Jun 29

Canada Day Downtown Calgary 2016 - Fireworks and Free Parking

We’re very excited to be celebrating Canada’s 149th birthday, and even more excited to invite everyone downtown to help us!

The Calgary Canada Day Committee and the City of Calgary have banded together to bring some amazing events and activities to the inner-city! From Eau Claire market all the way to Fort Calgary, there’s a lot going on.

Back by popular demand: the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) is offering FREE street parking, and complimentary parking in 6 of their 7 downtown parkades (excludes the Arts Commons parkade). Included parkades are: James Short, City Centre, City Hall, Centennial, McDougall, and the Convention Centre parkade. Any Calgary Parking Authority surface lots will charge the holiday rate.

Read on for a listing of all the events!

Downtown Events:

Prince’s Island Park

Canadian Military | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Learn more about our Canadian Armed Forces and Canada’s military history. Explore interactive displays at this exciting new addition to Calgary’s Canada Day festivities. Meet members of the 41 Canadian Brigade Group, HMCS Tecumseh, the Canadian Cadet Organizations, The Royal Canadian Legion and The Military Museum of Calgary.
Aboriginal Showcase and Powwow | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Explore a proud part of Canada’s heritage at a Traditional Powwow presented by Bow Valley College’s Iniikokaan Aboriginal Centre. Prince’s Island Park comes alive with the heartbeat of Canada’s First Nations peoples as they showcase Aboriginal peoples’ ways through storytelling, drumming and dancing. Join us as we celebrate cultural sharing of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people to all Canadians.
City of Calgary Recreation – Get Active 12:00 p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Join the movement! Located across the bridge from Eau Claire Market, Calgary Recreation is offering a variety of active programming for children, including DancePl3y, physical literacy and parachute games. Adults can also get their physical activity in for the day with 45 minute fitness classes, including Zumba, adventure bootcamp, and much more. Classes start on the hour, every hour from noon to 6:00 p.m.

Fireworks

Centre Street Bridge | 11 p.m.
Set against a breathtaking backdrop of Calgary’s skyline and the setting sun beyond the Canadian Rockies, the 2016 Canada Day Fireworks will hit the horizon with a bang. This world-class fireworks show is synchronized with live music broadcast on 101.5 Kool FM and Wild 95.3 FM. So tune in from wherever you happen to be. Stellar viewing opportunities along the entire Bow River corridor will make this a spectacular finale and a lasting memory of Canada’s 149th birthday.

Other Downtown Venues

Olympic Plaza | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Close to the Fort Calgary, East Village and Stephen Avenue celebrations, make sure to plan a stop here on Canada Day! Enjoy this historic downtown park by touring a market, making crafts, learning some history or visiting a popular food truck all while taking in busker and stage performances.
Stephen Avenue Walk | 11a.m. – 8 p.m.
The historic Stephen Avenue Walk will feature its usual assortment of shops, restaurants, patios, street vendors and buskers, in addition to a full day of entertainment including live music on the #IAMDOWNTOWN stage and other special events happening down the avenue. For more check out downtowncalgary.com.
Eau Claire Market | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Visit Eau Claire Market for an afternoon of fun for the whole family! Experience indoor and outdoor local entertainment including SHINE Youth Singers, jugglers, live music, food trucks, MarketSpotYYC Artisan Market, and children’s activities. It all kicks off at 11a.m. with children’s activities running until 4 p.m., Artisan Market until 9 p.m., and beer garden, entertainment and food trucks on the Festival Plaza until 9 p.m. FREE ice cream for the first 1000 guests. More information at eauclairemarket.com

Outside Downtown

Chinatown | 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Did you know there were Chinese settlers in Canada almost a century before it was officially Canada? Join our all-day celebration of Canada’s birthday and decades of Chinese contributions to this great country in Calgary’s Chinatown district. Enjoy cultural performances and family friendly activities, or visit our wonderful stores and indulge your taste buds with culinary delights. For the best view of the fireworks, visit Sien Lok Park, free for everyone to enjoy! For details visit chinatowncalgary.com
Fort Calgary | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Canada Day in the birthplace of Calgary, and many other Canadian things in our area—the North West Mounted Police, Indigenous and intercultural relations, and strong community values. We have family fun all day, including: a free pancake breakfast; live music and entertainment; children’s crafts and petting zoo; food trucks; a chance to dress-up like a Mountie; and Indigenous arts and cultural sharing. For more information, like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, or visit fortcalgary.com
East Village Street Fair, Show & Shine and 5th Street Square | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy all kinds of family fun at the East Village Street Fair including crafts and artisan vendors, children’s activities and local performances. Bring the family for Calgary’s premier classic car show, the Show & Shine, which features spectacular imports and North American beauties.
Studio Bell | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrating the official opening of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, on Canada Day visitors will be offered free admission* courtesy of Bell. Studio Bell will be hosting special Canada Day programming and the first 500 visitors to register in advance* will receive guaranteed early admission and a gift upon entrance. More details at studiobell.ca
*first come, first served.
Living Flag at Fort Calgary | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Don your red and white and show off your Canadian spirit in this fun, family-friendly Canada Day tradition, presented by Calgary Afterschool and 98.5 Virgin Radio. The first 1000 people to check-in will receive a free red or white Living Flag t-shirt to participate in this enormously popular activity. All participants are asked to wear red or white to join in for the ultimate group selfie on Canada Day.
Riverfront Avenue | 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
During the day along Riverfront Avenue, come and enjoy family friendly activities, interactive booths and food trucks. Experience Francophone heritage and culture with maple sweets, food and music in a festive atmosphere. The Riverfront Stage is located at the Harry Hays Building, on the North lawn, facing the Bow River. Mayor Nenshi will kick off official Canada Day ceremonies at 7 p.m. and the stage will erupt with some of Canada’s most acclaimed performing artists offering a little something for everyone. The high-energy performances will capture audiences and build momentum in anticipation of the fireworks show to close off the celebrations. Evening entertainment to inlcude: Joel Plaskett Emergency, The Zolas, & The Grapes of Wrath. More information here.