guide-to-calgary-festivals

We’re still recovering from Calgary’s festivals, but here’s why you should go anyway!

When I first moved to Calgary, I thought “festival season” meant a weekend of music in a field. Little did I know, Calgary takes festivals to a whole new level—cowboy hats, craft beer, even massive art installations. 

I stumbled into my first Calgary Stampede and ended up with my boots covered in dust and a belly full of poutine. Since then, I’ve been to comedy festivals that left me with sore cheeks, food fests that had me stuffed, and fireworks displays that lit up the whole city! 

Want to know which festivals will have you dancing, laughing, and coming back for more? Dive into The Ultimate Guide to Calgary Festivals and get ready to plan your calendar!

Admire Canadian Talent at Folk Music Festival

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Website 

Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW

When: July 24–27, 2025 

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If you’re thinking about attending the Calgary Folk Music Festival, get ready for an unforgettable summer experience. 

Yes, some may mention high ticket prices or long lines, but the festival more than makes up for it with its vibrant performances, cultural charm, and positive impact on Calgary’s economy.

You can expect a lineup of indie bands, international folk legends, and talented artists you might not have discovered otherwise. 

The festival offers more than just music; you’ll find a beer garden for a relaxing drink, a bustling food alley with tasty, mostly affordable bites, and a marketplace full of unique finds.

There are plenty of perks to enjoy. There’s a free outdoor stage for a dose of live music without the ticket price, plenty of shaded areas to keep cool, and a variety of food and drink options that won’t break the bank. 

The diverse lineup offers something for every music lover, and the family-friendly vibe means it’s not just a rowdy party scene.

The 2025 lineup includes artists like Leif Vollebekk, Leith Ross, KT Tunstall, Y La Bamba, and Sara Curruchich, each bringing their unique style to Calgary. 

Pro tip:

Consider bringing a chair, but ensure its seat height is no more than eight inches off the ground. This way, you’ll avoid blocking the view for those seated behind you.

Explore World Cultures at Globalfest

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Website 

Address: 17th Avenue SE and 60th Street SE

When: August 14-23, 2025

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GlobalFest is hands down one of Calgary’s summer highlights. Held over a week at Elliston Park, it’s a vibrant celebration of the city’s multicultural communities—and the fireworks are just the beginning. 

Each night, the festival wraps up with a breathtaking fireworks show, expertly choreographed to music. 

Pyrotechnic artists from five different countries blend their local and international tunes with dazzling bursts of color that reflect beautifully over the park’s pond.

Unlike other festivals where food and shopping steal the spotlight, 

GlobalFest focuses on cultural performances. 

Two stages showcase a variety of dance acts from around the world, giving attendees an authentic taste of global traditions. It’s an immersive experience that combines cultural pride, artistry, and one truly stunning fireworks finale.

Pro tip:

If you plan to bring chairs, aim to arrive early—flat spots with a great viewing angle tend to get taken quickly.

Party at the Badlands Music Festival

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Website

Address: 809 9th Ave SW

When: July 3-13, 2025

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The Badlands Festival brings a lineup of high-energy electronic and hip-hop shows to downtown Calgary, adding even more excitement to the Calgary Stampede. 

You must be ready for a rowdy crowd—this festival draws both hardcore EDM fans and Stampede-goers looking for a party vibe. The setup is straightforward but effective. 

The main stage is housed in a giant tent where the production quality has noticeably improved over recent years, making for an impressive, immersive show. There’s also a smaller stage featuring local acts. 

This area is cozy, with a big bar at its center and a stage perched above, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying the local talent.

If you’re looking for a music experience that combines Stampede spirit with top-notch electronic and hip-hop, Badlands Festival won’t disappoint!

Pro tip:

Be aware that an 18% automatic gratuity is added to every bar order, and it might not always be mentioned upfront. Keep an eye out for it when purchasing drinks.

Get Wasted at the Calgary International Beerfest

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Website 

Address: 20 Roundup Way

When: May 2 and 3, 2025

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The Calgary International Beerfest is the ultimate event for trying out Alberta’s new and iconic breweries. With over 700 beers from 200+ breweries, it’s no wonder this festival ranks as one of the best in the world. 

For just $20 entry and beer samples between $2-3 each, it’s a fantastic way to explore Alberta’s craft scene. Here’s a key tip: go VIP and arrive early. 

VIPs are allowed in an hour before general admission, so you’ll enjoy the freedom to sample without lines, actually chat with the brewers, and get to know the stories behind the beers. 

Plus, during that early hour, some vendors offer free or discounted samples—especially if the beer hasn’t fully chilled yet!

Our top picks are Freehold Brewing Co, Caravel, Ol’ Beautiful, and Six Corners Brewery. Ol’ Beautiful’s Okami-Kasu beer was especially impressive.

Pro tip:

Tokens for samples are easy to purchase at the venue, and you can either buy them gradually as you go or opt for a larger bundle at a small discount.

