Free This Week
Free events this way ⬇️
As we wrap up September and head into a new month, make sure to check out a number of free events from live music to workshops to visual art taking place, as well as tons of ways to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation!
Summer Songs on Stephen Ave
Until September 30, 2023
Stephen Ave (8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Enjoy 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
Truth and Reconciliation Art Installation
Until September 30, 2023
Southcentre Mall (100 Anderson Road SE)
Free to explore
Southcentre Mall and Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society present a new art installation featuring a variety of works from local Indigenous artists. This commemorative installation represents personal experiences and interpretations of Indigenous culture and the ongoing process of reconciliation.
southcentremall.com
Mustafa Kamaliddin
September 27, 2023, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free to attend
In this noon-hour concert, classical guitarist Mustafa Kamaliddin performs a wide range of repertoire from fantasies and chansons of the 16th century, to 17th century Spanish dances, to 19th century character pieces by Tarrega and Malats.
proartssociety.ca
U/D Night Markets
September 27, 2023, 5 – 9pm
Central Commons Park (4019 University Ave. NW)
Free to attend
Marketspot is once again partnering up with University District for U/D Night Markets surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a stage, fire pits and more! Stop by for a chance to browse over 30 local vendors and enjoy live music and entertainment.
myuniversitydistrict.ca
Secrets of Storytelling
September 27, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Carya Village Commons (2nd Floor, 610 8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Don’t miss this free storytelling workshop for new tellers. Learn tips and techniques to launch you into storytelling, how to choose a story that sings, find your voice and engage with listeners, presented by Cassy Welburn storyteller and writer.
storytellingalberta.com
Farmers & Makers Markets: Beltline & Sunalta
September 27 & 30, 2023
Central Memorial Park & Sunalta Community Association
Free to explore
Check out the Farmers & Makers Market at two locations until October 7, 2023 — Wednesdays at Central Memorial Park and Saturdays in the Sunalta neighbourhood. You’ll find local farmers and producers, ready-to-eat food, live music and their free, drop-in kids arts & culture program.
farmersmakersmarket.ca
N@N – Tia Halliday: Gesture of Care – The Weight of the World
September 28, 2023, 12noon
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (435 Campus Lane NW)
Free to attend
Multidisciplinary Calgary-born artist Tia Halliday discusses her new work, currently on view at the Herringer Kiss Gallery. Her recent body of work “explores metaphors of care and resilience through an investigation of line, abstraction, and figuration.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
Bridgeland-Riverside Farmers Market
September 28, 2023, 3:30 – 7:30pm
Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Check out this outdoor farmers’ market featuring over 30 vendors, food trucks, live music and kids activities, along with the Locally Grown Concert Series featuring awesome local bands.
brcacalgary.org
Book Launch: Flicker by Lori Hahnel
September 28, 2023, 6 – 8pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Join UCalgary Press to launch Lori Hahnel’s latest novel, Flicker. Host Barb Howard will conduct this evening of literary celebration featuring sparkling conversation and a special inside peek at this exciting tale of love, science and time travel.
calgarylibrary.ca
The Body Project — Opening Night
September 28, 2023, 6 – 9pm
500 Collective (Suite 500, 321 50th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
The Body Project honours the power, vulnerability and unwavering resilience that define us all. Local artists Mary-Jo Lough and Kelly Szott began this project in 2021 with a volunteer model call. Check out the results of their work!
mjlfineart.com
Night Light
September 28 – 30, 2023
Various venues
Free to attend
Experience Night Light, a three-night celebration of light, art and live performances transforming Victoria Park. Featuring projection-mapped architecture, light-art installations, music and more, this event supports local artists.
victoriapark.org
Community Star Blanket Workshop with Dale Swampy
September 29, 2023, 3:30 – 5pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4th St. NE)
Free to participate, registration required
CIF Reconciliation Society is proud to create a special community star blanket with Dale Swampy. The blanket will tell the story of participants who help be part of healing, reconciliAction and empowerment by reflecting on residential schools.
