Summer Festival Guide
From favourites to traditions, Calgary’s festival scene is smoking hot
Each summer, Calgary’s festival scene explodes with hundreds of local and international artists, lively outdoor events, and tons of family-friendly fun. With over 40 festivals taking place between now and the end of September, there’s something new to check out every weekend—it’s a festival paradise.
Shakespeare by the Bow
Until August 19, 2018
Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. SW)
Pay-What-You-Can
Theatre Calgary works with emerging actors and theatre talent for this annual outdoor show. In 2018, see Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona—a tale of friendship between best pals Proteus and Valentine who fall in and out of bromance. Every performance is pay-what-you-can and follow @ShakesBow for weather delays or cancellations.
theatrecalgary.com
Canada Day
July 1, 2018
Multiple venues
Free
Don’t miss Canada’s 151st birthday celebrations taking place across downtown. The City of Calgary has partnered with tons of local organizations to plan a day full of fun, family-friendly, and free events including music, dance, art, and culture offerings. The Indigenous Showcase returns to Prince’s Island Park, there’s a street fair in the East Village, and you can check out the One City, One Voice community sing-a-long at the Riverfront Stage.
calgary.ca
Calgary Organ Festival
July 2 to 5, 2018
Multiple venues
Free – $40
A series of exciting and inspiring events in celebration of the pipe organ and the people who love them, join the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO), Calgary Centre for the 2018 Calgary Organ Festival. The RCCO holds this annual festival each summer in a different centre and 2018 includes offers day recitals and evening concerts by internationally known organists as well as masterclasses, workshops, lectures, a coffee house, and an exhibit hall.
calgaryorganfestival.ca
Electrodeo
July 5 – 15, 2018
The Still (270 14th Ave. SE)
$10 – $150
An electronic music festival taking place all 11 days during the Calgary Stampede, the lineup includes KYTAMI, Wes Please, K-LAB, Fort Knox Five, and many more. The patio also features a full view of the fireworks.
electrodeo.com
Mexifest
July 6 & 7, 2018
Eau Claire Festival Plaza (139 Barclay Parade SW)
$10 – $20
A family-oriented, multicultural arts, and entertainment festival celebrating Mexican culture, these two days feature authentic food, liquor vendors, artisan market, live music, and a wrestling ring with luchadores from Mexico.
mexifest.ca
Calgary Exhibition and Stampede
July 6 – 15, 2018
Stampede Park (1410 Olympic Way SE)
Ticket prices vary
The biggest festival of the summer, the Calgary Stampede returns with 10 days of music, western events, youth activities, agriculture programs, and so much more. To kick it all off, Coca-Cola IgNITES the Night returns for 2018 on July 5. It’s a chance for you to get a sneak peek at the grounds while dancing, riding, and partying the night away.
calgarystampede.com
Bell Live Series at the King Eddy
July 6 – 15, 2018
King Eddy, National Music Centre (438 9th Ave. SE)
Free – $50
The historic King Eddy kicks into high-gear as a pop-up country bar with the return of the Bell Live Series. For 10 days during the Calgary Stampede, this East Village venue is transformed into a honky-tonk featuring a revolving roster of boot-stomping country acts performing ticketed evening concerts and free daytime shows.
studiobell.ca
Cyclepalooza
July 13 – 22, 2018
Multiple venues
Ticket prices vary
A community-driven, do-it-yourself bicycle festival, Cyclepalooza is held every summer in Calgary. Bringing people together through cycling, the festival features commuter challenges, photo contests, and ride tours that highlight art, food, local history, and more. Anyone can lead a ride during Cyclepalooza!
cyclepalooza.ca
The Big Slam
July 14, 2018, 10:00am – 12:00am
Brewery Flats, Inglewood (Around 11th St. & 12th St. SE)
Free – $48
The annual Big Slam event is back for its second year with live music, craft beer, and free daytime activities. There’s even a free skate clinic, a Market Collective pop-up, and food trucks to check out.
