September might be one of the best months to get out and explore Calgary.
Summer isn’t quite over, fall is starting to creep in, and the city’s calendar is packed with festivals, foodie events, outdoor concerts, markets, movies, arts and culture, and some seriously fun one-off experiences.
This month you can see hot air balloons glow after dark, dance on three garden dance floors, eat your way through special restaurant dinners, catch free movies under the stars, explore Chinatown beneath hundreds of lanterns and kick off spooky season surrounded by thousands of glowing pumpkins.
We’ve rounded up more than 60 things happening in and around Calgary this September, including dates, locations, prices and links to help you make plans.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
A note on prices: Prices listed below were available at the time of publication. Taxes and ticketing fees may be additional, and dynamic or tiered ticket prices can change as events get closer.
FESTIVALS + BIG EVENTS
Calgary Pride Week
Calgary Pride takes over the city through the first week of September with performances, parties, community programming and celebrations leading up to the annual parade.
When: August 31–September 6
Where: Various Calgary locations
Price: Varies by event, with many free events
Fiesta Filipino
One of Calgary’s biggest celebrations of Filipino culture returns for four days of food, music, performances, vendors and family activities.
When: September 4–7
Where: Eau Claire Plaza
Price: Free
Afro Caribbean Festival YYC
Celebrate African and Caribbean cultures through live music, dance, food, art and community programming.
When: September 5–6
Where: ParkPlus Lot 6
Price: Free
DJ Trixie Mattel at Pride On The Island
Prince’s Island Park becomes one of the centres of Calgary Pride weekend.
Saturday brings a ticketed outdoor dance party, while Sunday shifts into a free, all-ages celebration.
When: September 5–6
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Price: Saturday ticketed; Sunday free
Calgary Pride Parade
Thousands of people are expected downtown for Calgary’s annual Pride Parade, travelling along 9th Avenue SW toward East Village.
When: September 6
Where: Downtown Calgary
Price: Free
The Masters at Spruce Meadows
Some of the world’s best show-jumping athletes and horses return to Calgary for five days of international competition.
Beyond the International Ring, expect more than 120 vendors and artists, international performers, the Blacksmith World Championships, food, a Kids’ Zone, live entertainment and even corgi and dachshund races.
When: September 9–13
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Price: Varies by day and ticket type
Chinatown Lantern Festival
Calgary’s Chinatown lights up beneath hundreds of lanterns for a free evening celebrating the neighbourhood and its culture.
Expect food, local vendors, entertainment and plenty to explore once the lanterns come on after dark.
When: September 12
Where: West side of the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, Chinatown
Price: Free
Franco Festival Calgary
Celebrate Calgary’s Francophone communities with two days of music, food, art, cultural programming and an outdoor movie.
When: September 11–12
Where: Cowboys Park
Price: Free
Something Wondrous
Taza Park hosts a free Indigenous music and culture festival featuring Indigenous musicians, a fashion showcase, an expanded artisan market, food trucks, traditional games and a Tsuut’ina-led workshop.
When: September 12, 12–5 PM
Where: Taza Park, 5894 Tsuut’ina Pkwy
Price: Free
Calgary Cat Festival + Market
Yes, Calgary has an entire festival for cat people.
The two-day event brings together local rescues, cat-themed vendors, activities and plenty of fellow feline enthusiasts.
When: September 12–13
Where: Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St SW
Price: Ticketed; prices vary by ticket type
Taste of Italy
Bridgeland goes Italian for the day with food, music, artisans, entertainment and activities including pizza making and grape stomping.
When: September 13
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave NE
Price: Free admission; food and purchases extra
FOOD + DRINK
BBQ on the Bow
Canada’s longest-running barbecue competition celebrates its 35th anniversary this September.
Competitive BBQ teams descend on Shriners Stables for the weekend, with public festivities including barbecue, entertainment and family activities.
When: September 4–6
Where: Shriners Stables, 5151 101 St NW
Price: Free public festivities
Calgary VegFest
Come hungry for a day dedicated to plant-based food, with vendors, speakers, community organizations and entertainment.
