FAQs
What are Dos Leches Community events?
The Dos Leches Community is a free outdoor event series in Calgary, Alberta. We set up in public parks, bring live DJs, food vendors, and community activities, and invite everyone to come enjoy music at sunset. No tickets, no cover charge, no guest list. Every event is open to the public and free to attend. We started in late 2024 with two rented speakers in Rotary Park. By 2025, over 1,000 people were showing up to every event, all through word of mouth and zero paid advertising.
Are Dos Leches Community events really free?
Yes. Every Dos Leches Community event is free. There is no cover charge, no ticket, and no registration required. You just show up. This is a core principle, not a promotion. We've never charged admission and we don't plan to start. Food and drinks from vendors are available for purchase, but attending the event itself costs nothing.
Where do Dos Leches Community events take place?
Our events take place in public parks and outdoor spaces across Calgary. In 2025, we hosted events at Rotary Park, River Hall at West Eau Claire Park (in partnership with Eau Claire Community Association), and 33 Acres Brewing Co. Venues change from event to event. When we announce an event, the location is always included.
When is the next Dos Leches Community event?
You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
Are Dos Leches Community events really free?
We don't announce events months in advance. Dos Leches operates on a pop-up model. When an event is happening, we announce it about 10-14 days beforehand on our Instagram (@dos.leche5), our email list, and our website. The best way to know first is to sign up for our email list at dosleches.ca. Our active season runs from approximately April through September.
Yes. Dos Leches Community events are all ages. We set up dedicated kids' areas at our events. Children are welcome and families are a big part of the community. Our survey data shows attendees range from age 2 to 70+ at every event.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at all Dos Leches Community events. We only ask that you keep them leashed and clean up after them. Dogs are a regular sight at our gatherings.
Can I bring my dog?
Parking depends on the venue. Our events are in public parks across Calgary, most of which have nearby street parking or public lots. We encourage transit, biking, or walking when possible. When we announce an event, we include location details that help with planning your arrival.
Is there parking?
What kind of music is at the events?
Dos Leches events feature live DJ sets. The music ranges across house, afro house, deep house, and other electronic genres. The vibe is daytime and sunset-friendly. It's music you can dance to, but it's also music you can sit on a blanket and listen to with your family. We program multiple DJ sets per event, usually running from approximately 3 PM until sunset.
A blanket to sit on, sunscreen, water, and whoever you want to spend the afternoon with. Some people bring lawn chairs, picnic food, and frisbees. There's no wrong way to show up. If you want to dance, there's a dance floor. If you want to sit on the grass, there's plenty of space.
What should I bring?
Events typically run 4-6 hours, starting around 3 PM and ending at sunset (approximately 8-9 PM depending on the time of year). You can come and go as you please. There's no set schedule you need to follow.
How long do the events last?
How do I find out about events?
Three ways. First, sign up for our email list at dosleches.ca. We only send emails when there's something worth saying, and our subscribers hear about events first. Second, follow us on Instagram at @dos.leche5. Third, check our website at dosleches.ca/events. We announce events approximately 10-14 days before they happen.
Yes. Dos Leches events are organized and run by volunteers. If you want to help, email us at info@dosleches.ca and tell us a bit about yourself and what you'd like to do. Volunteer roles include setup and teardown, on-site coordination, kids' area support, and general event support.
Can I volunteer?
Can I DJ at a Dos Leches event?
We're always interested in hearing from local DJs. Send us a mix or a link to your work at info@dosleches.ca. We program based on fit with the Dos Leches vibe, which is daytime, outdoor, sunset-friendly. Include your name, your style, and any links to your sets or profiles.
We highly encourage you to attend one of our events first to understand the vibe and the energy of this community.
I'm a food vendor. Can I be at an event?
Yes. We bring food vendors to every event and we're always looking for good fits. Email us at info@dosleches.ca with details about your operation, your menu, and your availability for the 2026 season.
I'm interested in sponsoring or partnering with Dos Leches.
We'd love to hear from you. Dos Leches events put your brand in front of 1,000+ engaged Calgarians aged 25-44 who chose to be there. Email info@dosleches.ca and we'll send you details on partnership opportunities.
What is the Dos Leches Society?
The Dos Leches Society is the non-profit arm of Dos Leches. We're in the process of becoming a registered non-profit so we can continue running free community events in Calgary with a sustainable organizational structure. The Society is how we make sure Dos Leches can keep showing up for this city, season after season.
What is the Dos Leches Spotlight Series?
