We know, we know. It’s hard to believe that Fall is nearly here – but it’s not all bad! While summer is THE season, Autumn arrives on the back of some incredibly exciting events, markets, concerts and more! Don’t believe us? Here are 40 incredible things to do in Calgary this September. It’s going to be a good one, friends! We can feel it.
EVENTS, MARKETS AND FOOD FESTIVALS
INDULGE IN LE BURGER WEEK
We hope you’ve got a pair of clean stretchy pants, friends, because Canada’s tastiest festival, Le Burger Week, is back with a special plant-based edition! From local bars to cafes Calgary is in for one last week of some wildly tasty creations and we couldn’t be more excited. Bon Appetit, friends!
When: Thursday, September 1st – 14th
CELEBRATE CALGARY PRIDE 2022
Don’t miss it, folks! From humble beginnings to thousands of allies, participants, and leaders, Calgary’s Pride is easily one of the most vibrant occasions of the entire year. From inspirational speakers to parties, and more, there are a ton of incredible events happening in and around Calgary in celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ community!
When: Until September 5th
Where: Various locations
Cost: FREE+
ATTEND DANDYFEST 2022
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Food, drinks and live music? Summer might feel like it’s winding down, but we’re still in the thick of celebratory season and September’s DandyFest in Calgary is bringing all of the good stuff. Don’t miss it!
When: Saturday, September 17th
Where: 2003 11 Street Southeast, Calgary
Time: Session 1 – 11am to 3pm | Session 2 – 4pm to 8pm
Cost: $48.76
SHOP THE FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET
Whether you’re a foodie, love shopping local, or are just looking to get some fresh air off of the Stampede grounds– this artisan market will be THE place! Support the community in a safe and fun environment and grab some grub at the food trucks!
When: Every Saturday
Where: 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Cost: FREE
ATTEND THE COCHRANE LABOUR DAY PARADE
Floats, performers and more! This Labour Day check head over to Cochrane for their annual Parade, which kicks off at 10 am sharp. Bring your fold-out chairs, your families and a smile and enjoy a colourful morning in the streets!
When: Monday, September 5th
Where: See route here
Time: Pre-parade 9 am | Main event 10 am
Cost: FREE
THE INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
This sunny season vendors from all over the city will gather again for the beloved Inglewood Night Market! Here, you can check out their beer garden, food trucks, live music, and the many, MANY dogs that fellow attendees will be walking through the area. Enjoy!
When: Friday, September 9th and 16th
Where: 925 11 St SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Cost: FREE
HAVE A STINKING GOOD TIME AT GARLIC FEST
With a clove in every colour, sink your teeth into everything from garlic bread to garlic pizza at this deliciously potent food festival! No, it’s probably not the BEST first-date destination, but it will be pretty interesting, especially if you like to cook – so check it out!
When: Saturday, September 10th – 11th
Where: 226066 112 Street W, Foothills No. 31, AB
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $15+
THE 4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET
Brought to life by the folks behind the Inglewood market, guests from all over the city are will be able to head over to the community of Mission to shop, eat, drink and explore at a similar event.
When: Saturday, September 10th
Where: 4th Street at Elbow Drive SW
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEKEND’S AT CALAWAY PARK
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Looking to do something a little more fast-paced or spooky to end the summer? Adrenaline junkies prepare yourselves because Calaway Park has announced the return of Halloweekend, a series of ‘terrifying’ events for you and the whole family. Mask up and head out for a full day of sun, fun, parades, witchy meet and greets and of course, cheap and delicious carnival food.
When: Weekends from September 10th – October 10th
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Cost: $47.95+
SINK YOUR TEETH INTO CALGARY’S PIZZA FEST
No matter the day or the occasion – we’re always in the mood for carby deliciousness covered in cheese and sauce. If you’re like us and just can’t get enough of the good stuff, unhinge your jaws because YYC Pizza Fest is coming, and with it, a spotlight on some of the city’s best thin crust, deep dish, topping-heavy restaurants, and their most inventive slices!
When: Friday, September 16th – October 2nd
CHECK OUT THE SUMMER EVENT SERIES ON 17TH
From still walkers and aerialists, to drag royalty and local musicians – 17th Avenue is in the thick of its 2022 summer series with a ton of fun to come! This month, enjoy one of their many events which include movies in the park, fitness classes and more. For a full itinerary, check out the link above and enjoy!
When: Until September 21st
Where: 17 Ave. & 8 St. S.W, Calgary
Cost: FREE
ATTEND THE GRAND REOPENING OF COWBOYS DANCE HALL
Known as the city’s most ‘legendary nightclub,’ Cowboys shut down in March of 2020 and has practically had bachelorettes and university students and on the edge of their seats ever since. This September, attend their grand reopening as they breathe life back into the place and maybe have a few drinks in celebration of it – just be safe, smart and prepared!
When: September 2022
Where: 421 12 Ave SE, Calgary
EAT APPLE EVERYTHING AT GRANARY ROAD
This month, slip on a pair of booties then head over to one of Calgary’s favourite fun farms for Applefest, a pie-heavy day of ooey-gooey goodness, cinnamon and excitement. Featuring wild apple-based foods, jams, ciders and more this sweet festival, will not be one to miss. It’s going to be delish!
