So you’re thinking of an outdoor party? Be it for your little girl’s birthday bash or an elegant wedding celebration, Calgary knows how to celebrate under the open sky.
But the truth is, it’s not that easy to find an outdoor venue that fits your needs and budget. This is where the real challenge comes in. You want a space that not only looks great but also offers the right atmosphere for your event.
To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor party venues in Calgary. See where you can hold your next memorable celebration.
Table of Contents
Waterfront Park
– Media credit: waterfrontparkyyc
Address: 5225 101 St NW
Contact Details: +14032421457
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Waterfront Park is probably one of the largest outdoor venues in Calgary that we found. It has a 4,000 square feet lakeside pavilion and a Belvedere lawn, perfect for up to 500 guests.
Their packages are also great. You get to access their venue for a full 8-hour duration. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the setup because they have a complete furniture setup. Think of comfy lounges, picnic tables, and chairs.
Bar service? No problem, they have a fully stocked bar paired with their sound and music system.
Pro Tip:
- It’s better to secure your date at least 6 to 1 month in advance since their venues book up quickly.
Jan’s Garden
– Media credit: jans_gardenyyc
Address: 18 Patina Ln SW
Contact Details: +14038709656
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Jan’s Garden is just perfect if you’re looking for a more intimate outdoor venue in Calgary. It isn’t that huge, with a maximum capacity of about 40 guests. However, its garden setting is a big refresh in the middle of a busy city.
Choosing this venue will give you a stunning view of lush lawns, ponds, and a stream. You’ll appreciate it more if you’re the type of person who loves flora and gardens – very quiet and low-key.
When it comes to their catering and food, they offer limited options. We recommend inquiring about what’s allowed and included to avoid extra charges.
Pro Tip:
- It’s wise to book an early-morning or golden-hour time slot to get that dreamy soft light filter on your photos.
Reader Rock Garden
– Media credit: readerrockgarden
Address: 325 25 Ave SE
Contact Details: +14032682489
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 Hours
Pricing: $$
Reader Rock Garden is another beautifully landscaped spot, featuring rock pathways and lush lawns. It’s a well-known outdoor venue in Calgary for weddings and milestone celebrations.
One good thing about this garden is that they have a few bookable spaces. They have the main lawn, the Western slope, and Nana’s garden.
The main lawn and Western slope are good for up to 80 guests. However, if you have only 40 to 60 guests, we recommend choosing the West Garden or Nana’s Garden.
Additionally, if you plan to bring outside catering, this venue may not be suitable for you. Some of their lawns, such as their main lawn, require catering from their adjacent cafe.
Pro Tip:
- Double-check the restrictions, like the number of items and banned items, to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Deane House
– Media credit: deanehouseyyc
Address: 806 9 Ave SE
Contact Details: +14032640595
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
If your celebration is more on the party side, Deane House is the way to go. It has expansive garden lawns and patios – mind you, tented patios perfect for casual celebrations.
Their garden can host up to 200 guests, be it a seated or cocktail-style event. Since they can accommodate that much, it’s also good to know that they allocated plenty of parking space. This is a rare perk for a city venue.
Another thing we love about Deane House is its atmosphere. The heritage architecture is really charming, so most of the photos taken during parties are stunning.
Go for this venue if you prefer downtown convenience with a blend of nature.
Pro Tip:
- Renting here is expensive, so you should book during an off-peak season (around November to April). They often offer off-peak discounts, so don’t be shy to ask!
Heritage Park
– Media credit: heritageparkyyc
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW
Contact Details: +14032688500
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Heritage Park is a venue that will impress your guests and provide that “wow” factor. You get that spacious event space paired with a vintage ambience.
This park can accommodate up to 1500 people – thanks to their large-tent outdoor setups. You can choose from their Chautauqua tent or celebration tent (perfect for BBQs and huge gatherings).
If you also want to give your event a unique experience, you can try their add-ons. This includes antique steam-train rides and horse-drawn wagons. Kids will surely love these!
Just take note that pricing is tied to guest minimums and food commitments.
Pro Tip:
- They offer tent heating or cooling and wind load protection for specific seasons, so be sure to request it.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre
– Media credit: ward9grams
Address: 2425 9 Ave SE
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Wednesday- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre is ideal for smaller-scale outdoor gatherings in Calgary. Their Colonel Walker House Lawn can only accommodate up to 50 people.
Another thing to note is that they don’t allow outdoor catering on the lawn area. They’re also very strict on decorations – no confetti, tents, or balloons. For food and refreshments, you need to visit their indoor market garden room.
While their set-up might be a little restrictive for some, we found them a solid choice for eco-conscious couples or celebrants who want a relaxed and natural setting without going too far.
