Free This Week
Dive into a variety of exciting free events around the city! This week, celebrate with Arts Commons in Olympic Plaza, explore a bustling night market in the University District, check out some cool visual art and celebrate Pride at number of events and festivities!
Plaza for All
August 28, 2024, 6pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, RSVP required
Arts Commons’ outdoor celebration of music returns to Olympic Plaza with a free concert featuring Canadian country band Emerson Drive and Kyle McKearney. Plaza for All is a farewell send-off for Olympic Plaza as Arts Commons begins reimagining this space with Calgary — an Alberta landmark in arts and culture setting the stage for a new chapter. Join in for music, arts and special guests!
artscommons.ca
Allen Reiser, pianist
August 28, 2024, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
As musical love stories go, none are more poignant and enduring than the 19th century romance between the brilliant composer-pianist Clara Wieck and the hyper-emotional composer, Robert Schumann. This ProArts@Noon concert features piano works by both composers!
proartssociety.ca
University District’s Night Market
August 28, 2024, 5 – 9pm
Central Commons Park (Thirsk St. NW)
Free to explore
Join University District for their summer night market. Don’t miss live entertainment and over 35 local vendors. Plus, take in Central Commons Park including the splash pad, green space and fire features.
myuniversitydistrict.ca
Music in the Plaza
August 28, 2024, 6 – 8pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to attend
Enjoy Heritage Park’s final evening of Music in the Plaza featuring live local bands! This week, check out Heather Blush and the Uppercuts, a trio of rogue troubadours that sounds sassy, sultry and just plain fun.
heritagepark.ca
August Beer Garden
August 29, 2024, 6 – 9pm
cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Make your summer last a little longer at the cSPACE August Beer Garden, featuring music by the Kirby Sewell blues band, refreshing beverages and more as they give summer one last hurrah!
cspacemardaloop.com
Closing Reception of Making a Mark
August 30, 2024, 11am – 4pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend
FInd out what Jane Finley and Colleen Doylend have been up to during their residency at Sparrow Artspace this August as they warmly welcome you to view the final results of their engaging month-long meeting and collaboration.
sparrowartspace.com
Memory Lane — Opening Reception
August 30, 2024, 7 – 9pm
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. S)
Free to attend
Through its works, Tangent Collective highlights the reality-altering abilities of mass censorship, epistemological control, nostalgia and the gradual reproduction of collective memory. Drop by The New Gallery to check out the opening of the collective’s latest exhibition, Memory Lane!
thenewgallery.org
Market Nights
August 31, 2024, 3 – 9pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to explore
Get ready for Market Nights! Shop for a wide variety of artisan products made by local vendors. From one-of-a-kind jewelry to mouthwatering treats and a whole lot more, there’s a diverse array of discoveries waiting for you every week at Heritage Park’s front plaza.
heritagepark.ca
Calgary Pride
August 31, 2024
Various venues
Select events are free to attend
Don’t miss Calgary Pride 2024! Thousands gather at this annual event to celebrate the diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Catch a variety of community activities that run throughout the week in addition to the official Calgary Pride Parade & Festival.
calgarypride.ca
Miranda Martini
September 4, 2024, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
ProArts@Noon Concert Series presents Miranda Martini, an accomplished composer, music director and sound designer for the stage and screen. Martini is excited to return to her singer-songwriter roots for this intimate lunchtime concert.
proartssociety.ca
PRIDE at Shelf Life Books
September 4, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Celebrate Pride 2024 at Shelf Life Books with a fun-filled extravaganza of local talent including drag performances by Dogiichow & Osmo Cis, and literary readings by Skylar Kay and Bret Crowle, hosted by Kevin Allen.
store.shelflifebooks.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.