Festival season may be starting to wrap up this month, but there’s plenty of exciting live music to catch in and around Calgary. The city is known for its flourishing country music scene, but this list also brings representation across all genres, from local singer-songwriters to punk, reggae and hip-hop. Here’s our roundup of the best in live music for the remainder of August.
This emotionally poignant singer-songwriter has been making the rounds in Calgary’s local scene for some time now, and their live show is definitely not one to miss. Zenon’s 2022 EP Genre Z packs a punch with piano ballads, vulnerable lyrics and memorable songwriting.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association — 1320 5th Ave. NW
Cost: Free
For fans of: Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury, John Legend
Recommended listening: Smoke In My Lungs; FwL
Philadelphia-formed indie-folk quintet Mt. Joy will perform at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Aug. 9. Their heartfelt songs blend stripped-down instrumentals with stompy folk-rock energy and bold experimentation.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Cost: $49+
For fans of: Lord Huron, Reuben and the Dark, Zach Bryan
Recommended listening: Mt. Joy (2018); Hope We Have Fun (2025)
UK singer-songwriter Charlie Cunningham just hit up Edmonton Folk Fest, and he’ll be swinging through Calgary for a one-night-only show at Commonwealth on Aug. 12. Cunningham’s music is an enchanting blend of folk and acoustic melodies, with a vibey live show that’ll be sure to leave you breathless.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Bar — 731 10th Ave. SW
Cost: $77.50
For fans of: Sufjan Stevens, Noah Kahan, Leif Vollebekk
Recommended listening: In Light (2025)
This dynamic performer hails from Tobago but is based in Victoria, B.C. He’s had global acclaim, touring internationally with seven albums under his belt and over 750,000 YouTube views. His music is a heart-pounding blend of reggae and R&B, backed by a talked-about passionate live show. Hart will join his new band project, Sonic Alley, as openers for his Rock the Night Tour.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 13
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Tropical — 1011 1st St. SW
Cost: $20+
For fans of: Ziggy Marley, Bedouin Soundclash, Kirk Diamond
Recommended listening: Emancipation (2024)
Don your best cowboy boots for this family affair at the Confluence, bringing together global country superstars like Luke Combs, Dallas Smith, Hailey Benedict, Hardy, and more.
When: Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: The Confluence — 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $110+
Did anyone expect grunge-lite band Creed to blow up again in 2025? (We certainly didn’t). You can thank TikTok for that. The band that formed over 30 years ago is well known for their hits “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher.” Take one last breath with Creed before they fade into the mist of ‘90s nostalgia forever.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 20
Time: Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Cost: $100+
For fans of: 3 Doors Down, Puddle of Mudd, Seether
Recommended listening: One Last Breath, Higher
Two-time Canadian Country Music Award-winning Lindi Ortega will be supported by folk singer-songwriter Tennyson King, who hails from Hong Kong and Canada. Their latest collaborative single, “Where I Make My Home,” is suitably heart-wrenching and equally wholesome. The song has been featured on CBC radio and Shooter Jennings ‘ show Outlaw Country. Here’s your chance to catch them perform live in an intimate venue setting.
When: Thursday, Aug. 21
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: King Eddy — 438 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $20+
For fans of: Tegan and Sara, Kacey Musgraves, Hozier
Recommended listening: Where I Make My Home
This is the second year of this brand new festival in Calgary, and this year’s lineup is packed full of some of the best local live music acts. From hip-hop hype man The Blue, to alt. country darling Amy Nelson, classically-trained and Juno-nominated Ginger Beef, and (un)decided, Calgary’s hottest new hip-hop group, this fest will offer a smorgasbord of the best in Calgary local music.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 917 Centre Ave. NE
Cost: $45+
Canadian pop-punk legends Gob will perform a pop-up show at the Langdon Firehouse Bar & Grill on Aug. 24. These pros have been going strong since 1993, influencing plenty of Canadian bands in the early 2000s with their signature ripping guitars and energetic pop-rock riffs.
When: Sunday, Aug. 24
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 716 Centre St. N., Langdon
Cost: $50+
For fans of: Weezer, Sum 41, MxPx
Recommended listening: Oh! Ellin, The World According To Gob (2000)
There’s a soft spot in every goth for Deftones, and you know there will be plenty dressed in black from head to toe to celebrate the iconic band’s stop in Calgary for the western leg of their North American tour.
When: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
Time: Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Cost: $110+
For fans of: Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, Alice in Chains
Recommended listening: Around the Fur (1997), milk of the madonna (2025)
Grab your earplugs, your best concert buddy, and some comfy shoes. The best live music in Calgary is waiting.
