Free This Week

Take advantage of the warmth with pop-up concerts, sales, and festivals

  • Location: Various Venues

With a very busy week ahead, top up your calendar with these fantastic events. You can even get your festival fill with free programming from the Calgary Blues Music Association, the Calgary Arab Festival, and the Calgary Folk Music Festival!

Garden Festival

Until July 27, 2019
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
Free admission

With free indoor and outdoor concerts featuring Leo Dumont Band, Rondel Roberts Band, Ghostkeeper, K.P. Smith, and Natalie Gauthier, enjoy games, tours and dance lessons, a family fun day, and much more.
lougheedhouse.com

ProArts Presents Music Opens the Mind Jazz Ensemble

July 24, 2019, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

With a variety of well-known and well-loved jazz tunes, between songs, hear Kevin O’Connor speak briefly about the origin of the saxophone and some of the challenges faced by its inventor.
proartssociety.ca

Blues on Stephen Avenue

July 25, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Stephen Avenue
(120 9th Ave. SW)
Free admission

Get into the Blues Fest spirit as Vic Ruggiero and Jory Kinjo bring their contemporary blend of traditional blues sounds to the Stephen Avenue Stage. Bring your lunch and enjoy this special performance presented in partnership with the Downtown Calgary Association and the Calgary Blues Music Association.
calgarybluesfest.com

together but apart Opening Reception

July 26, 2019, 8:00pm
Jarvis Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free admission           

Featuring new works by Robin Arseneault, Laura Findlay, Larissa Tiggelers, Mark Dicey, Jeff Nachtigall, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Rachel MacFarlane, and many more, check out this summer group show at its opening reception.
jarvishallgallery.com

Film Through the Decades

July 26 – August 4, 2019
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free admission

Explore the history of cinema this summer by enjoying free feature films through the decades! With historical introductions and popcorn, this series is brought to you by the Calgary Public Library and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers.
facebook.com

Handblown Glass Sale

July 27, 2019, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Bee Kingdom Glass (427 22nd Ave. NW)
Free admission, family-friendly

Featuring live glassblowing by one of Canada’s leading glass teams, learn how glass is blown and sculpted while enjoying food and tiki-themed demonstrations.
facebook.com

Calgary Arab Festival

July 27 & 28, 2019
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission

A free, family-friendly event presented as a platform to share Arabian traditions including folk dance, traditional music, food, customs, arts, and much more, don’t miss this fantastic festival.
facebook.com

Pet-a-Palooza

July 27 & 28, 2019
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free admission, pet-friendly

Just Love Animals Society is returning to Calgary once again with the West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival. Bring your pet to sample treats, food, accessories, toys, and more.
petapaloozawest.com

Calgary Folk Music Festival

July 27 & 28, 2019
Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. SW)
Free admission

Did you know you can enjoy two days of free programming at the Calgary Folk Music Festival? Head to Stage 1 just on the island side of the Eau Claire Bridge to see performances by Willie Watson, Sadia Nolin, Twin Bandit, Danny Michel, and so much more. No ticket needed!
calgaryfolkfest.com

what do I say to strangers

July 28, 2019, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended   

The works in Among All These Tundras embrace and address concepts of language, land, sovereignty, and home. Join curator Shauna Thompson for a tour through the works in this exhibition.
eventbrite.ca

Music in the Park

July 29 & 30, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Central Memorial Park (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free admission

Pack a picnic, sit back, relax, and enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor park setting with The City of Calgary. Music in the Park runs rain or shine, so come prepared! This week the festivities move into Central Memorial Park and you can see Matt Masters on Monday and Harp Angel Trio on Tuesday.
facebook.com

Blues Guitar Workshop

July 30, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free admission

A guitar workshop by renowned blues great Tim Williams, topics include the many facets to playing the blues, from song forms to chord progressions, rhythm, and styles. Be sure to bring an acoustic guitar to take part.
calgarybluesfest.com

Sunnyside Open Stage Tuesdays

July 30, 2019, 6:00 – 9:00pm
containR Art Park (1020 2nd Ave. NW)
Free admission

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

Great Blues North

July 30, 2019, 8:30 – 10:30pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free admission

Calgary has a great history and passion for the blues, and with the Calgary International Blues Festival taking place, there’s tons to do. So, kick back, relax, and listen to 20th century blues music and stories from award-winning musician and blues music historian Tim Williams. Calgary Blues Music Association partners with the Memorial Park Library and Historic Calgary Week for this special presentation.
calgarybluesfest.com