Special Events in Calgary
In addition to the 1 million residents who enjoy Calgary, there are plenty of visitors who explore Alberta's largest city. Calgary is officially the third most populous city in Canada, and it naturally features plenty of culture and entertainment that is found in any modern metropolitan city.
There are plenty of special events going on in Calgary all year long. Whether it is professional sports, museum exhibitions, theatre productions, music concerts, festivals, or parades, there is something to attract people of different personalities and interests.
One of the most popular venues that hosts major events in Calgary is Pengrowth Saddledome. This 20,000 capacity arena is where the Calgary Flames compete against other NHL teams. The professional ice hockey team is the pride and joy of the city. Those who enjoy watching lacrosse, can catch some great action as the Rougnecks play against other NLL clubs. In addition to sports games, Pengrowth Saddledome hosts music concerts by touring world famous artists ranging from rock to pop stars. No matter what the event is, tickets for this great arena in Calgary are grabbed quickly and last minute deals are not common.
Of the multiple annual festivals, the Calgary International Film Festival is one of the most popular. Since 1999, this special event has attracted diverse crowds in the movie industry as well as regular movie lovers. The event is held on the last week of September, and runs for more than a week. The latest festival is scheduled to screen more than 200 films of various genres, both domestic and international. The screenings, galas, and other related events take place in different venues throughout the city, such as the Plaza Theatre. The organization is based on 15 Avenue SW, so potential visitors should contact them for specific details.
The special event that yields the highest attendance in Calgary is the Calgary Stampede. The history of this yearly rodeo dates back to the late 19th century. Today, more than a million visitors attend the annual event, which is held in mid July at Stampede Park. In fact, the park is located right on the same grounds as Pengrowth Saddledome. Additionally, downtown Calgary happens to be right around the block, for tourists who want more excitement and exploration.