Guide to Festivals in Calgary – 2026

A guide to festivals in Calgary – includes free fun family festivals, music festivals (electronic, classic, jazz, blues, reggae, folk), food festivals, arts and science festivals, international events and more!

Contents

1. Upcoming festivals from To Do Canada Calgary calendar
2. All Calgary Festivals

You may like:

Day Trips From Calgary

Music Festivals in Alberta

You may like: Winter in Calgary

You may like: Summer in Calgary

..

All Calgary Festivals

Click on the month below to go directly to the specific month’s festivals. Festivals that span two months are mentioned under the month in which the festival begins.

January; February; March; April; May; June; July; August; September; October; November; December

Please verify all details from official website.

For current weekend events, see This Weekend in Calgary.

You may also like: Music Festivals in Alberta

January

1. High Performance Rodeo

The High Performance Rodeo is Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts. Encompassing theatre, music, dance, comedy and interdisciplinary art, the High Performance Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in western Canada. Details

Multiple Venues, Downtown Calgary

In January

Varies with the event.

2. BIG Winter Classic

Arts, music and local craft beer will collide at BIG Winter Classic for a four-day winter wonderland weekend that doesn’t involve getting up at 6 am and hitting the slopes. 5 stages and over 60 bands. We’ve got a festival. Details

Various Venues, Calgary

Mid January

February

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

During the month of February, participating Calgary cafes and restaurants create delicious and unique signature Hot Chocolates to support Calgary Meals on Wheels. Details

Multiple Vendors in Calgary

February

GLOW Winter Light Festival

Each night from 6:30pm to 11pm public spaces throughout the downtown core will be lit with one-of- a-kind installations, projections, theatrical experiences and interactive light art commissioned from artists, representing local, national and international talent. Details

Downtown Calgary

Family Day Weekend

Chinese New Year Carnival

Features programs and performances of traditional Dragon & Lion Dance, festival music and dance, martial art demonstration, vocal singing, folk art demonstration, festival food, games, artworks exhibition and an indoor bazaar of trade booths selling all sorts of gifts and festival items. Details

China Town, Calgary

In January or February

Block Heater

The Calgary Folk Music Festival presents the Block Heater, a winter music extravaganza at three live music venues on the Music Mile in the historic community of Inglewood. Details

Various Venues, Calgary

Held in February

Winefest Calgary

Winefest allows the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ within a casually refined atmosphere – every sip and sample is included in the ticket price. Wine experts are available to share their knowledge as consumers taste their way from booth to booth, suggesting tasting notes while educating the palate and senses. Details

Stampede Park BMO Centre Hall E

Family Day in Calgary

Enjoy various family festivities. Details

Various Venues

Family Day Monday in February

Mid Winter Blues Fest

By Calgary Blues Music Association. Details

Various venues, Calgary

February

Just Acts Play Festival

Just Acts Play Festival is an annual event aimed at exploring different areas of daily life and examining how people cope with disruption and conflict. Each year a topic is chosen and writers are invited to submit plays to be included in the festival. Details

 Lower Theatre at Knox United Church, Calgary

March

YYC Food Experience

For 10 days, enjoy offerings from Calgary’s favourite restaurants, featuring multi-course prix fixe value-priced menus, along with optional Wines of British Columbia pairings. Plus there will be one-of-a-kind chef collaborations, international chef exchanges, intimate winemaker’s dinners, brunches and other delectable culinary events. And that’s not all.  Details

Downtown Calgary

Cabane à Sucre Calgary Sugar Shack

The Calgary Maple Festival des Sucres is a highlight for the Albertan francophone community. The Calgary Maple Festival des Sucres is a unique destination where we share a tradition of Eastern Canada. The objective is to introduce the public to the rich Francophone heritage of this country, and offer everyone a memorable cultural experience in French. Details

La Cite Des Rocheuses, 4800 Richard Road SW, Calgary

Festival of  Animated Objects

From puppet shows to film screenings, gallery exhibitions to workshops, for 4-days and nights Calgary comes alive with original creations, mythical creatures, and curious beasts, objects and gadgets, and thingamajigs beguiled by puppet-masters and artists alike to stir your imagination. Details

Held once in two years.

Varies with events.

