Rain or shine: Your guide to spring and summer events in Calgary

Looking for summer fun? Look no further. Here’s our roundup of festivals, events, music and more happening in Calgary now through July 2025

The sun is out. The days are long. The snow is behind us (probably). Spring has arrived in Calgary at last. Whether you're new to the city or looking for some fresh ideas, here’s a roundup of some of the best things to do to enjoy the sunshine.

For being in the community

Markets and festivals are a great way to see a different part of the city, dive into a new interest or immerse yourself in the Calgary community.

If you’re on the hunt for fresh produce and local products, no one does it like a farmers’ market. The Calgary Farmers Market is our biggest, with two locations: one in the south and one in the west. But small, neighbourhood-based markets pop up all the time, like the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market just down the hill from campus, Farmers and Makers’ Market in Marda Loop, Inglewood Sunfest, the Dalhousie Farmers Market and more.  

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in Calgary on June 21. Part of National Indigenous History Month, this day holds special significance for many Indigenous communities, as it’s the longest day of the year. Around the city and in nearby communities, you can learn more about the history of the numerous groups of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta, experience tipi raisings and support Indigenous-owned businesses. Visit Heritage Park or check what nearby communities are doing to celebrate.

On July 1, you can find Canada Day celebrations all around the city. Stop by St. Patrick’s Island for music and facepainting, or the Confluence Historic Site for a powwow and evening show.

Of course, we have to mention the Calgary Stampede: 10 days in July celebrating the city’s western heritage with shows and rodeos, shopping, live music, rides and lots of food. It’s one of the things Calgary is known for — and a must-see if you haven’t been before.

There are many other cultural and community festivals over the next few months. Check out a full list here.

For animal lovers

In addition to all the wildlife you can see in and around the city (yes, we count the rabbits on campus), you can get up-close-and-personal with animals by visiting some unique venues.

The Calgary Zoo is an attraction year round. In these spring and summer months, your chance of sighting baby animals is uniquely high. Check out the goats and sheep in the Canadian Wilds, and you might spot a kid or a lamb.

If you want to get even closer, the Calgary Zoo is hosting Polar Bear Breakfasts and Penguin Breakfasts, when you can enter the park early for a buffet, then hang out with some of these cold-loving creatures.

You can also check out Spruce Meadows, a multi-purpose equestrian space. Visit on certain weekends in June and July, and you could even catch live music, movie nights and corgi races(!!) in addition to meeting the horses who jump and play here.

For music lovers

If you’re looking to set up your lawn chair and settle in for the day, Calgary’s music festivals include annual events like Sled Island, the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Chasing Summer.

Plus, you can always make music part of your Calgary Stampede experience. With well-known performers from many genres, catch a show at the Coca-Cola Stage (free with admission!), or commit to one of many ticketed events.

Between shows, pop into the Studio Bell National Music Centre. There, you can see one-of-a-kind memorabilia and artifacts. For a limited time, they have an exhibit celebrating 2025 Music Hall of Fame inductee — wait for it — Sum 41.