The short version
- Alberta has no PST: registered organizers charge 5% GST and nothing else.
- For most independent events, a flat-fee platform keeps the most money in Calgary.
- Bloom events in Calgary can be listed free on LampPost for local discovery.
Calgary ticketing platforms compared
What a $40 ticket costs in platform fees, from each platform's published Canadian pricing (October 2026). Card processing is extra on all of them.
| Platform | Fee on a $40 ticket | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom Tickets | $0.75 | Independent and recurring events, door sales on a phone |
| Showpass Essential | $0.99 | Simple events wanting a Calgary-based platform |
| Showpass Professional | $2.69 | Venues needing seating, add-ons and waitlists |
| Ticket Tailor | $1.00 | High-volume sellers who prepay for credits |
| Eventbrite | $2.69 | Events that rely on marketplace discovery |
Eventbrite also charges 2.9% processing on the whole order. Showpass charges processing per item. See Eventbrite vs Showpass and Bloom vs Showpass for full breakdowns.
For a 200-person event at $40, that's $150 in platform fees on Bloom against $538 on Eventbrite before processing.
Alberta tax basics
- GST only: 5% on admissions if you're registered. No provincial sales tax and no Calgary amusement tax.
- Small suppliers: if your taxable sales are under $30,000 over four consecutive quarters, you don't have to register (charities have a $50,000 threshold).
- Charity events: many admissions by registered charities are exempt.
Bloom lets you turn tax on or off per event, so you only charge it when you need to. More detail in event ticket tax in Canada.
Calgary timing tips
- Plan around Stampede. Early July is packed. Stampede-themed events sell fast; unrelated events that week compete with the whole city's calendar.
- Watch the weather. Chinooks make winter unpredictable and summer storms roll in fast. For outdoor events, publish a clear weather policy on your event page.
- Sell at the door. Walk-ups are common at markets, comedy and music nights. Bloom's Tap to Pay takes cards on your phone with no reader. See selling tickets at the door.
- Build regulars. Calgary's scenes are tight-knit. Followers who get an email the moment you publish your next event are your cheapest marketing. See building a following.
Getting discovered in Calgary
Calgary is one of the cities where LampPost runs, a free local app that shows people what's happening nearby. Bloom events in Calgary can be listed there at no extra cost, alongside your own Instagram, community groups and past-attendee emails.
Running events in other cities too? See our guides to Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ticketing platform for Calgary events?
It depends on your event. For most independent organizers running general-admission events, Bloom Tickets' flat $0.75 per ticket is the lowest-cost option. Showpass is Calgary-based and suits venues that need seating or memberships. Eventbrite suits events that rely on its marketplace to find buyers.
Do I charge PST on event tickets in Alberta?
No. Alberta has no provincial sales tax, so if you're registered for GST, you charge 5% GST on tickets and nothing else. If you're not registered (for example, under the $30,000 small-supplier threshold), you don't charge GST.
Is Showpass based in Calgary?
Yes. Showpass is a Calgary-based ticketing company and is widely used by Calgary venues.
How can I get my Calgary event discovered?
Your own channels matter most: Instagram, community groups and past attendees. Bloom events in Calgary can also be listed free on LampPost, a local discovery app that shows people what's on near them.
Sell your Calgary event on Bloom
$0.75 per ticket, no monthly fees, every feature included, and free LampPost listings in Calgary.
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