Canada Day in Calgary: what’s in store for the city’s celebrations?

Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday in Calgary is expected to be one of the city’s most elaborate Canada Day parties on record.

Thanks to a partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage, Calgary is one of 19 cities in the country to receive money from the Canada 150 fund.

What does that mean for Calgary’s festivities?

The city has a slate of activities planned for people of all ages, including:

• Multicultural performances
• Franco-Albertan celebrations
• Canadian musical performances
• An indigenous showcase and powwow
• Military displays
• Enmax living flag
• Opening of the 1967 time capsule
• CIBC’s public oath of commitment to Canada
• 1,500 guitarists playing “Four Strong Winds,” led by Ian Tyson

The celebration will also include a concert with a popular Canadian twin-sister indie duo Tegan and Sara taking the stage.

“We are blessed with abundant rich talent in this city, and I am so happy to announce that on July 1, Calgary’s Canada Day headline performers are well-loved Calgarians Tegan and Sara,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said in a release.

Tegan and Sara will perform at Riverfront Avenue alongside Armond Duck Chief, Crystal Plamondon and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald.

Following the concert at Riverfront Stage, there will be a 30-minute “world-class fireworks display” from the Centre Street Bridge to wish the country a happy birthday.

“I invite all people of Calgary to participate in the activities taking place on July 1. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to celebrate this important milestone with your family, friends and neighbours,” said Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly.

It’s expected over 250,000 people will attend the city’s Canada Day events and activities.

— With files from Melissa Gilligan.