Free This Week
End off July with these free finds
This week’s roundup of free summer arts offerings includes vibrant summer markets, historic tours and talks, intriguing visual art and much more! Have a read and see what jumps out to you!
Shakespeare on the Go
Until August 6, 2023
Various venues
Free to attend
Theatre Calgary’s traditional Shakespeare by the Bow program is once again going on the road as Shakespeare on the Go! A cast of seven emerging artists are presenting an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
theatrecalgary.com
Andrea Hill
July 26, 2023, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free to attend
Born and raised in Calgary, Andrea Hill has had the honour of performing on stages in New York, London, Milan and more. Don’t miss her ProArts@Noon performance this week!
proartssociety.ca
U/D Night Markets
July 26, 2023, 5 – 9pm
Central Commons Park (4019 University Ave. NW)
Free to attend
Marketspot is once again partnering with University District for U/D Night Markets, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a stage, fire pits and more! Stop by for a chance to support over 30 local vendors and enjoy live music and entertainment.
myuniversitydistrict.ca
Music in the Plaza
July 26, 2023, 6 – 9pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to attend
Discover free live music in Calgary all summer long from the city’s best emerging artists! Watch from the Selkirk’s patio as you enjoy dinner, or explore the shops before you set up your lawn chair and enjoy the show with popcorn in hand!
heritagepark.ca
Celebration of Collaboration, Community & Creativity
July 26, 2023, 7 – 9pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11th St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Celebrate the incredible YYC/LRT project with Contemporary Calgary, UCalgary, the City of Calgary and artist Bryan Faubert. After 20 events and workshops with hundreds of participants, they are bidding farewell to the project.
contemporarycalgary.com
Farmers & Makers Markets: Beltline & Sunalta
July 26 & 29, 2023
Central Memorial Park & Sunalta Community Association
Free to explore
Check out the Farmers & Makers Market at two locations this summer — on Wednesdays at Central Memorial Park and Saturdays in the Sunalta neighbourhood. Each week, you’ll find local farmers and producers, ready-to-eat food, live music and their free, drop-in kids arts & culture program.
farmersmakersmarket.ca
ArtsXpeditions
July 27, 2023, 12noon
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Join Arts Commons as its presents ArtsXpeditions, featuring live music to energize your day. Expect a wide range of genres and styles at these free performances showcasing fabulous local performers.
artscommons.ca
Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market
July 27, 2023, 3:30 – 7:30pm
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Check out this weekly outdoor farmers’ market featuring over 30 vendors, food trucks, live music and kids activities. This year they are also presenting the Locally Grown Concert Series with awesome local bands.
brcacalgary.org
Onoto Watanna’s Cattle @ 100
July 27 – 30, 2023
Various Venues
Free to attend, registration required
The Winnifred Eaton Archive is organizing a number of public engagements celebrating the life and career of Calgary-based author Winnifred Eaton Reeve as part of its 2023 conference: Onoto Watanna’s Cattle at 100.
weaconference.sites.olt.ubc.ca
Wagonstage Theatre: The Little Forest
July 27–30 & August 1
Various venues
Free to attend
UCalgary Wagonstage Theatre presents The Little Forest by Clem Martini, where four siblings in a treeless neighbourhood embark on a mission to bring nature back to life. Join them on their journey at a neighbourhood near you!
arts.ucalgary.ca
Historic Calgary Week
July 28 – August 7, 2023
Various venues
Free to attend, registration may be required
Chinook Country Historic Society invites you to explore the history of Calgary and area with 82 events during the 11-day history festival. This year’s theme is transportation through time, honouring the arrival of the CPR 140 years ago.
brcacalgary.org
Calgary Night Market
July 28, 2023, 4 – 10pm
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Visit the many local vendors selling pottery, candles, jewelry, vintage and more, and check out eight food trucks serving local street foods and desserts. Enjoy a night with family and friends at Calgary Night Market!
brcacalgary.org
Pocket Toscani in a greenhouse
July 29, 2023, 11am – 4pm
(4611 Greenview Dr. NE)
Free to explore
Pocket Toscani is a Minneapolis-based sculptor showing work made during their recent visit to Calgary. in a greenhouse is a backyard project space located in northeast Calgary and is available to view for one day only.
instagram.com
Flip the Script Exhibition Opening
July 29, 2023, 12 – 6pm
Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration recommended
In partnership with ART SPOT, this monumental exhibition of artistic talent will contribute to the positive change of this historic site. From the unique lens of a local artist, the narrative of Fort Calgary will be broadened into a world of inclusivity through creativity.
fortcalgary.com
Night Markets at Heritage Park
July 29, 2023, 3 – 9pm
Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to explore
On Saturdays this summer, Heritage Plaza and promenade outside the entrance to the park will be taken over by vendors. Shop local vendors and be entertained!
heritagepark.ca
Music Matters YYC
July 31, 2023, 11:30am – 1pm
Harmony Park (115 4th Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Music Matters YYC is an outdoor concert series this summer in the heart of the city. Check out the family-friendly weekly programming and see for yourself just how much Music Matters!
stagehand.app
Transit Tuesdays
Ongoing
Century Gardens (826 8th St. SW)
Free to attend
Make your commute a little bit more exciting! Drop by Century Gardens every Tuesday to take in some special local music. Enjoy the sun, frolic in the splash pool and have a dance if you’re feeling it!
stagehand.app
Summer On 17th
Ongoing
Tomkins Park (17th Ave. & 8th St. SW)
Free to attend
From movies in the park to live bands, theatrical performances and fitness classes, the 17th Ave Business Improvement Area is pulling out all the stops to ensure this summer is epic. Visit the website for details.
17thave.ca
Summer Songs on Stephen Ave
Ongoing
Stephen Ave (8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Support live local music on Stephen Ave this summer, supported by the Calgary Downtown Association. Check out the Stagehand website for the full schedule as well as other free concerts around the city!
stagehand.app
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