eventbrite.ca
Beans Film Screening
September 29, 2023, 6:30 – 9pm
Online or in-person at Calgary Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Check out a free viewing of the film Beans, directed by Tracey Deer. Following the film, there will be discussion with director Tracey Deer, Kelli-Morning Bull, the Indigenous Services Design Lead at Calgary Public Library, and Autumn Eaglespeaker.
ucalgary.ca
From Exclusion to Inclusion
September 29 – October 8, 2023
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1st St. SW)
Free to explore/attend, registration required for seminars and workshops
Learn more about the history of Chinese in Canada in this special photo exhibit showcasing the impact that the Chinese early settlers. In addition to the photo exhibit special workshops, seminars and lunch time films will provide additional insight.
calgarychinatown.com
Art Show & Sale
September 30, 2023, 10am – 5pm
Calgary Canoe Club (7305 Crowchild Tr. SW)
Free to explore
Don’t miss this art show and sale by Freeplay featuring artists Karen Brown, Elaine Bouey, Burke Darling, Judy Evans, Carol Green, Doug Robertz and Jennifer Taylor. Ten per cent of sales go to Weaselhead Preservation Society!
drive.google.com
Orange Shirt Day at Fort Calgary
September 30, 2023, 10am – 5pm
Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Fort Calgary is offering a variety of free programming for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, including: free museum admission, walking tours, family-friendly crafts and an after-hours screening of the film Bones of Crows.
fortcalgary.com
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation at Arts Commons
September 30, 2023, 10:30am – 9pm
Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration required for Elders Story Project
Join Arts Commons for a full day of events that celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Learn about our shared history, and the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples through films screenings, the Indigenous Makers Market and the Elders Story Project.
artscommons.ca
Pokaiks — The Children Commemorative Walk & Gathering
September 30, 2023, 11am – 4pm
Shaw Millennium Park (1220 9th Ave. SW)
Free to participate/attend
Be a part of a meaningful Orange Shirt Day event that is a tribute to survivors of the Residential School System and Sixties Scoop. The walk is followed by performances, remarks, artisan and community booths, food and beverage offerings and other activities.
cifrs.ca
Speak Up! Panel with Fawn Wood, Eekwol and Shane Ghostkeeper, hosted by David McLeod
September 30, 2023, 1pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St SE)
Free to attend
Studio Bell will be open with free admission for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and will feature a discussion on the power of music for reconciliation, hosted by David McLeod, curator of the National Music Centre’s Speak Up! exhibition that recognizes trailblazing Indigenous musicians.
studiobell.ca
Reconnection, Reconciliation and Resilience
September 30, 2023, 1 – 4pm
Grace Presbyterian Church (1009 15th Ave. SW)
Free to attend
This event is an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy and is open to the public. It will include a ceremony with Elder presence and teachings, and a drumming performance from The Stardale Girls Drumming Group.
eventbrite.ca
Truth and Reconciliation Mini Pow Wow
September 30, 2023, 1 – 5:30pm
Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre (4812 14th Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Everyone is welcome at this Indigenous grassroots resident-led community initiative. The gathering has vendors showcasing Indigenous arts and crafts, a pow-wow, food trucks, kids’ activities and more!
facebook.com
Lantern Fest
September 30, 2023, 6pm – 8:30pm
Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration required for Elders Story Project
Lantern-Fest is in celebration of all the cultural lantern festivals around the world. Bringing together community and strengthening arts and culture in East Calgary. Take part in the lantern-making & procession, enjoy cultural entertainment, view local art and more!
iaacc.ca
Culturefest
October 1, 2023, 12noon
Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE)
Free to attend
You are invited for free family fun at Culturefest. Communities from across Calgary come together for this event featuring dance performances, live music, cultural competitions, a tantalizing variety of foods, face painting, henna and so much more!
culturefest.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
