Canada Day in Calgary: Fireworks schedule, special events, what's open and closed, and more

Calgary expects more than 250,000 people to take part in this year's Canada Day festivities. If you're one of 'em, here's what you need to know. 

Fireworks

Fireworks will go off from the usual spot along the Centre Street bridge at 11 p.m. Friday. The city says there will be a good view of the show anywhere along the Bow River corridor.

Set your radio to Wild 95.3 or 101.5 Kool FM to hear synchronized music.

Looking for a spot to watch? Here are a few suggestions:

• Festival Market (between Eau Claire market and the YMCA)
• Sien Lok Park
• Riverfront Avenue 
• McHugh Bluff Park
• Tom Campbell's Hill Park
• Nose Hill Park
• Max Bell Centre
• Shaganappi Point and 26 St. S.W.
• Valleyview Park West Ridge at 26 St SE 

Activities

The city has plenty of activities planned. Here's what's going on.

Prince's Island Park

• Aboriginal showcase and powwow
• Canadian military displays
• Active programming for children and adults including 45-minute fitness classes such as Zumba
• ​Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fort Calgary

• Living Flag: Wear red or white and join in on a huge group selfie to create a "living" Canadian flag at noon
• Fort Calgary is also hosting a pancake breakfast, live music, a petting zoo and various children's activities
• The Fort is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Riverfront Avenue 

• Beginning at noon Riverfront Avenue will be packed with activities for families. Food trucks will be stationed along the street and the day will finish off with live entertainment on the Riverfront Stage at the Harry Hays building. 

Olympic Plaza

• The plaza will host a market, craft stations and food trucks as well as stage performances. 

Stephen Avenue Walk

• Between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., Stephen Avenue will host a full day of live music and entertainment.

Eau Claire Market

• Enjoy family activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• An Artisan Market will remain open until 9 p.m., as will a beer garden, entertainment and food trucks.
• The first 1,000 guests will receive free ice cream. 

Chinatown 

• Learn about Canada's Chinese settlers all day until 11 p.m. with cultural performances and family friendly activities

East Village Street Fair, Show & Shine and 5th Street Square

• Beginning at 9 a.m the street fair will host crafts and vendors, children's activities and entertainment.
• Calgary's Show & Shine, will feature a variety of classic imports and North American cars.

National Music Centre

• If you're looking to enjoy the arts, check out the National Music Centre where the first 500 people will receive free admission.

Heritage Park is offering a parade, live entertainment and a variety of family activities. 

Click here for more details on these free activities offered by the city.

Parking and getting around

The Calgary Parking Authority is offering free parking in the following parkades on Canada Day:

• McDougall Parkade
• Centennial Parkade
• City Centre Parkade
• James Short Parkade
• Convention Centre Parkade
• City Hall Parkade

Street parking is also free, and those parking in city-run surface parking lots will pay a reduced rate.

The city has also installed more bike racks around downtown. 

Calgary Transit is offering increased CTrain service to help get people home after the festivities.

What's closed

These city facilities will be closed on Friday:

• All pools (except Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres)
• North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres
• The Animal Services Centre
• The Nature Centre at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
• All athletic parks except for advanced bookings
• All City of Calgary administrative buildings including City Hall

Both Southland and Village Square are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday with regular admission rates in effect.

Road closures

There are multiple road closures on July 1. Check out the city's website for more information.

• Planning a last-minute road trip on the long weekend? Here's 3 destinations you could check out