For three nights this September, you won’t have to step inside a gallery to see Calgary’s newest art. Night Light Calgary is bringing artists to the Victoria Park neighbourhood, where their work will be projected onto architecture, built into interactive installations, and displayed throughout the park after dark. It’s a chance to see what artists can do with light, technology and public spaces.
Now let’s take a further look at what you can expect to see during Night Light.
What to expect at Night Light
What is Night Light?
Night Light is a free, family-friendly light and art festival presented by the Victoria Park Business Improvement Area. The event uses light and public spaces to create an outdoor gallery throughout Victoria Park in downtown Calgary.
But the festival isn’t just about giving people something pretty to look at. Night Light was created to give artists a place to experiment with light art, try out new technology and share their work with the public. According to organizers, the goal is to help grow Calgary’s creative community while bringing more art into public space
What can you see at Night Light?
Rather than being one single show you watch from one spot, Night Light is something you walk through and explore at your own pace. The main draw is, of course, the light installations, with artwork glowing throughout the neighbourhood after sunset. The festival format features light installations, projections, interactive artwork, and illuminated pieces throughout the area. Live performances are also part of the festival, with DJs and other entertainment featured alongside the art.
Do I need to register to attend the event?
Night Light is completely free to attend, and you don’t need to register or buy a ticket ahead of time. Instead, you can simply show up during the festival’s hours and explore the light installations, projections, and performances around Victoria Park.
Where is Night Light taking place?
Night Light will take over the Victoria Park community in downtown Calgary, with the festival spread across several outdoor sites within walking distance of one another. Central Memorial Park is listed as the main location, but the experience extends into the surrounding Victoria Park neighbourhood.
Where should I park?
If you’re driving to Night Light, one of the closest options to Central Memorial Park is the Precise ParkLink Parking Garage. It’s a paid parking garage and within walking distance of the festival. There are also several other paid lots and parkades in the area if that one is full.
Street parking is another option, but it is also paid during Calgary’s posted parking hours, and rates and restrictions vary by location.
Can I take transit there?
If you don’t plan to drive, transit is another great option. Victoria Park/Stampede Station on the Red Line is the closest CTrain station to the festival area, and from there you can walk north toward Central Memorial Park and the other installations.
When is Night Light?
Night Light will take place on Thursday, Sept. 24 and run until Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The festival will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. each night, giving you plenty of time to explore all the installations throughout the evening.
When: Thursday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Central Memorial Park – 1221 2nd St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free admission
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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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