slamthefestival.com
Calgary Turkish Festival
July 19 – 22, 2018
Eau Claire Festival Plaza (139 Barclay Parade SW)
Free admission
Get a taste of Turkish culture with art, folk dance, music, and gourmet food. Visitors are invited to celebrate, learn, and savour the hospitality, culture, heritage, and cuisine.
calgaryturkishfestival.com
Fiestaval Latin Festival
July 20 – 22, 2018
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
A free multicultural celebration of Latin American culture, Fiestaval features live music, dance lessons, authentic Latin food and Latin handicrafts, beer gardens, a kid’s area, and much more!
fiestaval.ca
India Film Festival of Alberta
July 20 – 22, 2018
Globe Cinema Calgary (617 8th Ave. SW)
$12.50 – $35
The IFFA showcases the rich diversity of Indian cinema for Albertans across the province. With several award-winning and independent movies, catch this touring festival during its Calgary stop.
indiafilmfestival.ca
Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 26 – 29, 2018
Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. SW)
$35 – $195
A summer favourite, Calgary Folk Fest celebrates some of the globe’s most independent, original, and innovative songwriters and instrumentalists. This year’s lineup includes performances from A Tribe Called Red, Neko Case, Lee Anne Womack, Joe Jackson, and many more.
calgaryfolkfest.com
Terminus
July 27 – 29, 2018
Dickens Pub (1000 9th Ave. SW)
$70 – $180
Founded in 2012, Terminus is Western Canada’s only multi-day industrial/ebm/dark electro festival featuring international artists. The 2018 lineup includes Leather Strip, mesh, TR/ST, and many more.
terminus-festival.com
Historic Calgary Week
July 27 – August 6, 2018
Multiple locations
Free – $20, donations welcome
Chinook Country Historical Society highlights our cultural, institutional, industrial, architectural, sporting, and military heritage with over 70 events. Most are free and there are talks, walks, concerts, museum visits, and more to check out.
chinookcounrty.org
Pet-a-Palooza
July 28 & 29, 2018
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free, pet-friendly
Just Love Animals Society is returning to Calgary once again with the West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival. Bring your pet to sample treats, food, accessories, toys, and more.
petapaloozawest.com
Calgary Arab Festival
July 28 & 29, 2018
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
A free, family-friendly event, this festival shares Arabian traditions, folk dance, music, food, customs, arts, and much more. It celebrates its fifth year in 2018, so swing on by for this milestone event.
facebook.com
Calgary International Blues Festival
July 30 – August 5, 2018
Multiple locations
Free – $129
Don’t miss this full week of the best in blues! Featuring an exciting program of workshops and special events, it all culminates on the Mainstage at Shaw Millennium Park. The 2018 lineup includes BB King’s Blues Band, Chicago Blues Reunion, Dawn Tyler Watson, Jim Byrnes, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Popa Chubby, Sue Foley, and many more.
calgarybluesfest.com
Calgary International Fringe Festival
August 3 – 11, 2018
Multiple venues
Ticket prices vary
The Calgary Fringe Festival is an uncensored, non-juried performance festival that presents over 30 productions and 150 performances over the course of just nine days. Stay tuned—the schedule will be released in the coming days.
calgaryfringe.ca
Inglewood Sunfest
August 4, 2018, 11:00am – 6:00pm
Mainstreet Inglewood (9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Inglewood Sunfest is all about having fun in the sun! This feisty summer festival in the heart of this historic neighbourhood is here to celebrate, engage, entertain, and delight with activities for all ages.
inglewoodsunfest.ca
Chasing Summer Festival
August 4 & 5, 2018
Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds (1001 Barlow Tr. SE)
$99.95 – $289.95
Western Canada’s largest outdoor electronic music festival brings two days of electronic music to Calgary with a lineup that includes Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, Kaskade, Dillon Francis, RL Grime, Borgore, Cash Cash, and more.
chasingsummerfestival.com
Tour de Bowness Street Festival
August 6, 2018, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Mainstreet Bowness (Along Bowness Rd. NW)
Free admission
A festival of competitive bike racing, artisans, food trucks, music, children’s activities, and more, the event celebrates the vibrant and historical community.
