Where and how to celebrate Canada Day 2025 in Calgary

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.

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.

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.

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.