Canada Day is going to look a little different in Calgary this year due to COVID-19. 

Most celebrations that typically take place have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

There are some events happening, but everything will be virtual. 

A virtual concert filmed at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC) will air on July 1, at 5 p.m.

The concert will feature Paul Brandt and local musicians such as singer Lynn Olagundoye, Alberta roots singer-songwriter T Buckley, indie folk-rocker Chad Van Gaalen, and Metis/Cree blues-rock artist Bebe Buckskin.

“The National Music Centre looks forward to Canada Day every year—not only to honour Canada’s birthday, but also to mark the anniversary of Studio Bell’s opening in 2016,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of NMC.

“Music has played such an important role in connecting people during the pandemic. We’re thrilled to team up with The City of Calgary to bring music to people in Calgary, Canada, and beyond through this virtual presentation.”

The concert will air on The City of Calgary’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

In a media release, Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he was excited to listen and watch on Canada Day.

“Although this year’s celebrations will be different, we are still going to listen to great music, we can decorate our homes or yards with red and white, maybe have your own pancake breakfast with your family,” said Nenshi.

“Even though we will be at home, we can still celebrate together as a city and country.”

A Canada Day special will air on CBC at 4 p.m. featuring a virtual tour of celebrations across the country. 

Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord are set to host the show. It will feature artists from Sudbury, Montréal, Québec, Moncton, Winnipeg, Yellowknife and Calgary.

There’s still ways to have fun

The Government of Canada has put together Canada day activity packs which include interactive activities for families. 

There are four activities packs to choose from, Arts and Culture, History, Symbols and Traditions, Outdoors and physical activity and Culinary activities.

The activity packs are free, just visit Canada.ca and download the free pdfs of your choosing. 

Families can go on scavenger hunts around their neighbourhoods, make snacks and test their knowledge of Canadian history.

Fireworks, but different

A popular Canada Day activity for Canadians is taking in late-night fireworks. This year, however, the city has decided they won’t be putting them on. 

Globalfest and HECKYA have partnered to put on a live stream fireworks show from the Lakewood community in Strathmore.

The show starts at 10 p.m. and the fireworks start at 11:30 p.m., which will be recorded by a drone. 

The show can be streamed at HECKYA‘s website.