Think you know Calgary? Historic Calgary Week is here to show there’s still plenty of the city’s past left to uncover. The annual 11-day event gives Calgarians a chance to see the city from a different perspective and explore the stories that have helped shape the place we call home.
Celebrating its 36th year, Historic Calgary Week will feature more than 90 events, including walking tours, exhibitions, and presentations that dive into the people, places, and moments that influenced Calgary’s growth over the years.
Now let’s take a look at some of the events happening over the 11 days.
Discover the stories behind Calgary’s past
The event lineup covers a wide range of topics from historic landmarks and neighbourhoods to the people and communities that have left their mark on the city.
For those who love exploring the city on foot, there will be tons of walking tours hosted throughout the week. According to organizers, you can explore Calgary’s Warehouse District, learn about the city’s francophone roots during the Rouleauville Walking Tour, or visit Reader Rock Garden to discover how Calgary’s green spaces have evolved over the years.
And if you’re an architecture lover, the Calgary Central Library will host a behind-the-scenes tour of the modern landmark that will dive into the inspiration behind its unique design, including how its curved structure was influenced by Calgary’s famous Chinook arch clouds and Alberta’s natural landscape.
Beyond the city buildings and neighbourhoods, the event will also explore the history found in Calgary’s natural spaces. Visitors can join an Indigenous Walk ‘N’ Drum at Nose Hill Park, where you’ll be given a drum to use during the walk before taking part in a Sharing Circle. The experience will also include Medicine wheel teachings, offering a chance to learn more about the connection between the culture and the land.
And the history doesn’t stop within city limits. Historic Calgary Week will also host events in neighbouring Alberta towns, including a trip to Nanton, where you can step inside one of Alberta’s last remaining grain elevators and learn about the province’s agricultural past.
Plan you visit
Historic Calgary Week runs from Friday, July 24 to Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, with events happening all around the city and nearby communities. Many of the events are free to attend, but online registration is required due to limited space.
If you’re planning to check out one of the events, make sure to register in advance and double-check the start time and meeting location before heading out. Many of the tours begin promptly, so arriving a few minutes early is recommended.
With more than 90 events to choose from, there’s plenty to explore over the 11 days. To help narrow things down, the event website features an interactive map where you can browse locations and find events happening closest to you.
You don’t have to travel far to find a good story. Sometimes it’s hiding in a neighbourhood you’ve driven through a hundred times, a building you’ve walked past, or a landmark you already thought you knew. So whether you’re a lifelong Calgarian or someone who just moved here, Historic Calgary Week offers a chance to see the city from a different perspective and uncover some of the history that often goes unnoticed.
When: Friday, July 24 to Monday, Aug. 3, 2026
Time: Event times vary
Where: Locations vary based on event
Cost: Free
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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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