[Note: This story was published in 2019 and reflects 2019 events]
Check out Spruce Meadows for some show jumping and free pancakes, attend a Canada Day block party or watch an Indigenous showcase and traditional powwow at Prince’s Island Park. Calgary is going full force in celebrating Canada’s 152 birthday and here are a list of events and celebrations happening in Calgary.
Celebrate a day early at Spruce Meadows
When: June 30, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W.
With so many events happening on Canada Day, why choose just one? Celebrate a day early with Spruce Meadows. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast for the first 5,000 attendees and show jumping will be happening throughout the day until 4 p.m. Take part in family friendly activities including pony rides, face-painting, a half-pipe demonstration and more. End the day with a symphony concert with the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and shuttle services are available from the Bridlewood/Somerset LRT Station from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Attend a Canada Day Block Party
When: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail S.E.
Join MarketSpot YYC and True Rhythm for their sixth annual Canada Day Block Party at the Max Bell Centre. There’s everything from a massive market, Indigenous Village, Kids Zone and food trucks to a beer gardens by Wild Rose Brewery and headliner music and entertainment acts. Stay into the evening for prime viewing of the fireworks. The event is family and pet-friendly and free to enter, but you can buy VIP (18 plus) option passes for $25 or $50 to the beer gardens.
Listen to Canadian music at Studio Bell
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Studio Bell, 850 4 Street S.E.
Activities abound at Studio Bell for Canada’s 152nd birthday. Celebrate our country by singing along to “O Canada”, watch dueling pianos in an all-Canadian song battle, take part in an air guitar workshop and more. Entry is free on a first come first served basis, which includes access to all five floors of the NMC. Be sure to check out the Garden Party on the King Eddy Rooftop presented by NMC and Cold Garden from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Watch an Indigenous Showcase and Powwow
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Prince’s Island Park (Enmax Stage), 698 Eau Claire Avenue S.W.
Brush up on your powwow etiquette before heading out to Prince’s Island Park for Canada Day’s Indigenous Showcase and Traditional Powwow. There will be a blessing on the main stage at 11 a.m. with the powwow kicking off at 1 p.m. Arts and crafts, an artisanal market and language teachings will be available throughout the event and get there early to snag the best viewing spot of the main stage.
Celebrate Canada Day at Fort Calgary
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fort Calgary, 750 9 Avenue S.E.
Celebrate Canada’s birthday at Calgary’s birthplace. The Fort is not holding back when it comes to celebrating the country’s birthday. There will be a food truck caravan, Kids Zone, live performances and much more. Village Brewery will be on location to provide a family friendly indoor and outdoor beer garden. The museum will also be open for entrance by donation or bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Veteran’s Food Bank.
Canada Day Celebrations at Southcentre Mall
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Road S.E.
Southcentre Mall and Craft Beer Market join forces along with Encore 4-on-4 to bring you a Canada Day event full of activities. There will be family friendly events including a “come-and-try-it” obstacle course from Breathe Parkour, an archery zone, a bean bag toss and a food and outdoor beer gardens to get your drink and craving fix. Stick around and watch the street hockey championship with divisions from every age group and every skill level.
Go to a Canada Day concert before watching some fireworks
When: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Avenue, between 1 Street and Macleod Tr. S.E.
Calgarians can take part in the City of Calgary’s Canada Day concert this year at the Tim Horton’s Canada Day stage on Riverfront Avenue. This year’s line up includes Canadian talent such as Ghostkeeper, Post Script, Captain Tractor and Steven Page (formerly of Barenaked Ladies). Stick around to catch the firework display, which will take place on Centre Street Bridge between 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
For more things to do on Canada Day visit calgary.ca
This story was updated on June 25, 2019.