Free This Week
The last week of the month brings the close to summer concerts
You might feel like fall is on the way thanks to the chill in the air and the fact that a number of Calgary’s summer concert series are winding down but there’s still plenty to squeeze into the last week of August. Hit up these free events for an awesome time.
Jeremy Gignoux
August 25, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free to watch
Jeremy Gignoux is ever oscillating between calling himself a violinist or a fiddler. Playing in between those lines, he has developed an original sound and technique. For this ProArts@Noon concert, Jeremy is teaming up with Keith Rodger. Mark your calendars for this free, lunchtime show.
proartssociety.ca
Music in the Park
August 25, 2021, 6:00pm
Didsbury Bandstand, Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to watch
Heritage Park presents another summer of much-needed free concerts on Wednesday evenings throughout the season—and this week is your final chance to check it out! Shona Rae and The Bona Fides have been playing original roots-based rock and roll since 2009. The unique, raw and powerful vocals of Shona Rae are offset by Hound Dog Herb on blues and surf-influenced guitar. Mad Dog (Todd) Maduke on bass and guitar, Lightnin‘ Laurie Fuhr on bass and vocals, along with Jumpin’ Jay Bradley’s drums provide the rock, solid rhythm section.
heritagepark.ca
Sikapinakii Low Horn
August 25, 2021, 6:00pm
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. SE)
Free to participate, registration required
This artist talk and walk is an outdoor event that begins at The New Gallery to view Sikapinakii Low Horn’s exhibition Oh’tooyiitsikaa’toot Ohkii (To Take Care of Our Water). The artist will then lead a walk along the Bow River, sharing stories of the water. Register and take part!
eventbrite.ca
Books & Ideas
August 25, 2021, 7:00pm
Steam online
Free to watch, registration required
The Calgary Public Library invites you to an evening with international bestselling author Dr. Daniel Kalla, discussing his explosive new thriller Lost Immunity. This eerily prescient book is an exciting story and an informative look at topics and issues of concern to all of us. Be sure to register to check it out.
calgarylibrary.ca
BUMP Festival
August 25 – 29, 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 chance to run the murals, be sure to check out the schedule for its final week!
yycbump.ca
Shakespeare on the Go
August 25 – 29, 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 will be family-friendly, engaging, and easily accessible. These performances will play separately at different locations throughout the summer, so check out the schedule and start planning.
theatrecalgary.com
Robyn Harding & P.J. Vernon
August 26, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Imagine On Air presents Robyn Harding and P.J. Vernon with their new thrillers The Perfect Family and Bath Haus. The hour-long conversation is hosted by Wordfest’s Creative Ringleader, Shelley Youngblut. Register for your own Digital Doggie Bag and an event reminder.
wordfest.com
Indigenous Art & Activism
August 26, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
This year’s Calgary Institute for the Humanities LGBTQ2S+ lecture features three celebrated young Indigenous artists and intellectuals: Joshua Whitehead, Billy-Ray Belcourt, and Shawnee Kish. There’s also a roundtable discussion about the intersections of art and activism for queer, trans, and two-spirit Indigenous artists.
eventbrite.ca
Barcode Poetry
August 26, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Join The Blasted Tree and Shelf Life Books for the virtual launch of this visual poetry collection by Kyle Flemmer, featuring a reading, round table discussion, and visual poetry showcase with local poets Katie O’Brien and Kevin Stebner. The poets will be on hand to discuss their creative work and take questions.
facebook.com
Showtime: A Live Music Celebration
August 26, 2021, 7:00pm
Olympic Plaza (222 8th Ave SE)
Free to watch, registration required
Be sure to check out Showtime: A Live Music Celebration, part of Arts Commons Presents BD&P World Stage series. With a little folk, a little country, and a lot of rock and roll, Arts Commons invites you to sit back and enjoy a safely-distanced late summer party!
artscommons.ca
Women, Interrupted
August 26, 2021, 10:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
This Eden Mills Writers’ Festival panel explores the world through the eyes of complex female characters who come alive in the pages of four vibrant new works of fiction. Join Zoe Whittall in conversation with Emily Austin, Shashi Bhat, and Uzma Jalaluddin as they introduce you to fictional women you won’t soon forget.
edenmillswritersfestival.ca
Glenbow’s Farewell (For Now)
August 26 – 29, 2021
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free to explore, registration required
Glenbow is closing soon for major building renovations, and with the project taking three years, the museum is slated to reopen in 2024. Until that time, Glenbow invites Calgarians to come for a free farewell visit during its last open weekend. Be sure to book your timed tickets soon!
glenbow.org
Live Art Jam & Showcase
August 27, 2021, 4:00 – 10:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free to watch, registration required
Join The Alcove + Antyx at Esker Foundation for a day filled with fun activities to indulge your creative side, designed for all-ages! Activities include a rhythm and beats workshop, a collaborative mural and jam space, featured performances, open mic, and dance and rap cyphers!
eventbrite.ca
A Virtual Artist Reception
August 27, 2021, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Showcasing the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program in the many window galleries of Arts Commons, you’ll have a chance to meet the artists and creatives who bring their inspiration to the building. This is your opportunity to celebrate our current visual artists and have a deeper conversation about contemporary art.
facebook.com
Summer Stage
August 27 & 28, 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 Aaron Young and Jory Kinjo, Amelie Patterson, Emily Slaney and Sallie Mae, Exit Division, and Blueprint.
downtowncalgary.com
Jamie Allanach
August 28, 2021, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
Free to watch
Singer-songwriter Jamie Allanach performs a busker set as part of NMC’s Scotiabank Backbeat weekend activities. Enjoy an afternoon filled with interpretations on eclectic classics, interspersed with an original or two inspired by his adventures both at home and abroad.
facebook.com
Belle Cabin
August 29, 2021. 1:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
Free to watch
Acoustic country duo Belle Cabin perform a busker set as part of NMC’s Scotiabank Backbeat weekend activities. Belle Cabin consists of Darcy Stamp and Alex Hughes, who deliver a fun, melodic repertoire of new favourites and beloved classics—you won’t want to miss it.
studiobell.ca
Beginner Vogue Workshop
August 29, 2021, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free to participate, registration required
Learn how to vogue from Katria (Muse). This beginner workshop at the Esker Foundation covers the basic elements of vogue femme dance as well as a brief background and history about voguing. All are welcome to participate regardless of age, gender, sexuality or skill level.
eventbrite.ca
Amelie Patterson
August 29, 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 folk-pop songwriter Amelie Patterson. After taking in a free concert, wander over to Studio Bell to take advantage of free admission, courtesy of ATB.
studiobell.ca
ArtsXpeditions
August 30, 2021, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Olympic Plaza (215 8th Ave. SE)
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—it all wraps up this week with a concert by Allison Lynch and Mark Limacher, followed by Flamenco Jaleo
artscommons.ca
Ivan Coyote
August 31, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Join Wordfest and its Imagine On Air series as it presents audience favourite Ivan Coyote and their new book Care Of. This special one-hour conversation is hosted by Wordfest’s Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut. Be sure to tune in and register in advance for your own Digital Doggie Bag with links and more.
wordfest.com
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
