Fall Family Fun in Calgary This September
Summer may be winding down for another year, but that doesn’t mean that it’s time to head indoors just yet! There’s tons of family fun in Calgary this September, both inside and out. Cultural celebrations, fantastic festivals, mouth-watering food, and one-of-a-kind market finds are just a few things to look forward to in September in YYC – we can hardly wait!
Fall Family Fun in Calgary in September
Calgary Pride Parade | calgarypride.ca
Saturday August 30 & Sunday August 31
Get your brightest colours and rainbow flags ready for a spectacular pride celebration! Calgary Pride Week takes place until September 3rd in celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ Community. The annual parade kicks off at 11 am on the Sunday starting at 11 AM, making its way along 9 Ave in downtown Calgary, from The Confluence to 5 St. SW.
Spruce Meadows Masters | sprucemeadows.com
Wednesday September 3 – Sunday September 7
Join top riders and horses at Spruce Meadows for a variety of live events including horse jumping at the CP International and BMO Nations’ Cup. In addition, make sure you check out the fireworks, live music, and market featuring over 70 shops. Check the Spruce Meadows website for the daily competition schedules!
Railway Days at Heritage Park | heritagepark.ca
Saturday September 13 & Sunday September 14
Do you have a locomotive enthusiast in the family? If so, be sure to add Railway Days at Heritage Park to your calendar! Get ready to embark on a spectacular journey into the world of trains! Stick around for this year’s Railway Days which is an event packed with steam-powered thrills, hands-on experiences and locomotive fun for all ages. From riding authentic steam trains to exploring fascinating exhibits and interactive adventures, Railway Days is the ultimate celebration for train lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike.
Alberta Biodiversity Festival | Calgary Zoo | calgaryzoo.com/education/alberta-biodiversity-festival
Friday September 12 – Sunday September 14
Now in its fourth year, the Alberta Biodiversity Festival has become a much-anticipated tradition, highlighting the importance of conservation and education through an engaging mix of family-friendly experiences. Visitors can look forward to interactive exhibits, discovery stations, and hands-on activities that bring Alberta’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems to life.
The festival takes place September 12th to 14th at the Wilder Insitute/Calgary Zoo, with a special finale event at Bow Habitat Station on September 20th. Admission to the Alberta Biodiversity Festival is included with general zoo admission and memberships.
Photo Credit: Michael Grondin
Calgary International Film Festival | ciffcalgary.ca
Thursday September 18 – Sunday September 28
The Calgary International Film Festival is an 11-day showcase of over 200 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and around the world also hosts an Industry Week that allows filmmakers from Alberta and around the world meet, network, and learn. Calgary International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Alberta and among the largest in Canada. Check out the full schedule for some family-friendly entries and classics.
2025 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival | heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com
Wednesday September 24 – Sunday September 28
Whether they’re in the sky or on the ground, there are few things quite as magical as a hot air balloon. The Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival brings the best of both worlds, with opportunities to see balloons take flight from September 24 – 28. The Balloon Glow is a free event that takes place in the evening, where the balloons are inflated using their burners without ever leaving the ground. If you’re hoping to catch a ride in a balloon, a limited number of tickets are available to purchase for folks 12 years and older. If you’d prefer to admire the balloons from the ground, check here for flight times (and watch for cancellations, as weather conditions need to be perfect for the balloons to launch).
What activities and events are you looking forward to this September in Calgary? We’d love to hear them in the comments!