One Act Play Festival

Calgary Region One Act Play Festival. Over four evenings, see ten one act plays from a diverse array of local artists. From drama to comedy, new work to classics, the One Act Play Festival offers something for everyone. Details

Pumphouse Theatre, Calgary

March

Alchemy Festival of Student Work

Annual University of Calgary student festival offers a wide range of performances, extending from staged readings by graduate level playwrights to complete one act plays by some of the world’s most respected playwrights.. Details

University of Calgary, 210 University Court NW, Calgary

March end to April

April

Aggie Days

Enjoy many interactive agriculture activities including cow milking, sheep shearing, livestock auctioneering, the amazing corn maze, and much more! And of course you will be able to meet a wide variety of farm animals from huge draft horse to tiny chicks that are just a few days old. Come learn where your food comes from and enjoy going to the farm yet never leave the city. Details

BMO Center, Stampede Park, Calgary

April

Picture this..Film Festival

Picture this…film festival (PTFF) is an award-winning disability film festival recognized around the world for bringing disability films to the general public. Details

Calgary Scope Society, 219-18 Street SE, Calgary

Calgary Underground Film Festival

See films that defy convention. Through the screening of contemporary works in various categories that include: feature, documentary, animation and shorts – we bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres. Details

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary

April

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo (Calgary Expo) is an annual festival of all things pop culture including comics, sci-fi, gaming, anime, and horror, fantasy, and more. Since 2006, the convention has grown to welcome over 97,000 attendees annually and one of Canada’s biggest events, ever! Calgary Expo is Canada’s largest independent pop culture convention and one of the biggest events of its kind in North America.  Details

Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way Southeast, Calgary

April

May

Calgary International Beer Fest

The Calgary International Beerfest is a social event that celebrates the amazing beer and culinary culture in Alberta. Increase your beer knowledge and find a new favourite by sampling some of the 500+ different types of beer on site..Details

BMO Centre ; Stampede Park, 20 Round up Way, Calgary

May

You may like May Long Weekend Activities in Calgary

Vaisakhi Mela

Colourful Indian festival celebrating harvest. Details

Genesis Centre
7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE, Calgary

Ota Fest

Otafest is an annual conference for anime enthusiasts. We act as a creative outlet for fans, an occasion where they can show their passion and appreciation of the hobby. We are an event where fans can show off the costumes they have made, the music videos they have created, and the art they have painted and drawn. Otafest is a forum for discussion and education. We host educational panels introducing others to the basics of the Japanese language and tips on how to use computer programs to enhance music videos and CG art. Details

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre & Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

May

Jane’s Walk

Jane’s Walk is a movement of free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs. The walks get people to tell stories about their communities, explore their communities, and connect with neighbours. Details

Various Venues, Calgary

May

Free

Airdrie Children’s Festival‎

The event  will feature a Children’s Village play area, children’s entertainment, and inspiration stations, created to inspire kids in learning activities with the goal of exposing them to future career opportunities. Details

Nose Creek Park and other venues, Airdrie

May

Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

Events include Expo, 50KM Ultra , Scotiabank 42.2KM, Centaur Subaru 21.1KM, Jugo Juice 10K , Goodlife Fitness 5K Family Walk & Run and Scotiabank Kids Marathon. Details

Various Routes, Calgary

May

June

Funny Fest – Calgary Comedy Festival

Calgary Comedy Festival feature 11 days & nights of comedy, 70 performers, and 11 themes. Details

Multiple Venues, Calgary

 June

Serbian Fest

Experience Serbian hospitality for an entire weekend filled with fun activities for the whole family! Details

16025-243 Ave E (Range Road 294) DeWinton, DeerFoot Tr S & Dunbow Road E, Calgary

June

Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival

Nine days of LGBTQA film and events guaranteed to provoke, challenge and entertain. Details

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary

June

4th Street Lilac Festival

Enjoy an array of musical talent, artisan vendors, quality entertainment and some perfect people watching. At the Lilac Festival, there is an activity made for all ages. This could mean a jump in the bouncer for the kids, discovering a great new band, choosing a perfect summer patio or searching for a trendy fashion; there is no shortage of things happening. Details

4th st SW from 13 Ave S. – Elbow Dr, Calgary

June

Calgary Ukrainian Festival

The Calgary Ukrainian Festival exists to provide to the citizens of Calgary an informative, educational and entertaining festival that celebrates all aspects of our unique and rich Ukrainian heritage. Details

Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Avenue SE, Calgary

Spruce Meadows National

Best athletes from the world’s top show jumping nations compete for top prize money and international acclaim during the Spruce Meadows National,the first tournament in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.he ‘National’ presented by Rolex hosts the best show jumping athletes and horses from throughout the World. Enjoy Shopping, Pony Rides, Face Painting, Face Painting, Wagon Rides, the family favourite RE/MAX Prairie Dogs from Friday to Sunday, and our city’s finest First Responders on display on Saturday and Sunday. Details

