Things to Do in Calgary

Tickets, tours and experiences in Calgary, Canada

Events in Calgary

178 events

About Calgary

Calgary is a city that thrives on big events, world-class sports, and a deeply rooted western heritage that fuels one of the most electric live entertainment scenes in Canada. The Scotiabank Saddledome, nestled in Stampede Park, serves as the home arena for the Calgary Flames of the NHL and hosts major concert tours, comedy shows, and family entertainment throughout the year. Football fans pack McMahon Stadium to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL, while the city's growing soccer culture is anchored by Cavalry FC at ATCO Field in Spruce Meadows. Every July, the Calgary Stampede transforms the entire city into a ten-day celebration of rodeo, live music, midway rides, and outdoor concerts that draw over a million visitors annually. The Arts Commons complex downtown presents theatre, classical music, and spoken word performances across five distinct venues. For larger touring acts, the WinSport Event Centre at Canada Olympic Park and various outdoor festival grounds provide additional capacity during the warmer months. Calgary's event calendar peaks from May through September when warm Chinook-influenced weather allows for patios, outdoor festivals, and block parties, but winter months bring an energetic hockey season and a thriving indoor concert circuit. Whether you are drawn to country music legends performing at the Stampede Grandstand, a heated Battle of Alberta between the Flames and Oilers, or touring Broadway productions at the Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary delivers a year-round slate of memorable live experiences.

Highlights

  • Calgary Flames NHL games at the Scotiabank Saddledome with one of the most passionate fan bases in Canadian hockey
  • The Calgary Stampede every July featuring rodeo championships, grandstand concerts, and the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth
  • Calgary Stampeders CFL football at McMahon Stadium with a strong tailgate culture
  • Arts Commons downtown offering theatre, dance, and live music across five performance spaces

Tips for Visiting Calgary

Book Calgary Stampede tickets months in advance as grandstand concerts and rodeo finals sell out quickly

Transit is free on CTrain within the downtown core, making it easy to reach the Saddledome and Arts Commons

Layer clothing for evening events as Calgary temperatures can drop significantly after sunset even in summer

Check for combined ticket packages during Stampede that bundle rodeo, concert, and midway access

Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary

Where do the Calgary Flames play home games?

The Calgary Flames play at the Scotiabank Saddledome located in Stampede Park, just southeast of downtown. The arena seats approximately 19,289 fans and is accessible by CTrain on the Red Line to Victoria Park/Stampede station.

When is the Calgary Stampede and how do I get tickets?

The Calgary Stampede runs for ten days every July, typically starting the first Friday after Canada Day. Tickets for individual rodeo sessions, evening grandstand concerts, and general admission to the park grounds go on sale in the spring.

What is the best time of year for events in Calgary?

Summer from June through August offers the most events including the Stampede, outdoor music festivals, and extended daylight hours. However, the NHL season from October through April keeps the Saddledome busy, and winter festivals like Glow and New Year's Eve celebrations add to the cold-weather calendar.