September in Calgary is packed full of awesome things to do! Celebrate Calgary Pride, play with art & science at Beakerhead, and grab your popcorn for the Calgary International Film Festival; it’s all happening this September 2023 in Calgary.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events

O’KOSI

Making Treaty 7 proudly presents the return of O’kosi (oh-goh-see); a visually spectacular production filled with music and poetry, humour, and hope. O'kosi depicts the ways in which Indigenous People are healing from the multi-dimensional and multi-generational effects of the Indian Act and the signing of Treaty 7, and how the repercussions of these policies have been passed to parents, sons, and daughters.

Where: The GRAND

When: September 21-30

 

Speak Up! Panel with Fawn Wood, Eekwol, and Shane Ghostkeeper, hosted by David McLeod

Watch live as National Music Centre (NMC) presents a discussion on the power of music for reconciliation, hosted by David McLeod, curator of NMC’s Speak Up! exhibition that recognizes trailblazing Indigenous musicians.

Where: National Music Centre

When: September 30

 

Four Winds Indigenous Market & Showcase

The Four Winds Indigenous Market & Showcase is a celebration of Indigenous art and culture featuring the creations of Indigenous artists and artisans from Treaty 7 and beyond.  

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby

When: September 30

 

The Elders Story Project

At The Elders Story Project Indigenous Elders will demonstrate the strength and power of their traditional practices as they share their personal experiences living in residential schools – an essential part of their journey toward healing. 

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall

When: September 30

 

National Film Board: Indigenous Film Screenings

Learn about Indigenous history, culture, and traditions through film at Arts Commons’ film screening in partnership with the National Film Board.  

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall

When: September 30

 

Reconnection, Reconciliation and Resilience 2023

Presented by the Stardale Women’s Group, this event will discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. There will also be a ceremony with Elder's presence and teachings, a drumming performance from Stardale Girls Drumming Group, and a screening of an original film created by Stardale’s Women’s Group.

Where: Grace Presbyterian Church

When: September 30

 

University of Calgary – Forum of Learning

Cadmus Delorme, a Cree and Saulteaux and former chief of Cowessess First Nation, shares his presentation, What We Inherited and Better Understanding Our Role in Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Hosted by Dr. Shawna Cunningham, PhD, director of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, with special remarks from UCalgary President Ed McCauley and Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur, BA’01. Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, will open and close the event in a good way.

Where: Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, UCalgary, and livestreamed

When: September 29

 

 

September Events

 

Alberta Culture Days

It’s 30 days of discovery, experiences, and celebration with Alberta Culture Days, an opportunity to connect with new cultures in a variety of local events and activities. Experience Alberta Culture Days with virtual, in-person, indoor, and outdoor activities.

Where: Various locations

When: September 1-30

 

Cirque Du Soleil: Kooza

Experience KOOZA Under the Big Top at Stampede Park! This show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor.

Where: Under the Big Top at Stampede Park

When: Until October 8

 

 

Harvest Lights

Enjoy thousands of lights under the evening sky with Harvest Lights at Calgary Farmyard. All attractions are open with pumpkins available for photos and purchase. The corn maze remains dark for an extra fun challenge too.

Where: Calgary Farmyard

When: September 16 - October 31

 

Calgary International Film Festival

The Calgary International Film Festival showcases over 175 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and around the world at the largest film festival in Alberta. Browse the films and get your ticket bundles now.

Where: Various locations

When: September 21 - October 1

WinSport Pumpkins After Dark

Pumpkins After Dark features over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins coming to life during this nighttime family-friendly walk-through experience. Enjoy lit pumpkin sculptures and displays plus pumpkin sales, fall treats and sweets.

Where: WinSport

When: September 22 - October 31

 

Bridal Expo

Gather your entourage for a VIP wedding planning experience! Bridal Expo hosts Alberta's largest gown sale, fabulous fashion shows, champagne lounge and over 100 of Calgary's best wedding vendors.

