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As Calgarians get set to say goodbye to 2025, there are a variety of events happening across the city to help ring in the new year.
The annual fireworks show is happening at Eau Claire Plaza and Prince’s Island Park, and several other events are taking place around the city.
Here’s a roundup of some of the New Year’s Eve festivities Calgarians can check out, and how to get around on the big night.
Eau Claire Plaza celebration
Ahead of the midnight fireworks show, Eau Claire Plaza will feature a lineup of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food trucks and a skating dance party on the Prince’s Island Lagoon.
Admission is free, with skate rentals available until midnight.
With the Olympic Plaza under construction, fireworks will be launched from Prince’s Island Park. Elder Bryan Little Chief will provide a blessing, followed by the countdown to midnight with Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
The city is limiting popular viewing spots, such as McHugh Bluff in Crescent Heights and areas in Rosedale, to residents in an effort to mitigate traffic congestion seen in past years.
A no-parking zone will also be in effect along Eighth Ave. N.E. from Centre Street to Edmonton Trail. Part of Memorial Drive will also be closed.
WATCH | City closing vehicle access for New Year’s Eve fireworks:
City closing vehicle access for New Year’s Eve fireworks
New Year’s Eve fireworks will be launched from Prince’s Island Park this year, and popular outlooks like McHugh Bluff in Crescent Heights are expected to be crowded. But this year, the City of Calgary is shutting down vehicle access to that community and Rosedale, in an attempt to ease traffic congestion. The CBC’s Jo Horwood reports.
Telus Spark’s Noon Year’s Eve
The Noon Year’s Eve celebration at the Telus Spark Science Centre provides an opportunity for families to celebrate the new year earlier in the day.
The event begins at 11 a.m., with a countdown and balloon drop happening at noon. Following the countdown, there will be various activities and hands-on science demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
Entry costs are included with general admission or a Spark membership.
New Year’s Eve at the library
The Calgary Public Library is also hosting a mock countdown at several of its branches. The family-friendly event will feature a special storytime and DJ-led dance party.
Festivities begin at the Central, Country Hills, Saddletowne, Seton and Village Square locations at 1 p.m., and an hour later at the Fish Creek branch.
Young Hearts Old Souls New Year’s Eve Gala
Young Hearts Old Souls, an organization providing programs focused on social, leadership and organizational skills for youth 11-18, is holding a community potluck and family talent show.
The event runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the South Fish Creek Recreation Association.
Members of the Happy50+ Association, which supports Chinese seniors access health services, will also be putting on performances.
A Luminous New Year’s Eve
The Bella Concert Hall’s annual A Luminous New Year’s Eve concert will feature choral performances of Cuban and Latin American works.
Led by guest conductor Cosette Justo Valdés, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Royal University. Tickets start at $58.
Bars and restaurants
Several bars and restaurants are holding their own New Year’s events.
The Ship and Anchor is hosting a “British New Year” from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a mock countdown at 5 p.m.
Cold Garden’s Malt Ball kicks off at the Palace Theatre at 9 p.m. The event has a “space disco” theme and will feature performers from Le Cirque de la Nuit.
The Rec Room will be holding a New Year’s 2026 Extravaganza at 7 p.m., featuring live music from Calgary-based pop/rock band The Arcane Five. Tickets start at $80.
Getting around
Calgary Transit won’t be offering free fares on New Year’s Eve after failing to find a corporate sponsor to cover the cost. Riders will have to pay the standard fare.
CTrain service on both lines has been extended until 4 a.m. All MAX bus lines and routes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 22 and 302 will run until 3 a.m.
The city is also providing free shuttle bus service across from where the fireworks are being held. Buses will run from two locations — the Max Bell Centre and SAIT North Surface Lot — to and from Lot 59.
