Studio Bell is throwing itself a birthday party, and the whole country is invited. Home of the National Music Centre, the Calgary landmark turns 10 on Canada Day, July 1, 2026, and NMC is marking the milestone with a building-wide bash across Studio Bell and the King Eddy. There’ll be 10 live acts, new exhibits, all-ages activities, and a rooftop party. Admission is free, thanks to ATB Financial.
The lineup leans into the multigenerational spirit of the day. A Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi brings the beloved mother-daughter duo through a catalogue that’s entertained families for nearly five decades. Genre-bending alternative act Kue Varo & The Only Hopes and seniors’ band The Rhythm Kats round out the bill, the latter covering popular hits across the decades. It’s a celebration built for every age in the room.
The NMC Collection takes the spotlight too. Visitors can catch demonstrations on the majestic Kimball Theatre Organ, a longtime favourite, while Beatmap Music leads a drum-along with an array of percussive objects. The Music Odyssey Goosechase sends families through the museum on creative challenges. New exhibits honour Canadian Music Hall of Famers Nelly Furtado, Sum 41, and Oscar Peterson, and the updated Speak Up! exhibit spotlights a new group of Indigenous trailblazers, including Tudjaat, Crystal Shawanda, Andrea Menard, Jerry Alfred, and the Stoney Park Singers.
Over at the King Eddy, which celebrates over 120 years of history in 2026, families can enjoy free all-ages performances on the main floor and rooftop. The rooftop runs from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm with sets from Franco-Albertan country act Meera Sylvain, folk singer-songwriter Toni Vere, country artist Miles Canyon, and singer-songwriter Matt Beatty. The main floor opens at 11:00 am with live music from 4:00 pm, as country-rocker Ty Baynton, Cree-Métis outlaw country artist Jacquie Daniels, and acoustic roots duo The Charms carry the night.
“Ten years ago, National Music Centre opened the doors of Studio Bell with a bold vision: to unite Canadians through the power of music,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of National Music Centre. “Since then, more than a million visitors have walked through our doors to discover Canada’s music story, experience unforgettable performances, and celebrate the artists who help shape our culture. As we mark this milestone, we’re grateful to the supporters, artists, staff, volunteers, and visitors who have helped make Studio Bell a source of Canadian pride over the past decade. This Canada Day, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the music, culture, and spirit that bring us together as Canadians, and to help us kick off the next chapter of Studio Bell’s story.”
To thank the community for a decade of support, NMC is offering 50% off NMC Memberships for one day only on July 1, available in person at Studio Bell or online at studiobell.ca/become-a-member. It’s a genuinely joyful way to spend Canada Day, packed with music for every generation under one roof. The full schedule lives at studiobell.ca/whats-on.