Culture, life and sports in Calgary

Calgary is not the cultural city par excellence; Calgarians are more oriented towards outdoor or sporting activities.

Festivals in Calgary

Many festivals take place as soon as the summer weather returns. Among the best known are:

• Calgary Stampede: The city is best known for its cowboy atmosphere in July, when Calgary hosts one of the most important rodeo festivals in North America for ten days. This event brings together thousands of spectators. At this time of year, the city lives through its festival, which transforms and enlivens the streets with a parade, rodeos, free pancake breakfasts, shows and more!
• The Calgary Folk Music Festival: Takes place after the Stampede at the end of July at Prince’s Island Park
• Beakerhead: At the crossroads of the arts, sciences and technology. It takes place in September in the form of installations, experiences in the city, concerts, etc.
• Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo: Celebrates North American pop culture and takes place in April
• Fringe Festival: Annual theatre festival that takes place in August
• Calgary International Film Festival: For 12 days in September, over 200 genres of films from over 100 different countries are celebrated.

Art and culture in Calgary

Walking around Calgary, you will come across works of art displayed in public spaces, such as Wonderland, the work of sculptor Jaume Pensa (located in front of The Bow building, the tallest in the city), or the world’s tallest mural.

The Glenbow Museum is Calgary’s must-see art and history museum. This museum has the largest collection in Western Canada.
Note: Being renovated until 2026. You can visit the satellite gallery, Glenbow at the Edison, in the meantime.

Calgary’s Opera House has a rich program of music and entertainment throughout the year. Music lovers will also want to check out Studio Bell, which offers different activities: exhibitions, shows, educational programming and a visit to the Canadian Music Halls of Fame.

Gasoline Alley Museum is an antique car and train museum located within Heritage Park.

Public libraries

Public libraries offer many helpful services free of charge, and it is easy to register. The library card is free for residents of Calgary.

Sports in Calgary

Calgary is mainly focused on winter sports, following the 1988 Winter Olympics, and because of its proximity to the mountains.

The Calgary ice hockey team is the pride of the city! To see The Flames play, you will have to go to the Scotiabank Saddledome, the largest arena in Western Canada. On game nights, Calgarians gather in bars to cheer on their team while wearing Flames jerseys. You’ll see many cars around Calgary with the Flames flag hanging, or city buses announcing “Go Flames Go.”