you can reserve your tickets now.
Where: Studio Bell
When: July 1, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The recently revitalized St. Patrick’s Island will feature three areas with music, arts and theatre, fun activities, and outdoor spaces for eating and playing from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Canada Day. The island can be accessed via the George C. King bridge and has plenty of natural spaces to explore in between programming.
Where: St. Patrick’s Island
When: July 1, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Heritage Park (Roth and Ramberg)
Celebrate Canada Day at Heritage Park with a ride aboard the S.S. Moyie, tour the park on the antique steam train, a picnic on the lawn, gold panning demonstrations, and more. The first 1,000 guests will get a mini butter tart treat, and visitors will be greeted by the Chinook Country Line Dancers in the Plaza.
Where: Heritage Park
When: July 1, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The iconic King Eddy will be rocking all day long, with Canada Day performances by Bebe Buckskin, Devin Cooper, Amy Nelson, ZENON, and other talented musicians. The venue’s kitchen will be cooking up comfort food classics and shareable bites, and creative cocktails and local beers will also be available. Both the main floor and the rooftop patio will be open on July 1, with no cover charge in effect.
Where: The King Eddy
When: July 1, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The City of Calgary is hosting its Canada Day celebrations at Fort Calgary, with free admission, special art installations, film screenings, and Canada Day-themed walking tours to mark the day. Outside, there will be an Indigenous Showcase and Powwow from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an artisan area, teaching tipis and trappers tent, and Indigenous performers, including Metis jigging. The Powwow starts at 1:00 p.m. on the main stage, where you’ll also find a lineup of all-Canadian musical performances from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Where: Fort Calgary
When: July 1, 2022
Celebrate Canada Day at the Millarville Races. Thoroughbred horses, locals with their stock horses, ladies side saddle, and wiener dogs are sure to entertain. There are also children's races throughout the day, beer gardens with live music, and a Farmers' Market. Gates open at 10 a.m. and races start at noon.
Where: Millarville Racetrack
When: July 1, 2022
Take part in Canada Day festivities all weekend long at Century Downs Racetrack. Kick off the weekend with a prime rib dinner, live music, and fireworks on June 30, try your luck with cash prize draws on July 1, and enjoy horse racing and a picnic on July 2.
Where: Century Downs Racetrack
When: June 30-July 2, 2022
Make your way to Chinatown on July 1 and visit the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre for its annual Canada Day celebration. The celebration will acknowledge our country’s multiculturalism through performances, family-oriented activities, and an international marketplace.
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
When: July 1, 2022
Take a road trip to the Saskatoon Farm, 35 minutes south of downtown Calgary, for a Canada Day Market. Enjoy a pancake breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., cheers our country’s birthday with a brew from the beer gardens, or grab a bite to eat from the restaurant or a food truck. The market will feature lots of amazing local vendors, and the day will finish with a fireworks show at 10:30 a.m. Get your tickets now.
Where: Saskatoon farm
When: July 1, 2022
Take a break from Canada Day programming and check out one of Calgary’s vibrant local neighbourhoods in between the festivities.
East Village (Trevor Lalonde)
Located within walking distance of Fort Calgary, St. Patrick’s Island, and Olympic Plaza, East Village makes for a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat, pick up a coffee, relax by the river, or check out the neighbourhood’s unique arts and culture. Stop by the Simmons Building for several refreshment options in one.
Kensington (Kelly Hofer)
Just across the Bow River from Prince’s Island Park is Kensington, an eclectic neighbourhood full of boutique shops, public art, a variety of dining options, and cool bars to enjoy a drink. Caffeinate at Higher Ground or Deville Coffee, enjoy some barbecue from Hayden Block, or have a glass of vino at Winebar Kensington.
Explore Calgary’s Chinatown, home to the Chinese Cultural Centre, which is a replica of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Dragon City Mall, and plenty of delicious eats at spots like the Silver Dragon Restaurant, U & Me Restaurant, Regency Palace, and Kingfisher Seafood & Tonkatsu.
The Dandy Brewing Company and Tasting Room (Roth and Ramberg)
From Fort Calgary, continue along 9 Ave SE to visit Inglewood, where Calgary’s first main street was located. Quench your thirst at one of the area’s many craft breweries, including Cold Garden, Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Company, or Dandy Brewing Company. Afterwards, enjoy a meal at Madison’s 1212, Deane House, or the Hose and Hound Pub. Or, simply spend some time browsing the unique local shops that line the street.
Stay close to the action in downtown Calgary and Eau Claire. Take a stroll down historic Stephen Avenue, visit Eau Claire Market, or cool off with a walk along the river. There are endless dining options in the heart of the city, including places like Alforno Bakery & Cafe, The Guild, Local Public Eatery (with locations on 8 Ave and in Eau Claire), Flower & Wolf, and Major Tom, which offers stunning views from 40 floors up.
