Free This Week
Dive into a range of free summer events to start off your August! Enjoy Fiona Malena’s lunch-hour flamenco performance, explore a lively night market in University District, get a taste of the Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival on opening night — and lots more in this week’s roundup!
Historic Calgary Week
Until August 5, 2024
Various venues
Free to attend, registration may be required
Take your pick of the 88 events during Historic Calgary Week, an 11-day history festival, with this year’s theme: community builders. The festival is comprised of walks, talks, tours and presentations.
chinookhistory.ca
Fiona Malena — Flamenco
July 31, 2024, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
An international performing artist based in Berlin, Germany, Fiona Malena has toured extensively with her ensemble and as a guest artist worldwide, including to Ecuador, Spain, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Don’t miss this ProArts@Noon Concert!
proartssociety.ca
Music in the Plaza
July 31, 2024, 6 – 8pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to attend
Discover free live music at Music in the Plaza featuring local live bands! This week, check out Calgary-based Ben Tizzard, who is carving a promising career in the music industry and captivating audiences with his genre-bending guitar playing and heartfelt compositions.
heritagepark.ca
University District’s Night Market
July 31, 2024, 5 – 9pm
Central Commons Park, University District (University Ave. NW)
Free to explore
Join University District for a summer night market. Check out more than 35 local vendors, live music by Kate Stevens & I Am The Mountain, entertainment by Safire’s Bubble Show, and more!
myuniversitydistrict.ca
The Extraordinary, Ordinary Nature of Interabled Love — Opening Reception
August 1, 2024, 7pm
cSPACE Marda Loop (1st floor, 1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Born with a rare genetic disorder, Athena Cooper struggled with society’s ill-fitting narrative around disability and finding a romantic partner. In her solo art exhibit, Cooper paints the interabled love story between herself and her able-bodied husband highlighting the everyday moments that make up their life together. (Read more about this exhibition in this week’s Living a Creative Life feature story.)
athenacooper.ca
FREE First Thursdays
August 1, 2024, 5 – 9pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Dive into the dynamic world of contemporary art at Contemporary Calgary, inviting you to explore their galleries, enjoy curated beats by DJ P.C.A. and sip on a thoughtful selection of beverages. This all-ages event also features a drop-in art-making session, inspired by current exhibitions.
contemporarycalgary.com
Music in the Park
August 1, 2024, 7 – 8pm
Quinterra Legacy Garden, South Glenmore Park (24 St. SW)
Free to attend
Every Thursday, Quinterra Legacy Garden hosts Music in the Park, featuring free performances by talented local artists. This week, check out Jory Kinjo, who was raised in R&B, blues and soul music and whose career has touched on jazz, reggae, ska and even country music.
quinterralegacygarden.com
TD Thanks You Drone Show
August 1, 2024, 9:45 – 10:15pm
Millennium Park (1300 9 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Take in a captivating drone show from Cowboys Park (previously named Millennium Park) during Calgary Blues Fest. The show is presented as part of the 10th annual TD Thanks You customer appreciation campaign running across Canada.
facebook.com
Fraction of the Fringe
August 2, 2024, 9:45pm
Festival Hall (1215 10 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, tickets required
Join Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival for its opening night performance, where all of this summer’s Fringe Theatre artists each have a minute and a half to give audience members a glimpse of their festival show. It’s an excellent opportunity to get a taste of what’s in store!
tickets.calgaryfringe.ca
Incredible India Fest
August 3, 2024, 12 – 6pm
The Westin Calgary Airport (671 Aero Dr. NE)
Free to attend
Incredible India Fest is a celebration of the culture, diversity and traditions of India. Through cultural performances, vendors, live music, a range of activities for kids and authentic food stalls, visitors will get a chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of India.
facebook.com
Market Nights
August 3, 2024, 3 – 9pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to explore
Get ready for Market Nights! Shop for a wide variety of artisan products made by local vendors every week at Heritage Park’s front plaza. From one-of-a-kind jewelry to mouthwatering treats and a whole lot more, there’s a diverse array of discoveries waiting for you!
heritagepark.ca
Summertime Art Show
August 4 – 6, 2024
Bearspaw Golf Club (61 Hamilton Dr.)
Free to explore
Acclaimed Fine Artists is a collective of local artists. Drop on by and see some beautiful art as they host their first summer show and sale at a new location.
acclaimedfineart.com
Poet Laureate Showcase
August 6, 2024, 6 – 9pm
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Calgary Central Library
Free to attend, registration required
Join Calgary Public Library to celebrate a new cycle of Calgary’s Poet Laureate program with performances followed by a panel discussion and opportunity to meet your favourite local poets. Readings by Kris Demeanor, Micheline Maylor, Sheri-D Wilson, Natalie Meisner, Wakefield Brewster and Shone Thistle.
eventbrite.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
