Free This Week
From salsa dancing to social artistry, Calgary is buzzing with exciting free happenings. Check out the 50th anniversary of the Calgary Heritage Day Festival, experience the opening of Danny Luong’s new exhibition at The Bows, take in the energy and flavours of Incredible India Fest, and more!
Historic Calgary Week
Until August 4, 2025 (see website for schedule)
Various venues
Free to attend
Historic Calgary Week offers over 80 walks, talks, tours and events celebrating how people, water, roads and organizations have shaped Calgary and its surroundings. Explore local history, enjoy an art exhibition and sale, and more, all tied to this year’s theme, Growing with the Flow.
chinookhistory.ca
Opening Party for The Oratory & Recess Calgary’s Exhibit of Social Artistry
August 1, 2025, 6 – 9pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend
Priscilla Cherry and Coach T. invite you to a special opening for Exhibit of Social Artistry, in celebration of their month-long residency at Sparrow Artspace! Join them and be one of the first to immerse yourself in practising social artistry.
sparrowartspace.com
trap (disambiguation) — Opening Reception
August 1, 2025, 6 – 9pm
The Bows (2001b 10 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
This exhibition explores the hidden world of undocumented labour through Danny Luong’s striking photographs of unregulated cannabis and psilocybin farms. Capturing the ingenuity and resilience of workers in criminalized, precarious conditions. Don’t miss the opening!
thebows.org
Salsa on the Street
August 1, 2025, 6 – 11pm
Stephen Ave (100 W Block)
Free to attend
Enjoy a vibrant evening filled with music, dancing and Latin energy right in the heart of downtown Calgary. Whether you’re a seasoned salsero or just want to move to the rhythm, everyone is welcome!
instagram.com
403Market
August 2, 2025, 10am – 6pm
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
This summer, the 403Market brings Calgary to life with local artisans offering pottery, woodwork, textiles and more. Enjoy family-friendly fun with bouncy castles and interactive play zones, all in a vibrant setting between Inglewood and East Village.
theconfluence.ca
Black History in the Prairies: a mini film series
August 2, 2025, 11:30am – 4:30pm
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library (800 3 St. SE)
Free to attend
Join Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre and The Prairie Place–Ancestors Collective for Black History in the Prairies, a free mini film series featuring powerful short films and a Cheryl Foggo film reel. The event explores Black life and history in Alberta and Canada, followed by a Q&A session.
swallowabicycle.com
Tour de Bowness Race + Street Festival
August 4, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Mainstreet Bowness (Bowness Rd. NW)
Free to explore
Celebrate the 22nd annual Tour de Bowness with a day of thrilling bike races and lively street festivities, featuring live music, street performers, interactive games, over 100 vendors and food trucks. This family-friendly event promises fun for cycling fans and market lovers alike!
facebook.com
Incredible India Fest
August 4, 2025, 12 – 6pm
The Westin Calgary Airport (671 Aero Dr. NE)
Free to attend
Experience the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of India at the fourth Annual Incredible India Fest! Enjoy live music and dance, fashion shows, delicious Indian cuisine, kids’ activities, local vendors and swag bags for the first 100 families.
facebook.com
Calgary Heritage Day Festival
August 4, 2025, 12 – 6pm
Eau Claire Plaza (3 St. & Riverfront Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Celebrate Calgary’s cultural diversity at the Heritage Day Festival: A Cultural Mosaic! Enjoy an afternoon of multicultural performances, food vendors, and artisan and cultural kiosks presented by the Calgary Folk Arts Council.
facebook.com
ProArts@Noon: Sandra Joy Friesen
August 6, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
Sandra Joy Friesen plays a broad range of repertoire and presents a variety of musical styles from traditional to contemporary. Her “Pictures in Music” is a program of short musical works featuring pieces with visual associations that arouse the imagination.
proartssociety.ca
Ship Hop Summer Showcase
August 6, 2025, 8pm
The Ship & Anchor (534 17 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that highlights emerging Calgary acts and provides a platform for those who want to hone their skills through open mic or test their freestyle abilities. This month’s artists are Rome IX, MC MEdz and (un)decided.
facebook.com
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
