Family Day is coming up on Monday, Feb. 16 — and what better way to celebrate than with a tour of Calgary’s National Music Centre?
Although admission to the living museum is usually ticketed, the National Music Centre will offer free access to Calgarians on Family Day, giving you the opportunity to take a blast through the past of Canada’s vibrant music history.
At the National Music Centre, there are hands-on activities that allow you to engage with instruments, exhibitions on each level, and a collection of stage outfits from some of Canada’s most iconic music talent — including Avril Lavigne, k.d. lang, Michael Bublé, Nickelback, Sum 41, and more.
The National Music Centre encourages you to spend the day at Studio Bell, with free admission and live performances from local Calgary synth-pop band BETABOYS. Here’s what else to expect at this beloved annual event.
A beloved tradition
Visiting Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, for free on Family Day has become a beloved annual tradition in Calgary. This is a fantastic place to bring your little ones to experience a full day of creative enrichment with music as a focus.
This year’s celebration will feature a wide array of all-ages activities. According to a press release from NMC, there will be an ‘80s costume contest, a kids jam on the main floor, an interactive scavenger hunt where families can explore the museum while completing creative challenges, awe-inspiring demonstrations of the Kimball Theatre Organ, and performances by Sheldon Zandboer playing the songs of Oscar Peterson in tribute to NMC’s latest exhibition, “Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson.”
Five floors of exhibitions will also be open, celebrating Canada’s musical legacy — including a recent exhibition spotlighting 2025 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees and Ajax punk rockers Sum 41.
Meaningful moments through music
“Family Day at Studio Bell is about creating meaningful moments through music,” said Andrew Mosker, president and CEO of the National Music Centre, in a press release. “Every year, we bring generations together to explore, play, and celebrate Canada’s incredible musical story, and we’re excited to invite Calgarians back for another memorable day together.”
If you haven’t had your fill from a full day of fun at the National Music Centre, you can wander to the King Eddy across the street to hear a free, all-ages performance from acoustic ukulele duo The Crickettes.
Free admission will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, and you can snag an annual membership to the National Music Centre at 50 per cent off for the day.
Fun, free and musical: what’s not to love? Head to Studio Bell this Feb. 16 for an experience your family won’t soon forget!
When: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre — 850 4th St. SE, Calgary
Tickets: Free
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.
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