When: September 5
Where: Sunalta Community Hall
Price: Free
Zoo Brew
Explore the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo after hours while sampling drinks from more than 30 beverage vendors alongside food and entertainment.
When: September 11
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Price: General admission $99 + GST; VIP $139 + GST
Ages: 18+
Barley + Smoke
Local breweries and restaurants come together for an afternoon built around barbecue, beer, live music and raising money for Calgary charities.
When: September 12
Where: ENMAX Park
Price: $125 + tax
Food Truck Fall Fest
Food trucks, live music, a local market, face painting and a beer garden come together for an end-of-summer neighbourhood party.
When: September 13
Where: Killarney-Glengarry Hall, 2828 28 St SW
Price: Free admission; food and drinks extra
Rocky Mountain Wine + Food Festival
One of Alberta’s biggest food and drink tasting events has a new Calgary home this year.
Spruce Meadows becomes a huge tasting hall filled with wine, spirits, beer and bites from restaurants and food producers.
When: September 18–19
Where: Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Price: Varies by session and ticket type
Ages: 18+
Calgary’s Traditional Oktoberfest Party
Break out the lederhosen for an Oktoberfest celebration filled with German-inspired food, beer and entertainment.
When: September 18–19
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre
Price: $40 + fees
Calgary PMA Fall Harvest Sale
Stock the kitchen at this annual charitable produce sale featuring fresh fruit and vegetables.
Proceeds support organizations including the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
When: September 19–20
Where: BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE
Price: From $5
Dumpling Fest Calgary
This self-guided food crawl sends you around Calgary to try different interpretations of one of the world’s best comfort foods.
Participating restaurants serve tasting plates inspired by dumplings and filled bites from different cuisines.
When: September 23, 5–9 PM
Where: Participating Calgary restaurants
Price: Ticketed; current price varies by ticket release
Harvest Haus
Calgary’s Oktoberfest-style celebration returns for two nights of European beer, hearty food, live oompah bands, DJs and plenty of lederhosen.
When: September 25–26
Where: Big Four Roadhouse
Price: Regular GA $65 + taxes and fees
Ages: 18+
RESTAURANT EXPERIENCES
Old School Reggae Brunch
Modern Steak turns Sunday brunch into a Caribbean party with a specially created three-course menu from Chef Irie and classic reggae and dancehall from DJ Gummi.
When: September 6 at 12 PM
Where: Modern Steak, Stephen Avenue
Price: $59 per person
Sunday Cocktail Club at Off Cut Bar
Four cocktails meet four dishes during this intimate afternoon tasting experience inside Off Cut Bar at The Nash.
When: September 12 + 13 at 2 PM
Where: Off Cut Bar at The Nash
Price: $95 per person
Black Sheep Down Under at Oxbow
Oxbow hosts a five-course Australian-inspired dinner paired with Hugh Hamilton Wines.
Expect a playful menu inspired by familiar Australian flavours, accompanied by wines from the family-run producer.
When: September 15
Where: Oxbow, Hotel Arts Kensington
Price: $150 per person
Batasiolo Piedmont Wine Dinner
Hawthorn celebrates northern Italy with a four-course dinner paired with wines from Piedmont producer Batasiolo.
When: September 16
Where: Hawthorn Dining Room
Price: $140 per person
FinePrint x Famille Perrin Winemakers Dinner
FinePrint’s intimate Herald Room hosts Thomas Perrin of Château de Beaucastel for a multi-course dinner built around Famille Perrin wines.
When: September 16
Where: FinePrint
Price: $195 per person
Forage to Table at Rouge
One of the month’s most unusual foodie experiences starts outside the restaurant.
Guests head out for a guided foraging experience before returning to Rouge for a culinary demonstration, garden experience and four-course harvest-inspired dinner with pairings.
When: September 23
Where: Begins at Rouge, 1240 8 Ave SE
Price: $430 per person
FinePrint x Famiglia Cotarella Wine Dinner
FinePrint hosts another intimate winemaker evening, this time pairing a multi-course menu with wines from Italian producer Famiglia Cotarella.
