Free This Week

A new month and a long weekend bring a plethora of events

  • Price: Free

With a new month and a long weekend, this week is full of great—and free—events to hit up. From outdoor concerts to festivals and street fairs, continue your summer with Calgary’s arts community.

Here’s what we’re checking out:

ProArts Presents Rooster Davis

August 1, 2018, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

A community co-presentation with the Calgary International Blues Festival, hear Edmonton-based pianist and organist Rooster Davis perform at this lunch hour concert. Davis specializes in the New Orleans traditions of seminal players such as Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, and James Booker.
proartssociety.ca

10-Minute Plays for Jane’s Walk – Summer Edition

August 1, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00pm
Meet at the Conversion Statue (8th Ave. & 1st St. SW)
Free

After its successful turn at Jane’s Walk, these 10-minute plays return for the summer. With several performers reprising their work as well as two new performing groups, three plays are performed in succession along Stephen Avenue.
facebook.com

Music in the Plaza

August 1, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free

Heritage Park’s free summer concert series, Music in the Plaza, returns for a seventh season of spectacular live music. Supported by the RBC Foundation, it continues this week with Jess and Robb—a small group with a big sound that combines country, rock, punk, and other influences.
heritagepark.ca

Sunnyside Salsa Wednesdays

August 1, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00pm
containR Art Park (1020 2nd Ave. NW)
Free

Running throughout the summer, join Free Spirit Dance and Studio Creole as they bring a tropical mix of salsa, timba, samba, and more to your midweek.
facebook.com

Poster for Sunnyside Salsa Wednesdays

Mini Masters

August 2, 2018, 11:00 – 11:45am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

Calling Calgary’s newest contemporaries! Join the Esker Foundation on the first Thursday of every month for a hands-on art class. Parents and guardians are invited to bring their little ones, ages two to five, to explore art making in this fun and social program. All are welcome to participate, just dress for mess.
eventbrite.ca

Music at McDougall

August 2, 2018, 11:45am – 1:00pm
West Grounds, McDougall Centre (455 6th St. SW)
Free

The third of a seven-part summer concert series from the Government of Alberta and CKUA, head to McDougall Centre this Thursday for some noon-time jams. This week you can see Elk Run & Riot and Rooster Davis perform.
ckua.com

Free First Thursday Night

August 2, 2018, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free

The perfect chance to explore Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master, don’t miss this month’s Free First Thursday Night at Glenbow. The museum is committed to expanding the reach and impact of art and culture in our community, and this monthly offering is a great way to do that!
facebook.com

Music in the Park

August 2 & 3, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Central Memorial Park (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free

Celebrate Historic Calgary Week with Music in the Park and two concerts this week. Up first are Curt Young & The Healers on Thursday followed by ARIS—a local group featuring some of Calgary’s finest Celtic musicians—on Friday.
facebook.com

Bring the Baby Art Tour

August 3, 2018, 12:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

A relaxed, social tour, bring your baby to the Esker Foundation and have tot-friendly fun while discussing the exhibitions.
eventbrite.ca

Inglewood Sunfest

August 4, 2018, 11:00am – 6:00pm
Mainstreet Inglewood (9th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Inglewood Sunfest is all about having fun in the sun! This feisty summer festival in the heart of this historic neighbourhood is here to celebrate, engage, entertain, and delight with activities for all ages.
inglewoodsunfest.ca

10-Minute Plays for Jane’s Walk – Summer Edition

August 4, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Meet at the Conversion Statue (8th Ave. & 1st St. SW)
Free

After its successful turn at Jane’s Walk, these 10-minute plays return for the summer. With several performers reprising their work as well as two new performing groups, three plays are performed in succession along Stephen Avenue.
facebook.com

Heritage Day at Fort Calgary

August 6, 2018, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave. SE)
Free

Celebrate Heritage Day at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers and enjoy various family-friendly activities, including Mountie uniform try-on sessions, a family-friendly movie, Indigenous artisans, museum tours, and more.
facebook.com

Tour de Bowness Street Festival

August 6, 2018, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Mainstreet Bowness (Along Bowness Rd. NW)
Free admission

A festival of competitive bike racing, artisans, food trucks, music, children’s activities, and more, the event celebrates the vibrant and historical community of Bowness.
mainstreetbowness.com

Heritage Day Festival

August 6, 2018, 12:00 – 6:00pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Hosted by the Calgary Folk Arts Council, the 41st annual Heritage Day Festival features six hours of multicultural performances, ethnic foods, and unique handicrafts.
facebook.com

Poster for the 41st annual Heritage Day Festival

Sunnyside Open Stage Tuesdays

August 7, 2018, 6:00 – 9:00pm
containR Art Park (1020 2nd Ave. NW)
Free

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, head to #SOSTuesdays for the Sunnyside Open Stage hosted by Eugene Saunders and guests! Swing by to support local talent or share something yourself.
facebook.com