Spruce Meadows, Calgary

June

Parkland Summerfest

The Parkland Summerfest celebrates the beginning of summer with day packed with music, food, and things to do. Details

Park 96
14660 Parkland Blvd SE, Calgary

 June

VegFest

VegFest Calgary will be a historic event, focused on unifying and enhancing one of the biggest cities in Canada. It will be a day-long outdoor festival, drawing inspiration from some of the most successful Vegfests in the world. Details

Millennium Park – 1220 9 Ave SW, Calgary

JazzYYC Summer Festival

Calgary’s Jazz festival.  Details

Multiple Venues, Calgary.

Ignite!
Festival for Emerging Artists

The Ignite! Festival for Emerging Artists presents exciting work from new voices. Emerging artists in all fields will get the opportunity to present their work to Calgary audiences. Take in the bleeding edge of theater, music, dance and the arts as Ignite! brightens your June!  Details

West Village Theatre, Calgary

June

Sled Island

Sled Island is an annual summer festival featuring over 250 bands plus film, comedy and art across 30+ venues in Calgary!  Details

Multiple Venues, Downtown Calgary

June

Free & ticketed events

July

You may like Canada Day in Calgary

Calgary Stampede

Do not miss this greatest outdoor show on Earth! The festival attracts over one million visitors per year and features one of the world’s largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing and First Nations exhibitions. Details

Calgary Stampede Grounds.

July

Spruce Meadows North American

Closing the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, the ‘North American’ Tournament hosts the best show jumping athletes and horses from throughout the Americas. Come honour our Canadian Military and enjoy Shopping, Art Walk, Pony Rides, Face Painting, Face Painting, Wagon Rides, and the family favourite Prairie Dogs.  Details

Spruce Meadows, Calgary

 July

Cyclepalooza

Cyclepalooza is a community-driven, do-it-yourself bicycle festival held every summer in Calgary. Cyclepalooza brings people together through cycling for fun and transportation. Details

Multiple venues, Calgary

Mid July

Calgary Turkish Festival

Enjoy Turkish culture, food, music & more! Details

Eau Claire festival Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary

Mid July

Fiestaval Calgary

Fiestaval is a free and family-oriented, multicultural arts and entertainment festival highlighting the Latin American Culture. It is an opportunity to support Calgary’s Latin community while encouraging multiculturalism among all Calgarians. Details

Calgary Olympic Plaza

July

Historic Calgary Week

Join us for A Chinook Country Historical Society program highlighting our cultural, institutional, industrial, architectural, sporting and military heritage. Travel North to Airdrie, West to Morley and South to Okotoks and High River to explore the contribution of these areas to our growth as a city and a province. Celebrate with us with over 60 events. Come to talks, walks, concerts, family events, museum and community visits and noon hour talks at Central United Church.  Details

Multiple Venues, Calgary

Late July to August

Calgary Organ Festival

Details

Various venues, Calgary

TBA

Calgary Folk Music Festival

An annual sound salvation that programs 75+ icons and upstarts from 16 countries on 8 stages in concerts and magical collaborative sessions. It’s a genre-defying, continent-linking festival where fiercely independent, creative troubadours and master instrumentalists from Mauritania, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Ethiopia, the US and Canada celebrate diverse traditions, deep roots and cool grooves. Details

Prince’s Island Park, Calgary

July

Terminus Festival

Western Canada’s only multi-day industrial/ebm/dark electro festival featuring bands from all over the world. Details

Dickens, 1000 9th Ave. SW, Calgary

Pet-A-Palooza

West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival. With events including: Dock Dogs Canada, “Running of the bulls” hilarious 20 ft French and English bull dog races, fly ball shows, agility demos, cool down stations, photo lounges and up to 85 of the leading pet related exhibitors.  Details

Eau Claire, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary

July

Calgary Arab Festival

The Calgary Arab Festival is an annual event that aims to share Arabian culture with Calgarians, and build community relationships between the Arab community and other Calgarian community groups.  Details

Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary

Calgary International Blues Festival

 Featuring a full week of blues that culminate in 4 days & nights of non-stop music at Shaw Millienium Park followed by the nightly Twilight Blues dance parties, this family friendly event is renowned for its great music, relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality! Details

Shaw Millenium Park, Calgary

July

Calgary Fringe Festival

Independent theatre and arts festival. Details

Multiple venues in Inglewood, Calgary

 July

Inglewood Sunfest

A feisty summer festival in the heart of Inglewood. We’re here to celebrate, engage, entertain, and delight. At Sunfest, there is an activity made for all ages. This could mean a jump in the bouncer for the kids, discovering a great new band, being wowed and amazed by our cool street performers, choosing a perfect summer patio or searching for a trendy fashion; there is no shortage of things happening.. Details

Mainstreet Inglewood, Calgary

 July

Free and ticketed events.

