Free This Week
The Calgary arts scene is buzzing with activity — from hands-on art workshops to live performances and community celebrations. Celebrate Neighbour Appreciation Day at the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre, experience the power of poetry at Salingpusa Presents: Eight Voices, or get a taste of the latest Canadian plays at the Stage One Festival live readings in Devonian Gardens.
Free First Thursday
June 5, 2025, 5 – 9pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Experience a vibrant evening of contemporary art and creativity at Contemporary Calgary. Enjoy complimentary admission, hands-on zine-making workshops, a panel discussion on DIY publishing, a special Hamburger Eyes photo exhibit, a live DJ set and more!
contemporarycalgary.com
Behind the Scenes Exhibitions Tour
June 5, 2025, 6 – 7pm
Esker Foundation (4th Floor, 1011 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Join Curator Shauna Thompson and Head Preparator Doug Haslam for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Spring/Summer exhibitions and learn about the work that goes toward curating and installing contemporary art at Esker Foundation.
eventbrite.ca
Stage One Festival of New Canadian Work
June 6, 2025, 3pm
Devonian Gardens, The CORE (324 8 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Join Lunchbox Theatre in the creation of new Canadian Plays — with readings of plays by Grant Tilly, Jason Long, Madeline Hunter Smith, James Hart and Anna Leslie. Attend virtually or in person.
lunchboxtheatre.com
Art Party
June 6, 2025, 6pm
Centre Court, Arts Commons (205 8 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Arts Commons’ Art Party is an interactive celebration of local artists featuring gallery tours, open studios, an art market and creative workshops. Plus, end the night with dancing, DJs and specialty cocktails at the SCRATCH after party.
artscommons.ca
Alcove Photo Club Exhibition — Opening
June 6, 2025, 6 – 9pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend
Join Alcove Photo Club for the opening of their very first exhibition! This show shines a light on Calgary’s emerging photographers — you’ll see a mix of perspectives, moments and moods captured through fresh eyes and open shutters. Expect good vibes, snacks and even some live music.
sparrowartspace.com
Indigenous Artist in Residence: Exhibition Launch
June 6, 2025, 6 – 6:30pm
Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery, Central Library
(Level 1, 800 3 St. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Join Morgan Black, the 2025 Indigenous Artist in Residence, to learn about their final exhibition. The exhibit features work created by Black and library patrons throughout the residency, and explores the concept of identity through interpretations of traditional Indigenous ceremony masks.
calgarylibrary.ca
Community Round Up
June 7, 2025, 9am – 12pm
Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre (19 Bullhead Road, Tsuut’ina Nation)
Free to attend
Celebrate community spirit at the Calgary Stampede Community Round Up presented by ENMAX. Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with live music, crafts, pancakes, wagon rides, animals and more!
calgarystampede.com
Farmers and Makers Market
June 7, 2025, 10am – 2pm
cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Discover local art, live music, artisanal foods, fresh produce and hands-on activities at the Farmers & Makers Market. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of community and creativity.
farmersmakersmarket.ca
Salingpusa Presents: Eight Voices
June 7, 2025, 5 – 7pm
The LAB by One Big JAM (1331 Macleod Tr. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
This evening of poetry and prose features eight writers from eight ethnicities, taking the stage to present eight minutes of their original written works. Celebrate the vibrant cultural tapestry of Calgary’s literary scene!
salingpusa.com
Dans la peau de Cyrano
June 7, 2025, 6pm
Globe Cinema (617 8 Ave. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Le Franco Festival Calgary, in collaboration with Société CinéMAgine de l’Alberta, invites you to a special screening of the film Dans la peau de Cyrano as part of their Film of the Month series. Celebrate francophone cinema with this heartfelt and imaginative coming-of-age story.
docs.google.com
Neighbour Appreciation Day
June 8, 2025, 10am – 1pm
Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre (244034 Horizon View Rd.)
Free to attend
Join Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre for Neighbour Appreciation Day, a relaxed morning of art, guided sculpture park tours and drop-in activities. Meet artist-in-residence Sinéad Ludwig-Burgess and connect with the vibrant creative community.
koartscentre.org
Alycia Two Bears: The Feast Book Launch
June 11, 2025, 7 – 8:30pm
Owl’s Nest Books (815A 49 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Join Wild Skies Press for the launch of Alycia Two Bears’ second poetry collection, The Feast. This beautiful book speaks to Alycia’s experiences as a Nêhiyaw, Two-Spirit person living in Calgary. Enjoy a poetry reading, purchase Alycia’s book and connect with like-minded literary souls.
owlsnestbooks.com
German Canadian Male Chorus of Calgary
June 11, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
The German Canadian Male Chorus has been providing transformative experiences for many years. For this upcoming concert, the choir has drawn on “oldies” from the archives to blend with some German sea shanties and upbeat English folk songs as well.
proartssociety.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
