Under-the-Radar Festivals to Check Out This Summer
Calgary’s summer schedule is packed with well-known and iconic events like the Calgary Stampede and Calgary Folk Music Festival, but there’s plenty more going on if you know where to look. From experimental music to cultural celebrations, street parades to poetry crawls, the city is bursting with unique, under-the-radar festivals. Whether you’re into jazz, design or something a little edgier, these gems are definitely worth checking out.
Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival
August 1 – 9, 2025
Various venues
Prices vary
The city’s anything-goes theatre festival returns with nine days of boundary-pushing, independent performances. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or curious newcomer, there’s something unexpected waiting.
calgaryfringe.ca
Design Week Calgary
August 7 – 9, 2025
Various venues
Tickets available June 27, 2025
Design Week explores how design shapes our everyday lives. With the 2025 theme In Plain Sight, expect exhibits, talks and experiences that highlight creativity across architecture, fashion, tech, sound and more.
designweekcalgary.com
Marda Gras Street Festival
August 10, 2025, 10am – 5pm
33 Ave. SW (Between 19 & 22 St. SW)
Free to attend
Marda Gras brings a burst of carnival energy to Marda Loop with live music, local vendors, street performers and activities for all ages. This is Calgary’s longest-running street festival and a summer staple.
visitmardaloop.com
Carifest
August 15 – 17, 2025
Various venues
Free to attend
Celebrate Caribbean culture at Carifest with vibrant must-see parade, music, food, art and culture. It’s a weekend full of colour, rhythm and high-energy celebration.
carifestcalgary.com
Chinatown Street Festival
August 16, 2025, 11am – 7pm
1 St. & 3 Ave. SE
Free to attend
This beloved one-day festival takes over Chinatown with cultural performances, food, local vendors and family-friendly programming. Don’t miss the traditional Lion & Dragon Dance and stage performances throughout the day.
calgarychinatown.com
Honens Festival
September 5 – 7, 2025
Various venues
Prices vary
Discover all that piano has to offer with intimate recitals, dynamic collaborations, atmospheric outdoors concerts and engaging adaptive concerts. Don’t miss two days of unforgettable musical moments that inspire, connect and bring the joy of piano to life!
honens.com
Stroll of Poets
September 5 – 7, 2025
Various venues in Inglewood & area
Prices to be announced
This revived poetry festival brings a multi-venue lineup of local curators and performers to stages across the city. Expect intimate readings, fresh voices and surprises around every corner.
facebook.com
DandyFest
September 13, 2025, 12 – 10pm
The Dandy Brewing Company (2003 11 St. SE)
$81.21
DandyFest is going all in this year with a brand-new Dandy Party. Expect killer bands, local art and tap takeovers from guest breweries — all packed into one high-energy day of music, beer and community.
eventbrite.ca
Have a festival that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