When: Saturday, September 24th – 25th
Where: 226066 112 St W, Foothills County, AB
WANDER AN AFTER-DARK PUMPKIN DISPLAY
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And so it begins! Halloween is only weeks away and it all kicks off this week with Pumpkins After Dark – a one-of-a-kind event featuring more gourds that you could bake, carve or bash in an entire lifetime.
When: Thursday, September 22nd – October 31st
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Time: See times above
Cost: $21.05
ENJOY THE HERITAGE INN BALLOON FESTIVAL
Air balloons are incredibly cool and probably on almost everyone’s bucket lists, regardless of the season. This month “oooh and ahh” while giant inflatables float peacefully overhead and get up close and personal with the balloons at The Heritage Inn Balloon Festival.
When: Wednesday, September 21st – 25th
Where: MacLeod Tr SW, High River
Time: See times here
Cost: FREE
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
TEE OFF AT LAUNCHPAD GOLF
Modelled after TopGolf in the States, Launchpad is the first of its kind in all of Canada. This month, grab a drink, a few friends, and tee off from one of their bays. You know what they say! Practice makes perfect – but practice tastes a whole lot better with a beer.
Where: Mickelson National Golf Club – 34122 East Harmony Trail
Cost: $70+
GO DOWNHILL GO-KARTING
A little competition never hurt anybody, right? This month, proceed with caution to Winsport Canada and go head to head on their 1,800 meters downhill go-kart track! The ‘loser’ buys the other a drink afterward!
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary
Cost: $6+
CHASE SOME WATERFALLS
There’s nothing like a waterfall to stop you dead in your tracks. This September, head to the mountains and ogle at some of the most beautiful – not just in the province, but in the entire country! Hit the link above for our favourites.
SKATE PARK’S RETRO ROLLER RINK
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The sun is in the sky and Calgary’s Deerfoot city wants to let the good times roll – in the literal sense! This September, lace into a pair of skates and glide the new retro roller rink at the third annual Block Party in partnership with the art-forward organization, PARK.
Where: 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
WANDER AN ALBERTA GHOST TOWN
No matter the time of year, exploring abandoned (and possibly haunted) ghost towns around Alberta makes for a solid adventure. From mining towns and mountain settlements to a town sitting at the bottom of a lake, this province is filled with historical hamlets from a time gone by. Check out the link above for 15 ghoulish ghost towns in Alberta that you can actually visit this fall!
FLOAT THE BOW
What’s the best way to cool off this month? Well by floating the Bow or the Elbow, of course! Grab your pals, a dingy, and some snacks then hit either of Calgary’s winding rivers. Kick back and enjoy the warmth on your face and the water on your toes on an obligatory sunny day adventure.
VISIT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
This September, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Whether you check them out for one of their many adult nights or just go during regular hours, you and yours are bound to have a ton of fun at Cobb’s Adventure Park.
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Cost: $19.75+
WANDER THE NIKKA YUKO GARDEN
Lethbridge’s Iconic Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in not just Alberta, but all of North America. This month, grab the hand of someone special and wander through fields of flowers, trees, and beautifully cut grass of Nikka Yuko.
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Cost: $8+
PARTY AT HOTEL ARTS
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This month, hit Calgary’s ultimate pool party destinations for sun, fun, and on occasion – live music! Re-open to the public now, Hotel Arts will be THE place to wind down and catch a tan after work,
Where: 119 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB
Cost: $20
CLIMB THE ROCKIES
Face your fears and take a thrilling tour of the Rocky Mountains! This month, Albertans of all skill levels can swing, repel and climb their way through the beautiful backcountry with the help of a certified instructor. Why? How about why not?
When: Offered until October
Where: Box 2474 Jasper, AB Canada
Cost: $325
TAKE A LAKE MINNEWANKA CRUISE
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a cruise! This September, climb aboard an hour-long tour of one of Alberta’s most beautiful lakes for everything from dinner and drink tours to sightseeing sails.
When: Until October
Where: Lake Minnewanka, 10 mins outside Banff
Cost: $46 +
EXPLORE THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELD SKYWALK
Do look down! Up above the world so high, Albertans are encouraged to explore the one-of-a-kind Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Experience a little bit of everything the Rockies have to offer from its wildlife, mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and history all from 918 feet in the air.
When: Open until October
Where: Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12
Cost: $25+
GO FALL GLAMPING
Need a break from reality? Why not go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars? This September, check out one of the many incredible glampsites in and around Alberta. It’s high time we all get some fresh air, don’t you think?
RE-CENTER WITH AN OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS
Inhale, exhale, stretch and sweat at an all-ages free Yoga class in Stanley Park – after all, there’s really no better way to spend an afternoon than by winding down and breathing in some fresh air with your toes in the grass.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 1300 12 Street Northeast
Time: 1 pm
RENT A SCOOTER AND CRUISE BANFF
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Can’t afford Italy – but long for Euro-type travel, scenic views, and historic streets? This season, rev a two-wheeler and cruise Alberta’s favourite national park on a unique scooter tour of the area. There’s really nothing like feeling the mountain wind through your hair.
