The best live music to catch in Calgary this September

The leaves have already started to turn in Calgary, and there’s a distinct chill in the air. You know what that means: time to add some layers and a concert ticket or two to your pocket. Better yet, make it 10. We scoured the city for the best live music this September ’25 season. From video game symphony orchestras to old-school hip-hop, soul-bearing folk and murky industrial EDM, there’s a healthy mix for everyone to enjoy. Plus, what better time than now to partake in some seasonally-appropriate post-punk?

Don your goth boots and get ready to dress in black again. The witching hour is nigh, and this collection of shows is sure to set the mood.

You can celebrate the end of summer, Stardew Valley style, with an orchestral performance of the popular video game’s seasonally themed soundtrack.

When: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: $87

For fans of: Koji Kondo, Mort Garson
Recommended listening: Stardew Valley (Original Game Soundtrack)

Musician Cam Findlay’s (formerly the drummer of Crystal Castles) new project, Kontravoid, sounds like it belongs on a haunted 1980s cassette tape. With dark industrial and new wave influences, Findlay’s voice echoes in the cadence of an underwater, muted scream. Donning a creepy, white mask during his live show, Kontravoid’s appearance in Calgary is bound to be equally weird and fantastical.

When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Dickens — Lower 1000 9th Ave. SW
Cost: $30

For fans of: Depeche Mode, DEBBY FRIDAY
Recommended listening: Detachment (2024); “Losing Game”

L.A.-based indie rock project L.A. Witch breathe effortless cool. The all-women rock trio are masters of jangly guitars, goth rock-infused riffs and sultry, offhand lyrics. The sound meets at the convergence of Joy Division and Siouxsie Sioux, but with a distinctly modern take that speaks to the zillennial urge to burn it all down.

When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Palomino Smokehouse — 109 7th Ave. SW
Cost: $28

For fans of: New Order, Joy Division, Preoccupations
Recommended listening: DOGGOD (2025); “777“; “Kiss Me Deep”

Public Enemy were included in 2023’s Grammy salute to 50 years of hip-hop, alongside greats like Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Method Man and Salt-N-Pepa. With acknowledgement like that, Public Enemy have firmly solidified their position as one of the founding fathers of old school hip-hop. You definitely won’t want to miss their legacy performance at Grey Eagle, which is bound to be a night dedicated to the ongoing resilience of hip-hop and Public Enemy’s importance to the culture.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre — 3777 Grey Eagle Dr.
Cost: $100+

For fans of: Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul, Outkast
Recommended listening: Black Sky Over The Projects: Apartment 2025

Plenty of legends are taking the stage in Calgary this month, and L.A. punk rockers Descendents are no exception. The band formed in 1978 and has firmly cemented itself as punk legends over the years, earning a reputation as major players in the Southern California Punk movement. Descendents aren’t slowing down anytime soon, so get ready to hurl spit at their Mac Hall show on Sept. 11.

When: Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: MacEwan Hall — 402 Collegiate Blvd. NW
Cost: $62

For fans of: Minor Threat, Black Flag, Stiff Little Fingers
Recommended listening: Milo Goes to College (2022); “Silly Girl“; Good Good Things

No one does exhilarating punk rock quite like A Wilhelm Scream, and their show at Modern Love is bound to get rowdy. Known for their unrivalled high-energy live set, this Massachusetts band has something to prove and plenty to say. At the forefront of a new wave of melodic hardcore, this show is bound to bring the pace and the party to Modern Love’s intimate stage.

When: Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Modern Love — 613 11th Ave. SW
Cost: $30

For fans of: Rise Against, Belvedere, Great Big Sea
Recommended listening: Partycrasher (2013); “The King Is Dead”

Blue-collar punk from Winnipeg meets tear-’em-down vocals and a hyperspeed rhythm section. Formed in 2002, Comeback Kid have more than two decades of touring under their belt, and it’ll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their breakout 2005 album “Wake The Dead” on this must-see tour.

When: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: The Palace Theatre — 219 8th Ave. SW
Cost: $45+

For fans of: blink-182, Bane, No Warning
Recommended listening: Wake The Dead (2005); “Heavy Steps”

Singer-songwriter Noah Reid’s soulful voice moves like molasses, while the finger-picking revery of Sister Ray will add some sweetness to this evocative blend of folk and stellar songwriting. Set at the exquisite Bella Concert Hall, it’ll be an unforgettable, intimate show for those looking to be moved.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Bella Concert Hall — 4825 Mt. Royal Gate SW
Cost: $66

For fans of: Leif Vollebekk, Soccer Mommy, Leith Ross
Recommended listening: Gemini (2020); Believer (2025)

Bryan Adams’ Spotify profile simply states, “Bryan Adams’ music is everywhere and so is he.” It’s an apt observation for one of Canada’s most famous musical exports, with radio-charting hits like “Summer of ’69” and “Heaven” setting a nostalgic tone for every ’80s baby’s coming-of-age story. There’s not much else to say: Bryan Adams is a legend, and touring his new album, “Roll With The Punches,” will bring him to Calgary for one night only.

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: $125+

For fans of: I mean… It’s Bryan Adams
Recommended listening: Roll With The Punches (2025); Run To You

Get ready to shuffle with 1tbsp, an indie-house/dance project from Australian, Grammy Award-nominated artist Maxwell Byrne. Bringing the party from Queensland’s capital all the way to Calgary, Alberta is no easy feat, but 1tbsp is definitely up to the challenge. Wear comfy shoes because this show will have you dancing all night long.

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
Time: 10 p.m.
Where: Common/UNDRGRD — 731 10th Ave. SW
Cost: $35

For fans of: Moby, deadmau5
Recommended listening: Hotel Living (2025); “Rush (Missing Out On Me)”

Grab your earplugs, your best concert buddy, and some comfy shoes. Calgary’s live music venues are waiting.

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