mainstreetbowness.com
Heritage Day Festival
August 6, 2018, 12:00 – 6:00pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free
Hosted by the Calgary Folk Arts Council, the 41st annual Heritage Day Festival features six hours of multicultural performances, ethnic foods, and unique handicrafts.
facebook.com
Taste of Calgary
August 9 – 12, 2018
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free admission
Calgary’s festival of food and drink offers sensational samples from Calgary’s most interesting restaurants and beverage companies against a backdrop of the best talent the province has to offer.
tasteofcalgary.com
When Words Collide
August 10 – 12, 2018
Delta Calgary South Hotel (135 Southland Dr. SE)
$20 – $60
A festival for readers, writers, artists, and publishers of commercial and literary fiction right here in Calgary. Speaking panels, merchants, and parties celebrate all genres including young adult, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, historical fiction, film scripts, and kid’s books.
whenwordscollide.org
Calgary Japanese Festival Omatsuri
August 11, 2018, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Max Bell Centre (1001 Barlow Tr. SE)
Free – $7
Visitors to the Calgary Japanese Festival are treated to authentic Japanese food and snacks as well as presentations of traditional music, dance, and song.
calgaryjapanesefestival.com
Buckyfest
August 11, 2018, 12:00 – 6:00pm
Buckmaster Park (1629 21st Ave. SW)
Free
Head to Bankview for this free, all-ages outdoor concert series on the hill. Bring a picnic and the whole family for a day of games and great local bands including Shona Raye and the Voodoo Hand and Boom! Boom!
facebook.com
Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
August 11 & 12, 2018
North Glenmore Park (7305 Crowchild Tr. SW)
Free
On the water, teams participate in the 2,000-year-old traditional rowing sport. On land, spectators get to cheer them on while experiencing the music, dance, and food of China. The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival draws over 1,850 competitors, 4,000 spectators, and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences.
calgarydragonboatsociety.com
Marda Gras
August 12, 2018, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Marda Loop (33rd & 34th Ave. SW)
Free admission
The Marda Gras Street Festival attracts some 35,000 people to Marda Loop for a fun-filled and family-friendly event that embraces the culture and cuisine of New Orleans.
mardagras.ca
A Long Time Coming
August 12, 2018, 10:30 – 7:00pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
A new summer festival from Generation Indigenous, it aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. With collaborations of vendors and organizations, based on intersectionality and diversity, enjoy Indigenous culture through food, music, dance, spoken word, and traditional activities.
facebook.com
GlobalFest
August 16 – 25, 2018
Elliston Park (1827 68 St. SE)
$12.50 – $175
GlobalFest showcases the heritage of more than 60 cultures with a variety of events and activities that celebrate Calgary’s diversity and support cross-cultural respect. And don’t forget those amazing fireworks!
globalfest.ca
Expo Latino
August 17 – 19, 2018
Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. SW)
$10 – $40
As Calgary’s hottest outdoor festival, Expo Latino celebrates Hispanic culture through dance, music, food, and art. Chill out in the beer garden near the stage or dance the weekend away.
expolatino.com
Country Thunder
August 17 – 19, 2018
Prairie Winds Park (223 Castleridge Blvd. NE)
Ticket prices vary
Returning for 2018, this country music festival features Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Dean Brody, Eric Church, and many more. Stay tuned as more details become available.
countrythunder.com
Franco Festival Calgary
August 18, 2018, 11:00am – 9:00pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
An initiative of Portail de l’Immigrant Association, a non-profit organization based in Calgary, join in and celebrate Francophone cultures through dance, music, food, arts, and crafts that demonstrate the magnitude and diversity of Canadian heritage.
francofestcalgary.com
Calgary Pride Festival
August 24 – September 3, 2018
Multiple locations
Ticket prices vary
An entire week of events celebrating Calgary’s LGBTQA2S+ community peaks with a huge parade and street festival. Join in for concerts, plays, parties, history walks, panel discussions, and more.