Support Local at YYC Hot Chocolate Festival

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Website

Address: 5759 80 Ave SE

When: February 1 – February 28, 2025

The YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is a cozy, must-attend winter event where Calgary’s cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers bring their A-game to compete for titles like Best Hot Chocolate and the brand-new 2024 category, Most Creative Hot Chocolate.

Throughout February, participating spots offer up inventive hot chocolate creations, from classic to boozy, and each sip supports a good cause—Calgary Meals on Wheels receives a portion of every sale. 

With the whole month to enjoy it, there’s no rush, making it the perfect way to warm up, explore the city’s hotspots, and indulge in some winter cheer.

Pro tip:

If you’re planning to indulge, consider downloading the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest app. It helps you find the nearest hot chocolate spots based on your location.

Indulge at Taste of Calgary

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Website

Address: Lot 6, 311 8 Street SW

When: July 31, August 1,2,3, and 4 2025

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Taste of Calgary is the city’s most mouth-watering festival, where you can dive into a world of food, drinks, music, and unique local finds. 

It’s not just about indulging in delicious, exotic cuisine—it’s also a perfect chance to sample dishes from Calgary’s newest restaurants, helping you decide which spots are worth a future visit.

You can spend the day soaking up live music, then head to the ticket booth to grab sample tickets. With tickets in hand, you’re free to roam, taste, and discover new favorite bites and drinks. It’s the ultimate foodie adventure in the heart of Calgary!

Pro tip:

Bring cash! Although many vendors accept card payments, having cash on hand can speed up transactions and make things easier.

Marvel at International Cinema at Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)

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Website 

Address: Scotiabank Theatre Chinook, Contemporary Calgary, Plaza Theatre and Globe Cinema

When: January 30, 2025

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The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. CIFF has truly come into its own, showcasing a fantastic variety of films—from Canadian gems to international hits, and everything in between. 

Whether you’re into animation, drama, horror, shorts, or full-length features, CIFF has something for every film lover.

Spanning ten days from Friday to the following Sunday, the festival offers plenty of opportunities for even the busiest cinephiles to catch a few screenings. 

With multiple showtimes for many films, scheduling becomes a breeze. Plus, the volunteers and staff—while not able to answer every single question—are always friendly and go the extra mile to ensure you’re having a great experience.

Yes, lines can be long, and start times might occasionally run late, but what better place to strike up an interesting conversation about cinema than in a film festival queue?

Any small hiccups are easy to overlook, and the films—along with the whole CIFF experience—are more than worth it.

Pro tip:

When organizing your festival schedule, it’s a good idea to allow at least a 30-minute buffer between movies—or 45 minutes if you’ll need to travel between venues.

Get Inspired by Talent at the High Performance Rodeo

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Website 

Address: 205 8 Ave SE

When: January 14 to February 2, 2025

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Blending theatre, music, dance, and comedy, The High Performance Rodeo is the ultimate arts extravaganza. 

The celebration is three-week long and it features performances from local, national, and international artists, bringing award-winning shows to Calgary’s stage.

The event’s partners include major arts organizations like Vertigo Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, and Lunchbox Theatre. With performers from around the globe, expect a thrilling mix of cutting-edge and wild entertainment!

Pro tip:

To build a schedule that suits you best, consider reviewing the presenters and descriptions of each show. Pick a couple of favorites as anchors around which to plan your experience.

Attend the BUMP Festival

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Website 

Address: 922 9 Ave SE

When: July 4–13, 2025

The BUMP Festival is an annual celebration that brings artists from across the globe to transform Calgary’s urban landscape with vibrant murals. 

Launched in 2017, the festival has become a city favorite, with a carefully selected jury choosing talented muralists and visual artists from hundreds of worldwide submissions.

Now boasting over 110 murals throughout Downtown Calgary, BUMP has turned the city into an open-air gallery, perfect for a colorful day of exploring and admiring the art. And if you’re in town during August, you’re in for a treat! 

The festival comes alive with mural tours, outdoor parties, cinema screenings, artist talks, and even live painting sessions. It’s an art-filled experience that adds creative energy to Calgary’s streets all year long.

Pro tip:

We suggest wearing layers to protect against sun, wind, and rain. Waterproof, closed-toed shoes are also a good choice to keep you comfortable during a long walk.

Join in on the Fun at Calgary Pride Parade

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Website 

Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW

When: January 7 to 12, 2025

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The Calgary Pride Parade is an annual, vibrant celebration of Calgary’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, showcasing colorful floats, energetic performances, and a spirit of unity and inclusion. 

As the highlight of the Calgary Pride Festival, the parade marches down 9th Avenue, from 6th Street S.E. to 5th Street S.W., filling the streets with music, joy, and pride.

Beyond the parade, the festival offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy a dedicated kid-friendly zone with activities like scavenger hunts, while the whole community can dive into concerts, plays, and lively parties. 

It’s a city-wide celebration of diversity and love, welcoming everyone to join in the festivities.

Pro tip:

Parking near the parade route can be challenging on parade day. If you’re able, we recommend taking public transit or the LRT to make your trip easier.
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