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.
JazzYYC 2025 Summer Festival
June 23 – 29, 2025
Various venues
Prices vary
You don’t have to go to Montreal for great jazz! As one if its many yearly offerings, JazzYYC’s Summer Festival brings 18 shows to eight Calgary venues and features international stars, Canadian legends and local favourites.
jazzyyc.com
Sound Atlas New Music Festival
June 27 – 29, 2025
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
$25 – $230
Now in its third year, Sound Atlas brings boundary-pushing performances to Contemporary Calgary. This year’s theme, Sonic Playground, mixes whimsy and experimentation with performances by host ensemble Latitude 49, local artists and guests from across North America.
soundatlasfest.com
Fiestaval – Festival Latino
July 18 – 20, 2025, 11am – 11pm Fri & Sat, 11am – 10pm Sun
Eau Claire Plaza (3 St. & Riverfront Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Spice up your summer with three days of Latin culture in the heart of downtown. Fiestaval features over 30 food vendors, live music and dance, a kids zone, artisan market and all-ages energy from start to finish.
fiestaval.ca
Terminus Festival
July 24 – 27, 2025
Dickens (1000 9 Ave. SW)
$67.20 – $278.13
Calgary’s annual dark electronic festival brings together synth, post-punk, industrial, EBM and more for two nights of intense sound and subculture. Don’t miss this genre-defying event!
terminus-festival.com
Inglewood Sunfest
July 26, 2025, 11am – 7pm
9 Ave. SE (Between 11 & 14 St. SE)
Free to attend
A Sunfest, there is fun for everyone. Visit Inglewood for a day of free entertainment, shopping, food trucks and patios! Inglewood is host to over 200 vendors that include artisan crafts, small businesses, community organizations and more!
inglewoodsunfest.ca
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.