Where: 327 Railway Avenue, Banff, AB
Cost: $50+
ARTS, CONCERTS, SPORTS & CULTURE
CHECK OUT THE ALBERTA DAY KICKOFF PARTY
Get ready to party! In celebration of the first-ever Alberta Day, Calgary will host a huge kick-off that will feature a beer garden, food trucks, a kids’ corner, a marketplace and performances by Wyatt C. Louis, Ben Crane, Natural Twenty and Mocking Shadows. You won’t want to miss it!
When: Friday, September 2nd
Where: 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
ALBERTA DAY WRAP-UP PARTY
We hope you’ve got energy, folks, because Saturday, September 3rd is going to be a big one! Featuring performances by the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance group, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, ZENON+, Amy Hef and many more – guests will be able to hit the beer gardens, the food trucks, walk around a marketplace and can catch a pyrotechnics show at 9:30 pm
When: Saturday, September 3rd
Where: 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW, Calgary
When: starts at 12 pm
ENJOY A FREE BRETT KISSEL CONCERT
Big deal, Alberta! This September, catch fellow Albertan Brett Kissel as he helps wrap up our first ABD celebration series, in BOTH Calgary and Edmonton! You won’t want to miss it!
When: Saturday, September 3rd
Where: 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW, Calgary
When: 2 pm – 3 pm
CHEER ON THE STAMPS AT THE LABOUR DAY CLASSIC
It’s tradition! This upcoming month watch as the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks go head to head in an annual battle of Alberta. For more information or to snag your tickets, head over to the link above! It’s going to be a good game!
When: Monday, September 5th
Where: 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary
Time: 2:30 pm
Cost: $42+
EXPERIENCE THE 2022 LANTERN FESTIVAL
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Held the day before China’s annual Mid-Autumn celebration, this event will see food trucks, vendors and performers – as well as traditional displays and music. The very best part? It’s totally FREE to attend and guests are encouraged to bring their own lanterns in participation!
When: Friday, September 9th
Where: 2nd Ave SW and Daqing Square
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: FREE
WATCH LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
“Omigod, Ohmigod you guys!” it’s that time! Based on the beloved film, Legally Blonde the Musical follows Elle – an underestimated student who gets into Harvard Law School after an unexpected breakup. This production is catchy, makes you feel good and it’s local so don’t miss it!
When: Until Saturday, September 10th
Where: 375 Bermuda Drive NW, Calgary
Cost: $27+
OR POTTED POTTER
Described as an unauthorized experience, this award-winning parody created by the BBC’s Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner combines all seven of the beloved book Harry Potter series into 70 hilarious minutes that are sure to delight fans of all ages. It’ll be absurd, but you won’t want to miss it!
When: September 13th – 25th
Where: 215 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: $42.95
HIT THE FIRST-EVER ZEN GARDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
With two immersive stages located on Calgary’s Bow River Waterfront, Zen Fest is described as an “end-of-summer gathering” with a dancefloor, a licensed cantina serving beer, wine, and spirits, art installations, and some of your favourite food trucks. Hit the link above for their first-ever lineup!
When: Saturday, September 17th
Where: Waterfront Park -5225 101 St NW, Calgary
Cost: $55+
POP SOME CORN IN CELEBRATION OF CIFF 2022
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This September, pop some corn, settle in and check out a flick or two that your favourite streaming service hasn’t even gotten its hands on yet. The Calgary International Film Festival is nearly here and this year’s lineup is just as impressive as you’d expect. Check it out at the link above!
When: Thursday, September 22nd – October 2nd
Time: See times above
Cost: $13.50+
SPONSORED PICKS
CHECK OUT CALGARY’S EXPRESSTIVAL
Explore local art in a way you have never experienced before! This Sept 10th, in partnership with the Downtown Association, ART SPOT is throwing a massive freeform art event in downtown Calgary! This interactive exhibition will feature nearly one hundred local artists, showcasing their art in an experimental, freeform environment. Artists are given a space to express themselves, in way of performance, exhibition, installation, demos, workshops and so much more.
This inclusive event was free for artists to register and will feature all types of artists from all walks of life. Our goal is to break down barriers by providing an accessible platform for artists to interact with the greater community. Artists are encouraged to express themselves without boundaries and to create connections with the people of Calgary.
When: Saturday, September 10th
Where: Lot 6 311 8th Street SW, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 8 pm
CHECK OUT BEAKERHEAD
Calgary’s beloved celebration of art, science and engineering is back this fall! Plus, admission is FREE for everything except the Dark Arts After Party. And if you know Beakerhead, you know tickets go FAST! So check the listings for this year’s party and make your plans now!
When: Friday, September 23rd – 25th
Where: Telus Spark, Century Gardens, The Dark Arts YYC and Dickens Pub
Cost: Almost all of the events this year are FREE! Tickets to the Dark Arts After Party are $15. Check their website for all the event details!
Whew! That’s it, friends! 40 things to do this September in Calgary! Looks pretty dang good, doesn’t it? Enjoy, have fun and be safe out there, friends!
