Free This Week
Free events to carry you into July
Get the rundown on the upcoming week of free arts happenings! Whether you’re making Canada Day plans or just looking to enjoy the summer weather, we’ve got you covered!
HYMMelodies
June 28, 2023, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free to attend
Hymm is a world fusion music band whose focus is on bringing traditional melodies from all around the world to audiences — with a modern composition. Musicians origins are Iranian, Syrian, Turkish, Russian and Québécois.
proartssociety.ca
Farmers & Makers Markets: Beltline & Sunalta
June 28 & July 1, 2023
Central Memorial Park & Sunalta Community Association
Free to explore
Check out the Farmers & Makers Market at two locations this summer — on Wednesdays at Central Memorial Park and Saturdays in the inner-city neighbourhood of Sunalta. Each week, you’ll find dozens of local farms and producers, ready-to-eat food, live music and their free, drop-in kids arts & culture program.
farmersmakersmarket.ca
U/D Night Markets
June 28, 2023, 5 – 9pm
Central Commons Park (4019 University Ave. NW)
Free to explore
Marketspot is once again partnering with University District for U/D Night Markets, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a stage, fire pits and more! Stop by for a chance to support over 30 local vendors and enjoy live music and entertainment.
myuniversitydistrict.ca
Special Nickle at Noon – David Garneau: Riel after Riel
June 29, 2023, 12noon
Stream online
Free to attend
While artist David Garneau has painted many versions of Louis Riel, he remains conflicted by his legacy and use. In this talk, Garneau describes his family’s connection to Riel and how he and others have used representations of the Métis leader for their own ends.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
Mixed Media Mixer 4: Portraits
June 29, 2023, 1 – 4pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4th St. NE)
Free to participate
Drop by Sparrow Artspace to learn and to share techniques and materials that can be used to create mixed media paintings with one of their June artists-in-residence, Ana Zanella. Bring supplies to share!
sparrowartspace.com
Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market
June 29, 2023, 3:30 – 7:30pm
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Check out this weekly outdoor farmers market featuring over 30 vendors, food trucks, live music and kids activities. This year they are also launching the Locally Grown Concert Series featuring awesome local bands.
brcacalgary.org
Book Launch with Larissa Fassler and Diana Sherlock
June 30, 2023, 6 – 8pm
Esker Foundation (4th floor, 1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free to attend, RSVP required
Join Larissa Fassler and Diana Sherlock for a discussion hosted by Adetola Adedipe, where they delve into the design, content and creation process of Fassler’s latest publication. Stick around afterwards for a book signing, mingling, drinks and photos!
eventbrite.ca
Night Markets at Heritage Park
July 1, 2023, 3 – 9pm
Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to explore
On Saturdays this summer, Heritage Plaza and promenade in the front parking lots will be taken over by vendors. Shop their local vendors, explore the shops in the Plaza, grab a bite to eat and be entertained!
heritagepark.ca
BownessFest
July 1, 2023, 10am – 8pm
Our Lady of the Assumption School (7311 34rd Ave. NW)
Free to attend
Celebrate Canada Day in historic Bowness with a stellar lineup of musical and cultural performers, mouthwatering food, a market with handmade and artisan goods, as well as a free community BBQ, face painting, carnival games and more!
bownessfest.ca
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre’s Canada Day Celebration
July 1, 2023, 11am – 5pm
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1st St. SW)
Free to attend
Join The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of our city. Immerse yourself in a day of multicultural performances, a vibrant vendor market, captivating dragon and lion dances, and an exciting kid’s area.
culturalcentre.ca
City of Calgary Canada Day Celebrations
July 1, 2023
Various venues (see website for details)
Free to attend
This year’s Canada Day celebrations feature an Indigenous showcase and powwow, live music, and a fireworks show to cap it off. There’s also cultural performances, face painting, turban tying, lion dances, a street fair and more throughout the day!
calgary.ca
JazzWalk TD Outdoor Stage
July 2, 2023, 11:30am – 7pm
Jack Long Park (920 9th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Join JazzYYC at the JazzWalk TD Outdoor Stage for a full day of live music in one central location within the beautiful Inglewood community as part of the TD JazzYYC Summer Festival.
jazzyyc.com
Summer On 17th
Ongoing
Tomkins Park (17th Ave. SW & 8th St. SW)
Free to attend
From movies in the park to live bands, theatrical performances and fitness classes, the 17th Ave Business Improvement Area is pulling out all the stops to ensure this summer is epic. Visit the website for details.
17thave.ca
Summer Songs on Stephen Ave
Ongoing
Stephen Ave (8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Support live local music on Stephen Ave this summer, supported by the Calgary Downtown Association. Check out the Stagehand website for the full schedule as well as other free concerts around the city!
stagehand.app
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.