The Spotlight Series is a project where we create cinematic videos that showcase local artists and the parts of Calgary that make this city worth celebrating. It's part artist showcase, part love letter to the city. First releases are coming soon. Follow @dos.leche5 for updates.
Do you cancel events for bad weather?
Yes. Dos Leches is a blue-sky brand. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we postpone. We don't run events in the rain. If an event is cancelled or postponed, we announce it on our Instagram and email list as soon as possible.
In 2025, every Dos Leches event drew between 700 and 1,000+ attendees over the course of the afternoon. Our community survey showed that 87% of attendees travel from outside the host neighbourhood to attend. Events are held in public parks with plenty of space.
How big are the events?
Is Dos Leches only in Calgary?
Right now, yes. Dos Leches is based in Calgary, Alberta, and all of our events happen in Calgary's public parks. We have plans to expand to other Canadian cities in the future, but for now, Calgary is home.
Is there a designated smoking area?
We don’t condone smoking at our events. We want to keep the main event space comfortable for families and non-smokers. If you really have to smoke, please step away from the crowded areas and kids. Please be mindful of others.
Yes. We bring portable washrooms to every event. In 2025, we learned that we need more of them, so we're increasing the number for 2026. Washroom locations are marked on the event site map.
Are there washrooms?
Our events take place in public parks on grass and paved pathways. Accessibility varies by venue. If you have specific accessibility needs, email us at info@dosleches.ca before the event and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
Is the event accessible?
Is there alcohol at the events?
Some events include a licensed beer garden operated by Cold Garden Beverage Company. Cold Garden handles all AGLC licensing and serves responsibly within a designated fenced area. Not every event has a beer garden. When one is available, we mention it in the event announcement. The rest of the event space is alcohol-free.
We recommend bringing your own water. Some of our food vendors sell drinks, and we're working on water station options for 2026. Calgary summers are warm, so a water bottle is a good idea
Is there water available?
It depends on the venue. Some parks have trees and shaded areas, others are more open. We recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen. If shade matters to you, arriving early gives you a better chance of grabbing a spot near the trees.
Is there shade?
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. Lots of people bring picnic food, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. We also have food vendors at every event if you'd rather buy something there. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
Can I bring a lawn chair or tent?
Lawn chairs, low beach chairs and beach umbrellas are welcome. We ask that you don't bring large pop-up tents or canopies, as they block sightlines and take up space that other people could use. Blankets are the most common setup.
Yes. There's always a designated area in front of the DJ setup where people dance. But people also dance on the grass, on the pathways, and pretty much anywhere they feel like it. There's no wrong spot.
Is there a dance floor?
We manage sound levels carefully. The music is loud enough to dance to near the DJ area, but it drops off as you move further into the park. We monitor sound levels throughout the event to comply with Calgary's noise bylaws and to be respectful of the surrounding neighbourhood. If you want a quieter experience, set up your blanket further from the speakers.
How loud is the music?
Do you run a food bank drive?
Yes. We set up food bank collection stations at our events and encourage attendees to bring non-perishable items. All donations go directly to the local food bank. It's one way we try to make sure these gatherings give back to the community beyond just the event itself.
How do I stay safe at the event?
We have contracted security on-site at every event, and a volunteer team monitoring the space. Our events happen in daylight in public parks, and we've had zero incidents across all events in 2025. If you have a concern during an event, find anyone wearing a Dos Leches volunteer or event organizer and they'll help.
What's the Dos Leches Fam?
The Dos Leches Fam is our broadcast community on Instagram. It's a group of 800+ people who get behind-the-scenes updates, early announcements, and direct communication from the team. You can join through our Instagram page @dos.leche5.
Do you host events in winter?
Not currently. Dos Leches is a blue-sky, outdoor event series. Our season runs from approximately April through September when the weather supports outdoor gatherings. We're exploring ideas for winter programming, but nothing is confirmed yet.
That being said, always check our site and socials. Sometimes, we do fun stuff even in the winter. For example, in January 2026 we partnered with Chinook Blast for an outdoor free event for our community.
Dos Leches is volunteer-run and community-supported. We've received support from partners like Eau Claire Community Association for operational costs like washrooms and security. We're becoming a registered non-profit (the Dos Leches Society) so we can apply for grants at the municipal, provincial, and federal level. Revenue from merch sales also supports event operations. We've never taken investor money or venture capital. Everything goes back into keeping events free.
How is Dos Leches funded?
Can I take photos and videos at the event?
Yes. You're welcome to photograph and film for personal use and social media. If you're a photographer or videographer and want to cover a Dos Leches event in a professional capacity, reach out to info@dosleches.ca. We love working with local creatives.