When: September 23
Where: FinePrint
Price: $180 per person
FALL + AFTER DARK
GEMS JAM
Heritage Park is throwing a 1920s-inspired party after dark.
Dress up, ride the Midway under the stars, catch live music from Mariya Stokes and Devin Cooper and keep the party going inside Gasoline Alley until 1 AM.
When: September 12, 7:30 PM–1 AM
Where: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr SW
Price: $49.95
Ages: 18+
Zen Garden Festival
Waterfront Park transforms into three immersive garden dance floors for one huge end-of-summer party.
The music spans house, tech house, disco, hip-hop, soul and bass, with a lineup that includes Kenny Dope and Neon Steve.
When: September 12, 2–11 PM
Where: Waterfront Park, 5225 101 St NW
Price: Varies by ticket tier
Ages: 18+
Harvest Lights + Hot Air Balloon Glow
Calgary Farmyard is adding something completely new to Harvest Lights this year.
For two nights, hot air balloons join the thousands of lights illuminating the farm after dark. More than 40 attractions stay open, along with live music, pig races and a hot-air-balloon-themed corn maze that becomes a flashlight challenge after dark.
Balloon inflation is weather dependent. If conditions don’t allow full inflation, organizers plan a basket-and-burner Candlestick Glow instead.
When: September 18–19, 5:30–9:30 PM
Where: Calgary Farmyard, 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County
Price: $34.95 + GST
Deal: Groups of four or more save 10% until September 7
Advance tickets are required and tickets will not be sold at the gate.
Night Light
For three nights, Victoria Park becomes a walkable outdoor gallery filled with illuminated art.
Expect projections, interactive installations, light-based artwork and live performances throughout the district.
When: September 24–26, 6–11 PM
Where: Victoria Park / Central Memorial Park area
Price: Free
Pumpkins After Dark
Thousands of glowing pumpkins and illuminated displays take over WinSport as Calgary heads into spooky season.
The outdoor walk includes elaborate pumpkin scenes, live carving, entertainment, photo opportunities and seasonal treats without turning into a jump-scare haunted house.
When: September 25–October 31
Where: WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW
Price: Varies by date and timed entry
Parking: Free
FREE THINGS TO DO
Alberta Culture Days Family Music Celebration
Studio Bell’s PlayLab becomes a hands-on music playground for the weekend with live music, rhythm games, sound experiments and singalongs.
When: September 5–6, 10:30 AM–4:30 PM
Where: Studio Bell, 850 4 St SE
Price: Free
Calgary on Purpose
Spend an evening at Contemporary Calgary hearing stories, music and ideas about Calgary and the people helping shape it.
September’s lineup includes author Will Ferguson, country-pop artist Alexandria Hughes and aerospace physiology researcher Katie Samoil, with Dave Kelly hosting.
When: September 9, 7–9 PM
Where: Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St SW
Price: Free
Cinema on 17th
Outdoor movie season isn’t finished yet.
Tomkins Park hosts 11 free screenings over three days, along with entertainment and a Saturday morning cartoon program.
When: September 11–13
Where: Tomkins Park
Price: Free
Sherwood Multicultural Festival
Spend the day celebrating Calgary’s cultural diversity with live music, dance performances, food and kids’ activities.
When: September 12, 10 AM–3 PM
Where: Green space between Sherwood Blvd and Sherwood Mount NW
Price: Free
Calgary Curbside Treasure Hunt
One person’s clutter might be someone else’s find.
Calgarians put unwanted but usable items at the curb marked “free” during this city-wide weekend of neighbourhood treasure hunting.
When: September 12–13
Where: Participating neighbourhoods city-wide
Price: Free
Phil in the Park
Pack a blanket and head to Prince’s Island Park for an afternoon with the Calgary Philharmonic.
The free outdoor concert brings orchestral music out of the concert hall and into one of Calgary’s favourite parks.
