Chinook Blast
Running until February 16, 2026, Chinook Blast returns to downtown Calgary with three weekends of winter fun, bringing together art, music, performance and community!
This year, the festival’s main hub is Eau Claire Plaza, which comes alive with live performances on the RISE UP Calgary Community Outdoor Stage, interactive public art and roving performers, outdoor skating on The Lagoon, beer gardens, food trucks and more. Visitors can also step inside The Dome, presented by Calgary Foundation, for a retreat from the winter chill.
Chinook Blast is also anchored by some of Calgary’s most beloved festivals, including Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater and additional programming that takes place at partner venues across Calgary, making Chinook Blast a city-wide invitation to embrace winter.
Here are just a few of the arts and culture highlights:
Ice Sculptures
February 6 – 13, 2026, 9am – 5pm
Various venues
Free to explore
To celebrate Lunar New Year, the Chinatown BIA presents a live ice sculpture activation. Master ice sculptors from Harbin, China, the world’s largest ice and snow festival, will transform large blocks of ice into striking works of art, with additional sculptures on display throughout Chinatown.
calgarychinatown.com
Block Heater
February 5 – 7, 2026
Various venues
Prices vary
The Calgary Folk Music Festival’s winter counterpart returns for Valentine’s Day weekend, filling intimate venues with live music from near and far. From cozy shows to late-night sets, Block Heater offers something for longtime fans and first-time attendees alike.
calgaryfolkfest.com
Festival Markets
Select dates throughout the festival
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1 St. SW)
Free to explore
Chinook Blast’s selection of markets offers something new each weekend, from Indigenous art and family activities at the Authentically Indigenous Winter Frost Market to dragon dances and multicultural performances for Lunar New Year.
chinookblast.ca
–MOVE–
February 7, 2026, 5:30 – 11pm
Eac Claire Plaza (101 Barclay Parade SW)
Free to attend
A free open-air electronic music showcase heats things up with deep beats and standout local and regional talent. This high-energy night features large-format light installations, fire dancers, cozy fire pits and immersive surprises.
chinookblast.ca
Calgary Opera: Serious Family Fun
February 13 – 14, 2026
Eau Claire Plaza (The Dome) & Mamdani Opera Centre
Prices vary
Calgary Opera offers performance and play indoors as they welcome listeners of all ages to drop in and play, sing, move and dance together with Seymour Barab’s Little Red Riding Hood.
chinookblast.ca
Blue Jay Sessions: Amped Up!
February 14, 2026, 6:30 – 10pm
Eau Claire Plaza at the RISE UP Calgary Community Outdoor Stage
Prices vary
Blue Jay Sessions: Amped Up! Is a fun, full-band offshoot of the award-winning songwriters’ showcase series. This evening will feature three sets of high-energy, original songs from paired-up Canadian artist duos, including Tea Fannie and Alex Hughes.
chinookblast.ca
Find the full festival schedule including showtimes and more events at chinookblast.ca.
