10 things to do in and around Calgary this week (Sept. 8 to 11)

Calgary has plenty going on this week, with all kinds of fun events happening around the city. From outdoor movie nights and live music to theatre and festivals, there’s something happening pretty much everywhere you look. And to save you from scrolling through endless event listings, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best things happening in and around the city this week.

Theatre Calgary is kicking off its 2026-2027 season with First Metis Man of Odesa, a true story about love, distance and war. The play follows Metis playwright Matthew Mackenzie and Ukrainian actor Mariya Khomutova as they bring their own pandemic-era love story to the stage, set against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7 p.m.
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 220 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $30

The annual ‘Masters’ tournament is returning to Spruce Meadows this week with five days of international show jumping, live entertainment and activities for the whole family. You can watch top-level competitions throughout the grounds, browse local vendors and catch live performances happening throughout the tournament.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 9 to Sunday. Sept. 13, 2026
Time: Times vary each day
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $26.98

If you’ve ever wanted to pick up an instrument and see what you can do, this is your chance. Studio Bell is hosting an Instrument Petting Zoo, where you can get hands-on with a variety of different instruments, from strings and percussion to winds and more. No musical experience is needed, and the event is open to all ages.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Studio Bell – 850 4th St. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $16.50

You can catch the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra under the open sky at Alpine Park’s this week. The free evening event will have food trucks and other treats available from 6 p.m., followed by the orchestra’s performance at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy some tunes.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Alpine Park – 535 Alpine Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free

Take a walk through East Village and hear about some of the people, places and events that shaped part of this city. The tour explores the neighbourhood’s early red-light district, along with stories involving bootleggers, brothels, backroom deals and riots.

When: Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland – 750 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $35 plus fees

You can meet some of Alberta’s wildest residents at the Alberta Biodiversity Festival at the Calgary Zoo. The festival includes live animal presentations, wildlife encounters and conservation displays. You can also get up close with a peregrine falcon, Alberta’s fastest animal, and meet other wildlife ambassadors throughout the festival.

When: Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, Alta
Cost: General admission starting at $36.95

A free outdoor movie series is taking over 17th Avenue, with 11 films playing on a giant screen at Tomkins Park from Sept. 11 to 13. The lineup includes Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Frozen, Moulin Rouge, Saturday Night Fever, and The Princess Bride, along with a new Saturday morning cartoon package featuring animated shorts and classic cartoons.

When: Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Tomkins Park – 7th St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free

Monster Jam is rolling into the city this week with three days of massive trucks, big jumps and plenty of noise. You can watch drivers take on freestyle, racing, skills and the two-wheel competition, with trucks including Graveyard Digger and Megalodon hitting the dirt.

There will also be a Pit Party before the shows, where you can get a closer look at the trucks and meet the drivers.

When: Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: GMC Stadium – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $37.50

The Calgary Zoo is opening its gates for an adults-only night where you can explore the zoo after hours while enjoying live music, local drinks and food vendors. You can find over 20 breweries spread throughout the space, with different drinks to sample as you make your way around the grounds.

When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $99 plus GST

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is teaming up with guest vocalists and musicians for an evening of Dolly Parton’s music at the Jack Singer Hall. Alongside the live performances, Dolly appears on screen to share the stories behind songs like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colours,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 225 8th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $58

Have a great week, Calgary!

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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