When: September 13, 2–4 PM
Where: ENMAX Stage, Prince’s Island Park
Price: Free
Dos Leches Vol. 11
The final Dos Leches event of the 2026 season brings DJs, artists, food trucks and an outdoor party to The Confluence.
When: September 19, 3–10 PM
Where: The Confluence Historic Site + Parkland
Price: Free
Alcove Fest
Alcove takes things outside for an afternoon of local art, live music, public dance, vendors, food trucks, lawn games and a pop-up graffiti wall.
When: September 20, 2–7 PM
Where: Alcove Beltline / BLOX Arts Centre, 838 11 Ave SW
Price: Free
Lantern-Fest
Not to be confused with the Chinatown Lantern Festival earlier in the month, this Culture Days event explores lantern traditions from around the world through illuminated art, crafts and cultural activities.
When: September 26
Where: 32 Street SE
Price: Free
MARKETS + LOCAL
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
Calgary’s longest-running farmers’ market continues through September with farmers, local vendors, live music, community booths and food trucks.
When: September 2, 9, 16, 23 + 30, 3–7 PM
Where: Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association, 1320 5 Ave NW
Price: Free admission
Inglewood Night Market
Shop local makers, grab something from a food truck and catch live entertainment in the heart of Inglewood.
When: September 4 + 11
Where: 10 Ave + 10 St SE, Inglewood
Price: Free admission
Markets in the Plaza
Heritage Park Plaza hosts a pet-friendly market with local vendors, food and entertainment.
You don’t need admission to the Historical Village to shop the market.
When: September 5 + 12
Where: Heritage Park Plaza, 1900 Heritage Dr SW
Price: Free admission
Easy Days Market + Night of Icons
A local market meets Pride celebration at River Hall with vendors, DJs, live music, drag performances and interactive extras.
When: September 6
Where: River Hall
Price: Free
The Barn After Dark
Shawnessy Barn stays open late for an evening market with local vendors, food trucks, drinks and live music.
When: September 11
Where: Shawnessy Barn, 224 Shawmeadows Rd SW
Price: Free admission
International Avenue Art Walk
International Avenue becomes an outdoor gallery for the day with artists, demonstrations, cultural performances and local markets.
When: September 13
Where: International Avenue
Price: Free
4th Street Night Market
Central Memorial Park becomes an evening market filled with food, local finds and vendors in the middle of the Beltline.
When: September 19
Where: Central Memorial Park, 1221 2 St SW
Price: Free
East Side Studio Crawl
Artists throughout Ramsay and Inglewood open their studios to the public for a self-guided neighbourhood crawl.
It’s a chance to meet Calgary artists, see where they work and explore two of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods.
When: September 19
Where: Ramsay + Inglewood
Price: Free
FAMILY THINGS TO DO
Halloweekends at Calaway Park
Halloween arrives early at Calaway Park with seasonal decorations, characters and family-friendly Halloween activities alongside the park’s rides.
When: Weekends beginning September 5
Where: Calaway Park
Price: Included with applicable park admission
Monster Jam
Grave Digger and a lineup of 12,000-pound monster trucks take over GMC Stadium for a weekend of racing, two-wheel skills and huge freestyle stunts.
When: September 11–13
Where: GMC Stadium
Price: Varies by performance and seat
Calgary Farmyard Fall Days
Pumpkin season begins at Calgary Farmyard with its corn maze, animals, giant slides, mini golf, jumping pillows and dozens of farm attractions.
When: September 11–October 25
Where: Calgary Farmyard, 284022 Township Rd 224, Rocky View County
Price: Varies by date and purchase method
RBC Race for the Kids
Run or walk a 6K route at Heritage Park while raising money for youth mental health.
Registration includes the race, a pancake breakfast and a day at Heritage Park.
When: September 13
Where: Heritage Park
Price: Registration required; current race pricing varies
Railway Days
Heritage Park celebrates Canada’s railway history with a weekend of special programming devoted to the trains and people that helped connect Western Canada.