Chasing Summer

Western Canada’s largest electronic music festival. Details

18+ – admission only with valid photo ID checked at the gate.

Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds
1001 Barlow Trail Southeast, Calgary

July

August

You may like Heritage Day Long Weekend in Calgary

Franco Festival

Come and enjoy Franco Festival, where families and the community are brought together to celebrate our diversity. During the day, you can experience many cultures through music, dance, food, arts and crafts.  Details

Murdock Park, Calgary

Expo Latino

Western Canada’s largest outdoor latin festival. Details

Prince’s Island Park, Calgary

Marda Gras Street Festival

This annual, fun-filled, family-friendly event attracts over 35,000 visitors from all over Calgary. The sights and sounds of New Orleans; purple, green and gold pageantry; a variety of high quality cultural performers, dance groups and musicians; outdoor activities; and a wide variety of delicious cuisine draws kids of all ages to this New Orleans themed festival. Details

Marda Loop – 33rd and 34th Avenues SW, Calgary

 August

Taste of Calgary

Taste of Calgary is the city’s most appetizing festival, giving visitors the chance to sample the city’s food, beverages, music and other cool things. Discover Calgary’s global cuisines from a mix of unique restaurants and beverage companies. Plus get a taste of Calgary’s great musicians. And, shop at some of the most interesting marketplace vendors in the city. Details

Downtown Calgary

August

Calgary Japanese Festival

Visitors to the festival will be treated to authentic Japanese customs, presentations of traditional music, dance & song, dramatic re-enactments of classic Japanese fairy tales, martial arts demonstrations, and more! Details

Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail SE., Calgary

August

Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival

As Calgary’s premier sport festivals, the Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival draws +1850 competitors, +4000 spectators and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences. The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival is geared towards creating an unforgettable experience. The dragon boat competition illustrates comradery, teamwork and inspiration. Details

North Glenmore Park, Calgary.

August

Free

Carifest Calgary

Carifest is an annual festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that showcases the arts and culture of the Caribbean. Details

Shaw Millenium Park, Calgary.

August

Country Thunder Music Festival

Enjoy you three days filled with epic country music! Details

Prarie Winds Park, 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary

August

Global Fest

International fireworks festival. Fireworks, cultural performances, night market and more! Details

Elliston Park,  main gate at the corner of 17th Avenue and 60th Street SE, Calgary

August

Calgary Korean Day Festival

The festival celebrate and showcase Korea’s unique culture to thousands of Calgarians participating in the event. The Korean Day Festival is held to preserve and promote Korea’s heritage, including exciting events such as traditional dance performances, Korean food. Come and enjoy this day at the festival, as we joyfully honor our heritage and culture here in Calgary. Details

West Hillhurst Community Association and Park,
1940 6 Ave NW, Calgary

August

Brewery & The Beast

A premium culinary experience that features the highest quality meats through the vision of an extraordinary line-up of chefs. Meat Fest.  18+ event – no minors permitted.  Details

August

Shaw Charity Classic

PGA Champions Tour – one of the two Canadian stops. Details

Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, Calgary

August

Calgary Pride

Calgary Pride Week. Details

Calgary Pride in the Park: With a rocking stage filled with amazing local and out of town talent, as well as local food trucks, beer gardens, vendors and a family zone, there’s something for everyone.

Princes Island Park

August End to Labour Day Weekend

Free and ticketed events

September

Honens Festival & Piano Competition

Experience the festival that discover and launch the careers of the world’s most promising pianists. Enjoy listening to Complete Pianists—21^st century artists for 21^st century audiences and other renowned musicians throughout the festival. Details

Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons, 205 8th Avenue SE, Calgary

You may like Labour Day Weekend Activities in Calgary

Calgary Highland Games

The Calgary Highland Games is one of the oldest gatherings in North America and will be celebrating 104 years since the first games, held in 1913. Organised by the Calgary United Scottish Games Association, these games have gained the reputation as being one of the most prestigious Highland events in the West. Attracting competitors and spectators from across Western Canada and the USA, you will watch some of the world’s top pipers, drummers, dancers, and heavy event athletes compete and perform. Details

