Calgary is full of buildings, spaces, and organizations where most of us never get to see beyond the front door. That’s changing this weekend, when Doors Open YYC brings 11 of them together for free public tours, activities, and special programming. From Sept. 26 to 27, you can explore everything from historic buildings and cultural spaces to creative hubs and community organizations.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to check out Doors Open YYC this weekend.
What to expect
What is Doors Open YYC?
According to organizers, Doors Open YYC is a city-wide event that gives the public free access to participating spaces around Calgary. Throughout the weekend, participating sites will offer guided tours, demonstrations, activities, and programming that give you a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes around the city.
When is Doors Open YYC?
Doors Open YYC takes place on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Programming will take place at 11 different sites across the city, with some locations participating on both days and others open for one day only.
What can I do during the event?
Each site will have something different going on throughout the weekend, including behind-the-scenes looks at places you might not usually get to see, guided tours, and interactive activities.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for the weekend:
- Alberta Family Histories Society
- You can bring your family tree to life at the Alberta Family Histories Society, where you can explore the genealogy resource centre, browse research materials, and get help from volunteers with digging into your family history
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 8500 Macleod Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free
- You can bring your family tree to life at the Alberta Family Histories Society, where you can explore the genealogy resource centre, browse research materials, and get help from volunteers with digging into your family history
- Avatamsaka Monastery
- You can take a look inside one of Calgary’s Buddhist temples and learn more about the monastery’s religious and cultural traditions
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 1009 4th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free
- You can take a look inside one of Calgary’s Buddhist temples and learn more about the monastery’s religious and cultural traditions
- Historic City Hall
- Usually only seen from the outside, Historic City Hall is opening its doors for a closer look at the 1911 building. You can wander through its historic interior, spot original details, and learn more about the building’s role in Calgary’s history.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
- Where: 716 Macleod Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free (registration is required)
- Usually only seen from the outside, Historic City Hall is opening its doors for a closer look at the 1911 building. You can wander through its historic interior, spot original details, and learn more about the building’s role in Calgary’s history.
- Baitun Nur Mosque
- Take a guided tour of Baitun Nur Mosque, learn more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, and see the mosque’s architecture up close.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 4353 54th Ave. NE, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free (registration is required)
- Take a guided tour of Baitun Nur Mosque, learn more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, and see the mosque’s architecture up close.
- Lougheed House
- The Lougheed House is opening up its doors for a closer look at the historic mansion and everything that comes with it. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the rooms and wander the grounds while getting a glimpse of what life was like in the house over a century ago.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: 707 13th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free (registration is required)
- The Lougheed House is opening up its doors for a closer look at the historic mansion and everything that comes with it. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the rooms and wander the grounds while getting a glimpse of what life was like in the house over a century ago.
- CJSW Campus and Community Radio
- Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes at a radio station? CJSW is opening its University of Calgary home for a look at campus and a peek at the station’s equipment and spaces.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Rm 312, Macewan Hall, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free
- Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes at a radio station? CJSW is opening its University of Calgary home for a look at campus and a peek at the station’s equipment and spaces.
- Calgary Meals on Wheels
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at Calgary Meals on Wheels, from the kitchen where meals are prepared to the work that goes into getting them to people across the city.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 5759 80th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at Calgary Meals on Wheels, from the kitchen where meals are prepared to the work that goes into getting them to people across the city.
- cSPACE Marda Loop
- See what’s happening inside the former King Edward School, where artists, makers, and creative businesses now work out of the historic building. You can check out the studios, see the work on display, and explore the building itself.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: 1721 29th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free
- See what’s happening inside the former King Edward School, where artists, makers, and creative businesses now work out of the historic building. You can check out the studios, see the work on display, and explore the building itself.
- Werklund Centre
- You can tour the spaces inside the Werklund Centre, including areas used for performances, rehearsals and other arts programming. A volunteer will provide guided tours in groups of 20 – no registration is required)
- When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. to noon
- Where: 1721 29th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free
- You can tour the spaces inside the Werklund Centre, including areas used for performances, rehearsals and other arts programming. A volunteer will provide guided tours in groups of 20 – no registration is required)
- Fuse33 Makerspace
- Fuse33 is opening up its 8,500-square-foot makerspace for demos, hourly tours and interactive installations. You can see equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, and textile equipment in action.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 1720 Radisson Dr. SE, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free (Registration is required)
- Fuse33 is opening up its 8,500-square-foot makerspace for demos, hourly tours and interactive installations. You can see equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, and textile equipment in action.
- Sam Centre
- Take a guided walking tour through the Sam Centre and learn more about the Calgary Stampede through its exhibits and collections.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 632 13th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
- Cost: Free (registration is required)
- Take a guided walking tour through the Sam Centre and learn more about the Calgary Stampede through its exhibits and collections.
Is Doors Open YYC free to attend?
Doors Open YYC is free to attend, although some experiences may require registration or have capacity limits, so check the listing for the location you want to visit before you go.
Are the participating sites accessible by transit?
According to Doors Open YYC, all of the locations listed on the website are transit-friendly.
There’s a lot to see across the city this weekend, so grab your friends and family and spend some time learning more about Calgary and the history behind some of these spaces.
Which one are you checking out first?
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: Times vary based on location
Where: Various locations across Calgary
Cost: Free (registration is required for certain events)
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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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