When: September 19–20
Where: Heritage Park
Price: Included with applicable Heritage Park admission unless otherwise noted
ARTS + CULTURE
FascinAsian Film Festival: The Wedding Banquet
FascinAsian celebrates Culture Days with a screening of The Wedding Banquet, the contemporary reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 film.
When: September 9
Where: Calgary Central Library
Price: Free
Honens Festival
Four days of piano and chamber music programming bring acclaimed musicians to venues around Calgary.
When: September 10–13
Where: Various Calgary venues
Price: Mix of free and ticketed performances
Indonesian X Moonlight Cultural Festival
Head to the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre for an evening celebrating Indonesian culture and Mid-Autumn traditions through food, art and performance.
When: September 11
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Price: Free
& Juliet
What if Juliet hadn’t died at the end of Romeo and Juliet?
The hit Broadway musical reimagines what comes next, backed by a soundtrack filled with familiar pop songs.
When: September 15–20
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Varies by performance and seat
Calgary International Film Festival
Alberta’s largest film festival returns with feature films and shorts from Canada and around the world, plus filmmaker Q&As, special events and industry programming.
When: September 24–October 4
Where: Various Calgary cinemas and venues
Price: Varies by screening and pass
Alberta Ballet: Giselle
Alberta Ballet opens its 60th anniversary season with one of classical ballet’s most famous works.
When: September 24–26
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Varies by performance and seat
Little Shop of Horrors
Theatre Calgary brings the cult musical comedy about a struggling flower-shop employee and one very hungry plant to the stage.
When: September 29–October 25
Where: Max Bell Theatre
Price: Varies by performance and seat
Pokaiks 10th Annual Walk + Gathering
On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Calgarians are invited to walk together to honour children past, present and future.
When: September 30
Where: Peace Bridge to Contemporary Calgary
Price: Free
CONCERTS + SHOWS
How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert
Watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 on the big screen while the Calgary Philharmonic performs John Powell’s score live.
When: September 4–5
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Varies by seat
UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony
The music of UNDERTALE gets the full symphonic treatment as a live orchestra performs selections from the game alongside visuals.
When: September 6
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Varies by seat
Lyle Lovett and His Small Large Band
Lyle Lovett brings his distinctive mix of country, folk, jazz and Americana to Calgary for one night.
When: September 9
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Varies by seat
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
The Calgary Philharmonic celebrates Dolly Parton’s music with guest vocalists and musicians, while Dolly herself appears on screen.
When: September 11
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
Price: Varies by seat
José González
Swedish singer-songwriter José González brings his intimate acoustic sound to The Palace Theatre.
When: September 13
Where: The Palace Theatre
Price: Varies by ticket type
Bahamas
Canadian singer-songwriter Bahamas brings his laid-back indie-folk sound to the Jack Singer Concert Hall.
When: September 21
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
Price: Varies by seat
Bring Me The Horizon
The British rock band brings its huge live show to the Saddledome.
When: September 24
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
Price: Varies by seat
Journey: Final Frontier Tour
Journey brings its Final Frontier Tour to Calgary for a night of arena-sized classics.
When: September 26
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
Price: Varies by seat
Big Thief
Indie rock favourites Big Thief bring their Somersault Slide 360 Tour to Calgary.
When: September 28
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Price: Varies by seat
WORTH THE DRIVE
Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
Head south to High River to watch hot air balloon pilots from Canada and beyond take to the skies.
Flights are weather dependent, so timing can change depending on conditions.
When: September 23–27
Where: High River
Price: Free to watch; individual activities may vary
SAVE THIS CALGARY SEPTEMBER GUIDE
And that’s more than 60 reasons to make September plans.
From massive festivals and foodie events to tiny Culture Days finds, restaurant dinners, free outdoor concerts, neighbourhood markets and fall experiences, there’s a lot happening around Calgary this month.
We’ll continue updating this guide as new events, pop-ups and restaurant experiences are announced, so bookmark it and check back throughout September.
Looking for plans every weekend?
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