Free This Week
Autumn is in full swing and Calgary’s arts scene is falling over itself with exhibition openings, performances and creative experiences. Dive into Free First Thursday at Contemporary Calgary, Lougheed House’s first-ever fall artisan market, a screening of a film that focuses on cameras, and more!
Abstract 6 residency opening
October 2, 2025, 5 – 8pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend
Abstract 6 begins a month-long creative exploration and exhibition of abstract artwork under the theme “In Process.” Drop in, get inspired and connect with other art lovers. Talk all things abstract and get an overview of the creative fun in store for the month of October.
sparrowartspace.com
Free First Thursday
October 2, 2025, 5 – 9pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Experience Free First Thursday at Contemporary Calgary with Alcove Centre for the Arts, featuring its weekly Thursday Night Jams hosted by Tea Fannie and a “Mini Alcove” pop-up for mixed-media creativity. Plus, join the collaborative Snail Community Garden game and lots of other fun!
contemporarycalgary.com
Talk with Dr. Anne Dymond
October 2, 2025, 6 – 8pm
Esker Foundation (4th floor, 1011 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
As part of the University of Lethbridge PUBlic Professor Series, Dr. Anne Dymond explores how Canada’s art and museums have been used for cultural diplomacy in turbulent times. Her talk reveals how art can act as a bridge across political and cultural divides.
eventbrite.ca
Wherever you go, there they are — closing reception
October 2, 2025, 6pm
Marion Nicoll Gallery, AUArts (1407 14 Ave. NW)
Free to attend
Join Marion Nicoll Gallery and artist May G N for the closing reception of Wherever you go, there they are, a meditation on Calgary’s Capitol Hill neighbourhood, the ongoing housing crisis and the nature of the bodies that inhabit it.
marionnicollgallery.ca
Sentient Plant Allies in Alien Landscapes — opening reception
October 3, 2025, 6 – 9pm
Gibson Fine Art (730 11 Ave. SW)
Free to attend, RSVP required
Known for her striking sculptural collages, Maria Munar layers bold colour, texture and form into whimsical bouquets and graceful abstracts that feel like timeless gardens. Explore her latest work and join as she shares the inspirations and stories behind her process.
gibsonfineart.ca
State of Art YYC Fine Art Show
October 3, 2025 from 6 – 9pm and October 4, 2025, from 10am – 4pm
Strathcona Community Centre (277 Strathcona Dr. SW)
Free to explore
This annual fine art show highlights local Calgary artists with brand-new works for sale, including paintings, jewelry, glass works, sculpture and more.
stateofartyyc.com
Beaulieu Harvest & Artisan Market
October 4, 2025, 10am – 3pm
Lougheed House (707 13 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Check out the first-ever Beaulieu Autumn Artisan Market as Lougheed House takes its beloved summer market inside for a fall edition. Browse artisan vendors, take part in free workshops and explore the museum with free admission.
lougheedhouse.com
Move & Make
October 4, 2025, 1 – 4pm
Historic Firehall No. 1 (104 6 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Head over to Historic Firehall for Move & Make, a community celebration of dance, art, and creativity. Enjoy Zumba with Valeriia Chernykh, all-ages arts & crafts with Maya Corona and face painting by Happy Faces by Marni.
instagram.com
Lantern-Fest
October 4, 2025, 5 – 8:15pm
Southview Community Hall (2020 33 St. SE)
Free to attend
Lantern-Fest is a celebration of creativity, cultural, diversity and the arts. Learn about various lantern festivals around the world, making paper lanterns, taking part in “street” festival activities, and much more!
iaacc.ca
An Evening of Indigenous Storytelling
October 4, 2025, 5:30pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend
Check out a double feature from acclaimed filmmaker Damian Abrahams, followed by a conversation with the director and a panel discussion. This powerful evening invites you to witness Indigenous stories, reflect on colonial realities, and engage in dialogue.
downtowncoreneighbourhood.ca
Echoes Across the Border: Laurel Canyon Film Screening
October 5, 2025, 1 – 4:30pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4 St. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Join the National Music Centre for a matinee screening of Laurel Canyon. The 2020 documentary gives an up-close look at the lives of the musicians who inhabited Laurel Canyon, painting an intimate portrait of the artists who created a music revolution that would change popular culture.
studiobell.ca
Fantastic Machine Film Screening
October 6, 2025, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library (800 3 St. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
From the first camera to 45 billion cameras worldwide today, visual sociologist filmmakers widen their lens to expose both humanity’s unique obsession with the camera’s image and the social consequences that lie ahead. Presented by CEFF’s 2025 European Union Film Series.
calgarylibrary.ca
ProArts@Noon: Emily Triggs
October 8, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Emily Triggs takes you on a journey through influences and experiences that have shaped her folk, roots, and alt-country sound. Hear songs from her latest recording, past album and new material.
proartssociety.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
