Where Creativity Comes to Life: Calgary Culture Days 2025

This September, explore the creative heart of our city during Calgary Culture Days 2025. From September 1 to 30 celebrate the rich diversity of arts, culture and community spirit that make Calgary such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Celebrated since 2014, Calgary Culture Days features a wide range of events across the city, including cultural festivals, live music, theatre, workshops, film screenings, artist talks, interactive exhibits and more. Whether downtown or in your neighbourhood, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

"Calgary Culture Days is more than a celebration. It is a reflection of who we are as a city," said Franca Gualtieri, Manager of Arts and Culture at The City of Calgary. "This annual month-long event invites us to experience new perspectives, connect with our communities and support the artists, performers and creators who help bring Calgary to life."

New for 2025: Calgary Culture Days Microgrant

This year marked the launch of the inaugural Calgary Culture Days Microgrant, a new City initiative aimed at activating Calgary’s greater downtown with local arts and cultural programming during September. Twenty local organizations received microgrant funding to support everything from pop-up performances and art exhibitions to cultural workshops and festivals.

The goal of the microgrant is to make arts and culture more accessible and visible in the downtown core, while fostering collaboration and creative exchange among local artists, communities and cultural groups. The funding was provided through an investment received from Council to implement the Downtown Safety Leadership Team recommendations (recommendation #8), supporting efforts to revitalize Calgary’s downtown through a variety of Arts & Culture grant programs.

"The Culture Days microgrant made it possible for LOUD Art Society to present our very first group exhibition in 10 years of operations—something that could not have occurred at this scale without their support,” said Tara Vahab, Executive Director, LOUD Art Society. “This funding allowed us to reach a larger audience, celebrate community through art and healing, and foster new partnerships and collaborations that will carry forward beyond the event. We’re deeply grateful for the Culture Days support and thrilled to present Unity in Diversity: A Decade of Art and Healing exhibition throughout the month of September."

Calgary Culture Days is aligned with provincial and national Culture Days celebrations but is locally driven, showcasing the unique people, places and stories that shape our city. The wide range of events happening throughout the month reflect Calgary’s diversity and foster inclusion, connection and creativity for people of all ages.

The festivities kick off early on Saturday, August 30 with the return of Music on the Avenue featuring Amy Hef, Stephen Fletcher, Tayo G and Robert Adam. Enjoy the sounds of local live music on Stephen Ave from 12 to 1:40 p.m. outside of the Palace Theatre (219 8 Ave SW).

To see what is happening throughout the month, visit calgary.ca/CultureDays for a full list of events. Let’s come together to celebrate what makes Calgary... Calgary. #YYCculturedays

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