You’ll appreciate the lagoon and riverbank, with naturally scattered logs and shoreline reflections. It’s more like a wetland park with grassland.
Pro Tip:
- Since decorations aren’t allowed to preserve nature itself, go for live music or simple florals instead.
Prince’s Island Park
– Media credit: kws79
Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW
Contact Details: +14032682489
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $
Prince’s Island Park is an outdoor venue in Calgary that gives you a view of the Bow River. They have many open green spaces available that are reservable.
During the celebration, you’ll get a riverfront view with the sky reflecting on the water. There’s also a paved pathway that runs through and beside the park. Your guests can take a relaxing walk before or after your event.
Just one thing to note is that they have very strict rules when booking a private event here since it’s mainly used for annual festivals. You need to apply for a Parks and Open Spaces permit to secure your booking.
But once you secure the permit, you’re free to hold your wedding or parties here. Just make sure that you won’t use fireworks or alcohol service in the area.
Pro Tip:
- Plan your permit submission at least 30 days before your event to avoid the hassle.
Ralph Klein Park
– Media credit: lowabeebe
Address: 12350 84 St SE
Contact Details: +14032682489
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:000 PM
Pricing: $$$
For a more memorable and airy celebration, Ralph Klein Park is worth considering. It’s a wetland spot with both indoor and outdoor space available for rent.
Their outdoor space is located on their rooftop terrace, which is typically rented per hour. It’s perfect for holding your ceremony or cocktail hour, especially at sunset. You’ll get those prairie views for your photos.
Like other natural settings, they have some restrictions when it comes to decor, catering, and alcohol service. Please ensure you check these before booking your event here.
If you really want to maximise your celebration here, book their indoor room as well. The combination of the outdoor terrace and indoor room can hold up to 100 guests, perfect for large gatherings.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re planning a wedding, ask for their packages. They can help you maximise your resources and minimise your expenses.
Croatian Canadian Cultural Centre
– Media credit: croatiancentre
Address: 3010 12 St NE
Contact Details: +14032509821
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
Croatian Canadian Cultural Centre is a solid choice if you’re after a big party venue. This place can accommodate up to 350 guests for major celebrations.
We personally like their outdoor courtyard that comes with a BBQ grill and a cool gazebo. I mean, these are already a huge bonus for a fun outdoor party.
Their outdoor venue can hold both reception and full-day events. For ceremonies, the rental fee is $600. Meanwhile, for full-day rental, pricing depends on the catering and other services you need.
This could also be a great choice if you’re looking for halal-friendly or vegan catering. They can really simplify your planning.
Pro Tip:
- Ask for their covered patio backup when booking their patio, since you might need to book another small hall in case the weather gets fussy.
Bowness Park
– Media credit: osigalat
Address: 8900 48 Ave NW
Contact Details: +14032682489
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Another relaxed outdoor venue is the Bowness Park. It’s a riverside spot with a large park, where there’s a lagoon and picnic sites.
Their picnic sites are bookable, perfect for parties or casual celebrations. Just note that their picnic areas might not be available for booking on long weekends since they’re reserved for public use.
If you’re hosting a party, though, Bowness Park is also a charming spot for receptions. Their sites can accommodate 25 to 100 guests for a 6-hour block.
Consider this venue if you want to avoid formal venues.
Pro Tip:
- Submit your booking request at least 5 days ahead to allow time for processing.
Spruce Meadows
– Media credit: spruce_meadows
Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Contact Details: +14039744200
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
If you want to host your event in the southern part of Calgary, Spruce Meadows is the ideal location. It’s a 500-acre ground with halls and lush lawns.
Its outdoor green spaces are perfect for incorporating marquee tents and lawn games at your parties. Be it a wedding or a birthday party, Spruce Meadows can deliver.
Many celebrants also come all the way here to get that perfect view of the broad sky and distant mountains, perfect for cocktail hour. It’s just that it’s a bit far, so you need extra effort for transportation.
Pro Tip:
- Book your event on weekdays – it’s cheaper.
Calgary Zoo
– Media credit: thecalgaryzoo
Address: Enmax Conservatory, 1300 Zoo Rd NE
Contact Details: +14032329300
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: $$$
For a unique wildlife vibe and green scenery while partying, the Calgary Zoo can give you that.
They have an Asia Lawn & Tent that can hold up to 300 guests. There’s no problem if you’re hosting a huge and major celebration here.
Unfortunately, they don’t allow outside caterers. But the good thing is that they have an in-house culinary team that can handle your food requests.
We think this location fits birthday parties or casual celebrations where your guests can enjoy zoo access during your event. This gives a more memorable experience.
Pro Tip:
- Don’t go overboard with decorations like balloons and confetti, since the location is close to animal habitats.