Where: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

When: September 24

 

Iron Maiden: The Future Past Tour

The Scotiabank Saddledome hosts Iron Maiden in concert for The Future Past Tour 2023 at 7:30 p.m. with opening act Atreyus.

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

When: September 28

 

Serena Ryder with the Calgary Phil

Folk and indie rock sensation and seven-time Juno Award–winner Serena Ryder performs with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert that is sure to be an electric experience!

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall

When: September 29

 

Calgary Fall Home Show

Shop for home-related products and services, experience inspiring home displays, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals at the 2023 Calgary Fall Home Show.

Where: BMO Centre

When: September 29 - October 1

 

Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen and the One Night At a Time World Tour with special guests Ernest and Bailey Zimmerman comes to Calgary on Saturday, September 30th for the ONLY Alberta stop on the tour!

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

When: September 30

 

Coheed and Cambria present Neverender: No World For The Waking Mind

Progressive group Coheed and Cambria take the stage at The Palace Theatre on September 30 for their Calgary stop on their No World For The Waking Mind 2023 tour.

Where: The Palace Theatre

When: September 30

 

Pokaiks - The Children Commemorative Walk and Gathering

Join on September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, for a gathering to honor the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children lost to this tragic chapter in history.

Where: Shaw Millennium Park

When: September 30

 

Past events 

Fiesta Filipino

Fiesta Filipino is the biggest and most colorful street celebration of Filipino and Asian Communities in Alberta. Experience the sights, sounds, and taste of Filipino culture and heritage.

Where: Olympic Plaza

When: September 1-3

 

Block Party 2023 at Deerfoot City

Deerfoot City brings vibrant local art and free events back for the summer with Block Party, including a retro twist with the introduction of the Roller Rink on The Boulevard. Bring your old-school roller skates or rent a pair of rollerblades!

Where: Deerfoot City

When: Open until September 10

 

Labour Day Classic: Stampeders vs Elks

Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders vs the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium with exciting CFL action in Calgary.

Where: McMahon Stadium

When: September 4

 

Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

One of the world's most prestigious show jumping tournaments. Top riders and horses from around the globe compete at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in Calgary. All seating is general admission and can be purchased in advance.

Where: Spruce Meadows

When: September 6-10

 

The Chicks World Tour 2023

The 13-time GRAMMY® award-winning, multi-platinum selling global superstars, The Chicks, have announced their return to Calgary on September 7th, 2023 with special guest, Maren Morris, for their 2023 World Tour.

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

When: September 7

 

Honens Festival

The Honens Festival returns with a celebration of live music. The piano takes centre stage with performances by international musicians and popular events like 176 Keys, Bison Noir, and Open Air.

Where: Various locations

When: September 7-10

 

Never Break The Chain: The Music of Fleetwood Mac

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents Never Break The Chain: The Music of Fleetwood Mac. Revel in the legendary sound of their greatest hits — including Over My Head, The Chain, Don’t Stop, and Little Lies — transformed by the sonic power of the Calgary Phil!

Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall

When: September 8-9

 

Railway Days

Heritage Park’s extraordinary rail collection takes centre stage during Railway Days, including hands-on activities, exhibits, and a rare glimpse of the turntable in action and the double-headed steam engine.

Where: Heritage Park

When: September 9-10

 

50 Cent: The Final Lap Tour

Recognized as one of the most prolific music artists of his time… 50 Cent: The Final Lap Tour 2023 hits the Saddledome September 10th in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of his game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

Where: Scotiabank Saddledome

When: September 10

 

Ballet Hispánico in Doña Perón

Alberta Ballet proudly welcomes New York-based Ballet Hispánico to the Jubilee stage to kick off the 2023/24 season with the gripping story of Doña Perón. Prepare to be captivated by a fusion of dance and live music as you follow the remarkable journey of Eva “Evita” Perón.

Where: Southern Alberta Jubliee Auditorium

When: September 14-16

 

Beakerhead

Beakerhead is throwing a FREE party for the ultimate smash-up of art, science, and engineering in Calgary. Experience human powered mechanical technology, the creativity of Hack the House, and Reading with Royalty.

Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre and Century Gardens

When: September 14-17

 

Wild After Hours: Garden Noir

Step into a world of elegance, indulgence, and mystery with Garden Noir, the zoo’s most exclusive event of the season. Hosted in the enchanting surroundings of the ENMAX Conservatory, this event promises to be an experience like no other.

Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

When: September 15

 

Carnivàle at Heritage Park

Step right up for a whimsical night with Carnivàle at Heritage Park, with live entertainment, treats, libations, and music, under the sparkling lights of the Carnivàle Fundraiser at Heritage Park.

Where: Heritage Park

When: September 15

 

Fahr Oktoberfest 2023

Fahr Brewery presents Calgary's only authentic Oktoberfest at the Grey Eagle Event Center on September 15th and 16th, featuring traditional German music, food, and brews for a weekend of lively festivities celebrating German culture.

Where: Grey Eagle Event Center

When: September 15-16

 

Saskatoon Farm Fall Fair

Welcome the autumn season at Saskatoon Farm's annual Fall Fair. The market will feature over 60 local vendors to shop, all-ages carnival games, live music, hot drinks, food, and more.

Where: Saskatoon Farm

When: September 16-17

 

DandyFest

Celebrate all things Dandy at DandyFest, including food, music, art, and craft beer. Join one of two Saturday sessions to taste different beers and treats from over 20 breweries, distilleries, and cideries across North America.

Where: Dandy Brewing Company

When: September 16

 

Cavalry FC vs. Hamilton Forge

Don’t miss out on the action as Cavalry FC takes on Vancouver FC at ATCO field in their third meeting of the season!

Where: ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows

When: September 16

 

4th Street Night Market

Check out Calgary's newest night market located in the heart of Mission to enjoy food, fun, local finds, and friends.

Where: 4th Street @ Elbow Drive SW

When: September 16

 

The Great Cochrane Outhouse Races

Watch as teams from local Cochrane businesses and organizations push homemade outhouse - race karts (fully outfitted with a toilet seat) down the historic downtown Cochrane, chuck wagon-style.​

Where: Main Street, Cochrane, Alberta

When: September 17

 

Indigenous Art Market

Visit the Indigenous Art Market, hosted by Authentically Indigenous, featuring a curated market with over 30 Indigenous artists and makers from the Treaty 7 area and more.

Where: The Brownstone (120, 221 - 10 Ave SE)

When: September 18-19

 

Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

The electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stops in Calgary for one week only.

Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

When: September 19-24

 

Indigenous Night Market

This night market gives artists and makers from Treaty 7 and beyond an opportunity to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship, alongside captivating cultural music and dance performances. Reserve your tickets for the ‘Rez In The City’ Fashion Show, showcasing the vision of local Indigenous designers with a glimpse into their unique perspectives and artistry.

Where: Fort Calgary

When: September 20

 

Rodney's Annual Steam Whistle Crab Crack

Come and get a crabby with Rodney's Annual Steam Whistle Crab Crack featuring a pint of Steam Whistle and three types of crab to crack through.

Where: Rodney's Oyster House

When: September 21

 

Wordfest

Exuberant cousins Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer join Wordfest with their new cookbook Fraiche Food, Fuller Hearts. This special event includes a conversation with these incredible women, followed by an audience Q&A and meet and greet.

Where: Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library

When: September 21

 

Summer on 17th

Visit 17th Ave. this season for Summer on 17th. There will be live music, fitness classes, DJ and drag shows, outdoor movies, and more in Tomkins Park throughout the summer. Best part is that all of the events are free.

Where: 17th Avenue SW

When: Until September 23

 

Wildscapes

Don’t miss your chance to marvel at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's 10 large-scale plant sculptures. These breathtaking designs make for the perfect photo and will leave you in awe of the size and artistry they boast. Each visit to WildScapes is included in the price of daily admission/memberships and helps to support the critical conservation work the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo does locally and globally.

Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

When: Until September 24