Calgary Rugby Union

Labour day Weekend

BBQ on the Bow

Canada’s Oldest BBQ Festival with plenty of entertainment. In the BBQ on the Bow “Alberta Championship”, teams vie for recognition as the Grand Champion by earning the most points in all four required categories: Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Butt (shoulder) and Beef Brisket. Details

Labour Day Weekend

Spruce Meadows Masters

The eyes of the world are focused on Spruce Meadows as the best athletes from the world’s top show jumping nations compete for prize money and international acclaim during the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’. Family entertainment and shopping opportunities are available for guests from Wednesday to Sunday. Details

Spruce Meadows, Calgary

September

Beakerhead

It’s a time and place where engineers show their creative sides, and artists get technical, where science hits the street, and everyone gets ingenious. Beakerhead is hands-on and citywide. Everyone is warmly encouraged to take part. Find yourself immersed in engineered art, international ingenuity competitions, public performances, community challenges, backyard-built contraptions, and creations of your own making. Details

Multiple Venues, Calgary

Mid September

Calgary International Film Festival

The Calgary International Film Festival is a 12-day showcase of over 200 multi-genre films from Canada and over 40 other countries. Hosting gala events, screenings, award ceremonies and special presentations, CIFF changes the way visual stories are shared and experienced. Details

Multiple venues, Calgary

September/October

October

Wordfest™

Wordfest sparks lively, illuminating and meaningful conversations between Calgary’s readers and the world’s most engaging writers. Our year-round literary events culminate in a 5-day festival every October, and are programmed to inspire Calgarians to live more creative and empathetic lives. Wordfest’s trademark events include readings, workshops, panel discussions and in-school presentations from authors writing in every genre and for all ages. Details

Multiple Venues, Calgary

October

Halloween

From ghost tours to freaky flashlit night experiences navigating corn mazes to haunted houses, there are plenty of events to get spooked out during Halloween in Calgary.

Various venues, Calgary

Weekends & Last Week of October

Free & Ticketed Events

Fluid Festival

The Fluid Festival celebrates a vast vibrant spectrum of what dance can be, and serves as a space for dialogue and exchange that fosters curiosity and connection. From morning workshops and afternoon artist talks to evening main stage shows and site-specific collaborations that flow into Alberta artist showcases, and late-night performances – Fluid Festival is an inexhaustible immersive forum of new forms and brings forth new feelings for these experiences.  Details

Various venues, Calgary

Late October

November & December

Calgary European Film Festival

Each November, the best European movies are presented for you to enjoy good entertainment and multiculturalism within the magic of cinema. All productions will be screened in their respective languages with English subtitles. Details

Eau Claire Market Cinemas, Calgary

Early to Mid November

Canadian Jazz Festival

JazzYYC will present an exciting mix of the best local and touring jazz artists. Details

Various Venues – Lolitas Lounge, Ironwood Stage & Grill & King Eddy

November Mid

CUFF Docs

International Documentary Festival. Details

Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary

Late November

Calgary Justice Film Festival

Each year the Calgary Justice Film Festival strives to present innovative and meaningful documentaries that encourage Calgarians to take positive action in their communities, this nation, and the world. The Justice Film Festival has been sharing human rights, environmental, and socially significant documentary films since 2006 .Details

Various Venues, Calgary

November

Zoo Lights

See the 1.5 million Christmas lights at the Calgary Zoo. Watch the amazing light display and enjoy related Christmas activities including Snow bowling, Reindeer Stables, Snowball Alley & build your own igloo and see the Ice Carving Demos. Enjoy caroling as you sip hot chocolate and visit fire pits to keep you toasty and warm. Details

Calgary Zoo.

Late November to End of December

Take a free tour of decked up Calgary downtown, enjoy Lions Festival of Lights or enjoy concerts during Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s stop in Calgary. Details

Various Venues in and around Calgary

Mid November to Early January.

General: Free & Ticketed Events

Christmas Carols & Holiday Concerts in Calgary.

Christmas Markets & Fairs

Enjoy ice carving demonstrations, fire pits, and holiday entertainment while you shop for that unique gift for your loved ones. Details

Multiple Venues in and around Calgary

November & December

General: Free & Ticketed Events

New Years Eve in Calgary

Welcome 2022 in Calgary – Details

Various Venues in and around Calgary

December 31

Free & Ticketed Events