Calgary to celebrate Canada Day ‘Get Together’ after a two-year hiatus

Calgary is celebrating Canada Day in person for the first time in two years.

This year’s festivities will be held at three new downtown locations: Olympic Plaza, Fort Calgary, and St. Patrick’s Island Park.

Jennifer Thompson, Manager of Arts & Culture for The City of Calgary, said going back to an in-person celebration is a welcome return.

“We’ve missed this important community celebration for the last two years. Now, we can’t wait to see crowds of Calgarians gathering together downtown,” Thompson said in a statement.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek added the event is a way to celebrate Canada’s history, but also to look back on past mistakes the country has made.

“As we reflect on our past, we remember the people whose achievements are etched in the history books. At the same time, we also must look at the perspectives that have been excluded from history to further our truth and reconciliation commitment,” Gondek said.

The City says these events will also showcase the Original Peoples of Canada and what it means to be Canadian. Here’s are some activities Calgarians can participate in:

• Fort Calgary: The historic museum will be featuring an Indigenous Powwow focusing on education and reconciliation with the Founder and Ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society, Phyllis Webstad, who will be speaking on the story of residential school survival and the aftereffects of its impact. This is alongside teaching tipis, an Indigenous artisan market, a Metis jigging, dancing, and resting of the flags. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• TD Canada Day Stage: An all-Canadian lineup of musical performances, including rock band Sloan as the headlining act, will take place from 3 to 11 p.m.
• Olympic Plaza: Arts Commons presents the live, outdoor ArtsXpeditions performances highlighting a selection of local musicians from jazz, Indigenous, Afro-fusion, hip-hop, folk, country, and more. Performances run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• St. Patrick’s Island Park: This event will have music, arts and theater, fun activities across three stages, and casual outdoor spaces for playing, eating, and enjoying the day and runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Heritage Canada: A fireworks show will cap off the day with a show set to a music soundtrack from CJSW 90.9FM and will take place at the Municipal Building from 11 p.m.
• East Village Street Fair: Local vendors will be displaying their goods if you’re looking to grab a souvenir or two, and it is best to check out during a break from one of the fun performances and you can attend from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The city is also looking for volunteers at all three locations to ensure these festivities are successfully carried out. Those interested in signing up can go to the City of Calgary website to learn more.