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 at11 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 101.5Kool 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.
• ValleyviewParkWest 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 including45-minute fitness classes such asZumba
• 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 selfieto create a "living" Canadian flag atnoon
• 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 noonRiverfront Avenue will be packed with activities for families. Food trucks will be stationed along the street and the day willfinish off with live entertainmenton 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

• Between11a.m. and8 p.m., Stephen Avenue will host a full day of live music and entertainment.

Eau Claire Market

• Enjoy family activities between11 a.m. and4 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 andfamily 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'sShow & 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 Centrewhere the first 500 people will receive free admission.

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

Click here for more details on thesefreeactivities offered by the city.

Parking and getting around

The Calgary Parking Authorityis 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 alsofree, 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 offeringincreased CTrain service to help get people home after the festivities.

What's closed

These city facilities will beclosed on Friday:

• Allpools(except Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres)
• North Mount PleasantandWildflowerArts Centres
• TheAnimal Services Centre
• The Nature CentreatInglewoodBird Sanctuary
• All athletic parksexcept for advanced bookings
• AllCityofCalgary administrative buildings includingCityHall

BothSouthlandandVillage Squareare open from11 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