Free This Week
Our weekly round up of free programming returns as the community gears up
Well would you look at that? Our weekly round up of free and awesome events has returned! And there’s so much to check out. From free outdoor concerts all around the city to another batch of Shakespeare on the Go performances, grab your calendar and start planning.
Brian Buchanan
August 11, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free to watch
ProArts@Noon presents Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and music presenter Brian Buchanan who performs various works from his newest recording which includes classic great American songbook standards, and several of his original compositions.
proartssociety.ca
Music in the Park
August 11, 2021, 6:00pm
Didsbury Bandstand, Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to watch
Heritage Park presents another summer of much-needed free concerts, Wednesday evenings throughout the season. Kate Stevens takes to the stage this week with her buoyant stage presence, powerful vocal talents, and blended genre—don’t miss it!
heritagepark.ca
BUMP Festival
August 11, 13, 14, 15 & 17, 2021
Various venues
Free to participate
Announcing another 20+ local, national, and international artists joining this annual mural extravaganza, the Beltline Urban Murals Project is turning Calgary into an expansive open-air art gallery. With an artist talk, music in the park, and a mural tour, be sure to check out the schedule!
yycbump.ca
ArtsXpeditions
August 11, 12, 13 & 15, 2021
Various venues
Free to watch
ArtsXpeditions pop-up performances bring music, dance, and performance art to community centres, parks, and even the occasional street corner! Connect with all of the amazing talent that our community has to offer—this week features performances by Andre Wickenheiser, Bijan Maysami, Michelle Gregoire, and many more. Check out the schedule and be sure to make a date or two.
artscommons.ca
Rhythms of 17th
August 12 & 13, 2021
17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District BIA (Along 17th Ave. SW)
Free to watch, registration required
The 17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District BIA has partnered with Calgary Opera, Alberta Ballet, and Arts Commons who have curated a number of local artists to bring you this amazing, COVID-conscious music and dance festival. Register and check out this week’s offerings.
17thave.ca
Shakespeare on the Go
August 12, 14, 15, 16 & 17, 2021
Various venues
Free to watch, registration may be required
Shakespeare on the Go features three different casts of Alberta emerging artists performing a collection of scenes from The Comedy of Errors that are family-friendly, engaging, and easily accessible. These performances play separately at different locations throughout the summer, so check out the schedule and find one that works for you.
theatrecalgary.com
Summer Stage
August 13 & 14, 2021
Century Gardens (826 8th St. SW)
Free to watch
Here comes the fun! Join Downtown Calgary this season as its summer stage series returns with an incredible lineup. With a brand-new stage and family-friendly performances every weekend for the entire season, the series is on the move, bringing the sweet sounds of summer serenades to various locations across downtown. This week, head to Century Gardens to see performances by Flowshine, Amy Bishop, Sonia Deleo, Little Brown Jug Brass, and the Rondel Roberts Band.
downtowncalgary.com
Inglewood Night Market
August 13, 2021, 4:00 – 11:00pm
Inglewood (Between 10th Ave. & 10th St. SE)
Free to explore
Inglewood Night Market is back, and showcasing 100 unique and local artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, and more. Its markets feature the best arts and culture talent Calgary has to offer. Come to shop and stay for the atmosphere—this market makes a fantastic night out.
facebook.com
Full Bloom Fest
August 13 – 15, 2021
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Join the Lougheed House for this fun outdoor festival of live music with MC Matt Masters, beer and wine gardens, pet PAWrades where pets and owners can strut their stuff, classical music in the gardens, a storytelling circuit with Holleay Rohm, and so much more!
facebook.com
Bowness is Awesome Mural Jam
August 13 – 17, 2021
Mainstreet Bowness BIA (Bowness Road Between 62nd & 65th St. NW)
Free to explore
This mural jam is an all-ages event with pieces being painted on the back of select buildings, as well as sidewalk murals along the street. There are even DJs and a beer garden to check out on the weekend.
mixedmanifest.com
Alcove x Esker
August 14, 2021
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free to participate, registration required
Join the Esker Foundation for spoken word workshops and a drop-in creative art space with The Alcove Centre for the Arts. Participants are guided in creating their own performative piece in workshops led by Sue-Shane Tsomondo and Bethel Afework. It is open for all skill levels and experiences!
eventbrite.ca
Blueridge Arts Walk
August 14, 2021, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Blueridge Community (visit website for addresses)
Free to explore
The second annual Blueridge Arts Walk is coming up at various venues in the community of Blueridge in NW Calgary. The work of many local artists will be on display including paintings, photographs and sculptures. This is a free outdoor event and open to everyone.
facebook.com
CSIF 48 Hour Film Challenge
August 14, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Join the Calgary Society of Interdependent Filmmakers to watch the wonderful films made by their 48 Hour Filmmaking Challenge participants. This event features a screening and Q&A with the filmmakers who, over the course of a 48-hour time period, wrote, shot, edited, scored, and completed short films of five minutes or less.
facebook.com
Carifest
August 14, 2021, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Online or at Junction Bar (628 8th Ave. SW)
Free to watch
Carifest returns! Join the Caribbean Community Council of Calgary as it celebrates 40 years of bringing Caribbean culture to Calgary! It will look different, but it will be a unique and memorable celebration as it brings back a mix of iconic Carifest experiences—this Saturday you can watch a live broadcast or head down in person.
carifestcalgary.com
Art in the Garden
August 14 & 15, 2021, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Art in the Garden (3443 Kerrypark Rd. SW)
Free to explore
The 12th annual Art in the Garden Show and Sale features artists in attendance. Framed and unframed paintings in many mediums and styles, art cards, matted prints and stained glass to choose from. Come out and enjoy a day of art and the beautiful gardens!
facebook.com
Matt Blais
August 15, 2021, 1:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
Free to watch
Bluesy rock and roll troubadour Matt Blais performs a busker set as part of the National Music Centre’s Scotiabank Backbeat weekend activities. This charismatic performer plays modern roots-rock, weaving together heavy blues influences, slithering atmospherics, and twangy flourishes.
studiobell.ca
Postcards from an Imaginary Vacation
August 15, 2021, 2:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Calgary flutist Sarah MacDonald and Edmonton pianist Leanne Regehr take you on a journey around the world, featuring beautiful, easy listening via a free livestream. You can also grab tickets for the in-person performance.
facebook.com
Jeremy Gignoux Trio
August 15, 2021, 2:00pm
C-Square (508 7th Ave. SE)
Free to watch
Join the National Music Centre for free musical afternoons in East Village’s open-air urban square! Head down to this beautiful plaza for Sundays in C-Square with lyrical instrumentalists, the Jeremy Gignoux Trio. After taking in a free concert, wander over to Studio Bell to take advantage of free admission, courtesy of ATB.
studiobell.ca
Gunn Blues Band
August 15, 2021, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Crescent Heights Community Association (1101 2nd St. NW)
Free to watch
The Crescent Heights Community Association presents this Calgary-based sophisticated blues rock act who also cover music from many popular acts with unique arrangements. Hear the blues like you’ve never heard before.
crescentheightsyyc.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
