Not ready to let go of summer? Calgary's Sam Centre is giving the season a proper send-off with a free, all-ages street party at Stampede Park — and it comes with its own outdoor roller rink.

The Summer Sendoff takes over Enbridge Plaza and the Sam Centre (632 13th Ave. SE) on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. Entry costs nothing, though the Sam Centre website asks you to register online in advance — you'll pick your age group and how many people you're bringing.

The headliner, activity-wise, is Biggies Roller Rink, a pop-up outdoor rink running for the whole event. Skates are free to rent and instructors will be on hand if your last time on wheels was grade three. If you'd rather warm up differently, Junction 9 runs a free yoga and Pilates session at the Riverfront BMO Amphitheatre from 4 to 5 p.m.

Music runs the entire evening, with a new act every hour: Beehive Presents Brunch Club ft. DJ Jay Smylski kicks things off, followed by Zenon+, Jared Daniel ft. Tayo, Irvin Miller, and DJ Joash Charles closing out from 8 to 9 p.m. Roaming performers will drift through the plaza between sets.

There's a shopping and beauty angle too. A mini makers' market spotlights local vendors, For The Love of Nailz does on-site nail art, Pony Hair Extensions offers hair services, and Luxe Lines by Sylvie is debuting its new luxury tattoo trailer — so yes, you can leave with a souvenir you can't take off.

Food trucks include Maisie Eatery, Taco Bar by Bar Milpa and Tubby's, while two outdoor bars pour drinks: Bar Station by Last Best Brew and Distilling, plus a Kombucha Bar by Bacteria Bar, both with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options for purchase.

Getting there is easy. Free parking sits west of the Sam Centre on 12th Avenue and 5A Street, and the Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain station is a short walk away. The event runs rain or shine per typical Stampede Park programming, so dress for the evening chill — September nights in Calgary cool down fast.

For travellers, the timing is actually handy: late September is when Calgary's summer crowds thin out but the weather is still decent for exploring the city and nearby Rockies. If you're in town that weekend, this is a free evening of music, skating and food in a part of the city — Stampede Park — that's worth a visit anyway, home to the Calgary Stampede grounds and close to the RiverWalk along the Bow.