Where and how to celebrate Canada Day 2025 in Calgary
The Confluence, East Village, Spruce Meadows all hosting events Tuesday
Whether Canada Day comes at the end of a relaxing four-day weekend, or oddly breaks up your work week after a single day back in the office, Calgarians looking to mark the occasion have plenty of options to choose from on Tuesday.
A variety of venues, particularly in downtown Calgary and surrounding neighbourhoods, are hosting day-long events to celebrate the country's 158th birthday.
Here's a brief look at what's planned for the holiday, and what Calgarians need to know.
Fireworks
Top of mind for most people on Canada Day is simply where and when to catch the fireworks.
This year's display is scheduled to begin around 11 p.m. MT, with fireworks launched from Stampede Park. The City of Calgary advises that the best viewing location will be from The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland. On-site viewing won't be available at the Stampede Grounds, as setup continues for the Calgary Stampede that starts later this week.
Live music and other events
Several renowned Canadian artists will grace stages across the city.
The city's main stage evening show, the most noteworthy concert lineup of the day, will be held at The Confluence. The Sam Roberts Band is set to cap off a lineup that features artists like Aysanabee, Big Sugar and Lu Kala.
The Confluence is also offering free admission to its cultural centre, Canadian History Trivia at Burnswest Theatre, and a walking tour highlighting the diverse people involved in Calgary's development.
At Spruce Meadows, in the city's southwest, country musician Brett Kissel will play an outdoor show as part of a day-long event that also includes a horse race, corgi races and a kids' zone with mini-animals, pony rides and arcade games.
Studio Bell, the King Eddy and a pair of outdoor stages at St. Patrick's Island will also feature concerts throughout the day. Pop-up performances of instruments from the National Music Centre's collection will be part of Studio Bell's event, too.
Along with its live music, St. Patrick's Island will have food vendors, face painting and airbrush tattoos. Nearby, the East Village Street Fair will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with more than 50 vendors, food trucks and a beer garden.
Canada Day festivities are also scheduled with afternoon tea at Heritage Park, a station offering pins and flags at Calaway Park, and a lineup at the Chinese Cultural Centre that includes dances, martial arts, vendors, a kids' area and more.
Travelling around Calgary
Buses and CTrains will operate on a Sunday level of service for the holiday, and Calgary Transit's call centre and customer service centres will be closed.
The city will offer free parking in on-street ParkPlus zones and Calgary Parking parkades, except for the parkade at Arts Commons and at surface lots where weekend rates will apply.
In the East Village, the following roads will be closed from 6 a.m. until midnight, due to Canada Day events:
- 8th Avenue S.E., from 4th Street S.E. to 6th Street S.E.
- 5th Street S.E., from 7th Avenue S.E. to 9th Avenue S.E.
- 6th Street S.E., from 8th Avenue S.E. to 9th Avenue S.E.
Calgary Public Library
Calgary's Central Library will hold free activities and programs throughout the afternoon, including a storytime, Indigenous dancing demonstrations and a citizenship ceremony for new Canadians.
All of the city's other library locations will be closed for the day, except in Rocky Ridge, which will be open for YMCA holiday hours.
Closed facilities
Many city facilities will be closed for Canada Day, including all arenas, indoor pools and fitness centres, the Southland and Village Square leisure centres, the Calgary Soccer Centre, the North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower arts centres and the animal services centres.
All registered programs, swimming lessons and drop-in programs typically scheduled for Tuesdays will not run on Canada Day.
Surrounding area
Many communities around Calgary are planning Canada Day events of their own.
Airdrie is hosting a parade, rodeo and fireworks display. Okotoks is planning a mobile obstacle course, a lineup of dance performances and its own fireworks show. Cochrane will host live entertainment and activities at Mitford Park, ending with fireworks.
Further west in Banff, Canada Day typically marks one of the town's busiest days of the year.
Its celebration includes a parade, a farmers' market running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a lineup for musicians and dancers, as well as lawn games and circus workshops.
In Canmore, the town's Nordic Ski Club is organizing a fun run and walk, while the town's annual parade will celebrate the area's plants and animals this year.