Summer of 2025: Things to do in Calgary

Summer is officially here! To help you make the most of it, the team at the Welcome Centre has you covered to help make it an unforgettable summer experience. Whether you're new in town or just looking to discover new hidden gems, here's a guide to experiencing Calgary like a local.

Activities to uncover Calgary's trendiest neighbourhoods

Night markets

Calgary offers a great variety of night markets in the summertime — making it a great opportunity to explore some of Calgary’s vibrant neighbourhoods while supporting local artisans and businesses. Enjoy live entertainment, fun activities, and plenty of delicious food as you browse unique vendors.

Here are some popular night markets to check out: 

• University District Night Market – Every last Wednesday of the month
• Kensington Night Market – Biweekly on Thursdays, starting June 26th
• 4th Street Night Market – Every 3rd Saturday of the month
• Inglewood Night Market – Every 2nd Friday of the month 

Outdoor movie screenings

With the lovely weather we are having, get the chance to experience a movie with a mesmerizing skyline as a backdrop. 

For free but pleasurable experiences, we have the  Movies Under the Stars with Delta by Marriot Calgary Downtown, Summer on 17^th Movie Weekend and Bowness Community Association’s Movie in the Park just to name a few.  

Check out these locations to find viewing times and movie selections that best fit your schedule. 

Activities to stay active

Biking

Did you know that Calgary has the most extensive urban pathway-bikeway network in North America?  

If you are looking for an energetic activity which also gives you a lot of beautiful sights to see, then this is the one for you. You can rent a bike at the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre for a decent price and explore beginner friendly biking trails. (Pro Tip: You can also take the C-Train from University Station to 8^th Street SW, then walk to and rent a bike at Joe’s Garage, which is right next to the Bow River Pathway, then bike to Prince’s Island Park!) 

Make sure to plan your route before you go to get maximum pleasure and minimal frustration for your journey. Check out the Calgary Pathways and Bikeways interactive map! 

Downhill Karting at Canada Olympic Park

Hosted at the WinSport Canada Olympic Park from May to October, this is your chance to enjoy a fun, fast-paced activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, with more than 50 twists and turns and covering a distance of over 1,800 metres on a continuous downhill trajectory. 

The best experience is the 3-rides package, which comes at a discounted rate when you go as a group. Find out more by visiting downhillkarting.ca! 

Hiking and exploring the rocky mountains

Explore the stunning Canadian Rockies this summer! From June 20 to September 2, Parks Canada is offering free admission to Banff National Park — perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Don’t miss famous spots like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and scenic hikes such as Johnston Canyon or Tunnel Mountain. 

Plan your visit with Parks Canada’s Banff page and check out On-It Regional Transit for transportation options from Calgary (Crowfoot LRT Station) to Banff and Canmore Towns, and Roam Transit for transportation options to popular tourist attractions, such as Lake Louise, Tunnel Mountain, and Grassi Lakes. 

Need gear? You can rent hiking equipment like poles and cleats from the Outdoor Centre! 

Local festivals and events

Mexifest

A family-oriented, multicultural arts and entertainment festival highlighting Mexican Culture. Experience live music, cultural dances, and many authentic foods and drinks! Mexifest aims to promote cross-cultural experiences and introduce the city to the finer aspects of contemporary and traditional Mexican culture.  

MexiFest will be hosted at the Eau Claire Plaza in Downtown Calgary from July 4 – 6, with free admission on Friday, July 4th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Celebrate Canada Day on July 1st

This year’s free and family-friendly celebration by the City of Calgary features numerous cultural activities, performances, live music, an Indigenous Spotlight, and much more throughout the whole day at three downtown locations, ending with a fireworks show above Stampede Park! 

Visit calgary.ca/CanadaDay to find more information and check event schedules and details! 

The Calgary Stampede

Taking place from July 4th to the 13th this year, the Calgary Stampede is a long-standing tradition, dating back to 1886 — just two years after Calgary was officially recognized as a town. As you can imagine, it’s a massive event that the entire city eagerly anticipates each year! 

Experience the excitement of rodeos, live music performances, thrilling rides, fun games, and all kinds of wacky food. Plus, take advantage of free admission on value days and various other deals so you can save your money for other experiences. 

And of course, don’t forget to wear a cowboy hat! 

Taste of Calgary

Taste of Calgary, the city's most appetizing festival, gives visitors the chance to sample the city's food, beverages, music and other cool things.  

The festival will be running July 31 to August 4 with free admission and $1 per taste ticket – dishes will range from 2 – 7 tickets.  

Carifest

Calgary Carribean Community Council presents the Carifest as an opportunity to promote cross cultural understanding, acceptance and interaction between peoples of diverse nationalities and heritage through their art, their music and their respective talents and abilities.  

This is an opportunity to enjoy authentic Caribbean music, dance food, costumes, traditions, and more. The festival will be hosted from August 15 – 17 at the Cowboys Park. Admission is free. 

Looking for more?

Check out the 10 must do summer experiences in Calgary by Tourism Calgary!