calgarypride.ca
Carifest
August 25, 2018
Shaw Millennium Park (1220 9th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Celebrate Caribbean arts and culture with local, international, and Caribbean entertainment, food, and much more. The parade kicks it all off at Olympic Plaza and travels along Stephen Ave.
facebook.com
BUMP Festival
August 30 – September 1, 2018
Throughout the Beltline
Free
With several new murals popping up, join the Beltline Urban Murals Project as it caps another successful year with a three-day festival. The lineup includes artist talks, walking tours, and an alley party.
yycbump.ca
Honens
August 30 – September 8, 2018
Multiple locations
$10 – $475
It might be Canada’s International Festival of Piano, but if you simply love music, you really should check out Honens. This year is a competition year so look for recitals, concerts, a film series, and more as pianists from around the world compete for the $100,000 prize.
honens.com
Fiesta Filipino
August 31 – September 2, 2018
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Celebrate Alberta’s vibrant Filipino community with food, arts, entertainment, and crafts. Guest performers include Xian Lim, Bela Padilla, Annie Lux, and more
fiestafilipinoyyc.com
Calgary Highland Games
September 1, 2018
Calgary Rugby Union (9025 Shepard Rd. SE)
$15 – $70
One of the oldest gatherings in North America, the games were first held in 1913. With competitors from across Western Canada and USA, its your chance to see some of the world’s top pipers, drummers, dancers, and heavy event athletes compete and perform.
calgaryhighlandgames.org
BBQ on the Bow
September 1 & 2, 2018
Montgomery Community Association (5003 16th Ave. NW)
Free admission
Get ready to get your nom on while enjoying some rocking bands, BBQ on the Bow strives to spread passion for southern style BBQ while simultaneously celebrating and promoting local products, businesses, and musicians.
bbqonthebow.com
M:ST 9 Performance Art Biennial
September 7 – October 7, 2018
Multiple venues
Free admission
The M:ST 9 Biennial brings Canadian and international performance artists to Calgary for a month-long festival. It celebrates experimental and risk-taking artworks that disrupt conventions and connects theatres, galleries, and public spaces all over the downtown core. Explore opportunities to entangle with media in new and surprising ways through exhibitions, interactive installations, performances, and interventions, all events are free and all are welcome.
mstfestival.org
Circle
September 8, 2018
Location to be announced
$35 – $45
With a new name, Calgary’s own traveling carnival of local food, beer, music, art, and performers features plenty of new surprises. Bring the kids, Fido, and your loved ones for a dynamic and entertaining day presented by BassBus, YYCFoodTrucks, and Village Brewery.
circlecarnival.com
CAMP Festival
September 9 – 11, 2018
Theatre Junction GRAND (608 1st St. SW)
$99 – $249
Presented by Digital Alberta, CAMP celebrates creative technology, art, and design and brings together professionals, artists, and students to shape experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire. It’s all about embracing digital culture.
campfestival.ca
NUTV Student Film Festival
September 13, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Globe Cinema (617 8th Ave. SW)
Free, registration recommended
Celebrate the talents and accomplishments of these young filmmakers and join NUTV for its second annual student film festival. Featuring five short films created during its summer film school alongside other top student films from across the province, Following the screening, check out the after party at State & Main (601 8th Ave. SW).
facebook.com
37th Annual Alberta Dance Festival
September 13 – 15 & 20 – 22, 2018
Victor Mitchell Theatre, Pumphouse Theatres (2140 Pumphouse Ave. SW)
$24 – $60
Presented by Dancers’ Studio West, don’t miss The Wild featuring new works by nine contemporary dance choreographers. The festival features two distinct programs of performance over two weekends.
dswlive.ca
Calgary ArtWalk
September 15 & 16, 2018
Throughout Calgary
Free
Marking the 35th anniversary of ArtWalk, this free annual festival is designed for all Calgarians to experience the wide-range of visual art. Walk, ride, or hop to dozens of venues across the city to take in artist talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops, and more.
calgaryartwalk.com
Beakerhead
September 19 – 23, 2018
Multiple locations
Ticket prices vary
This smash up of art, science, and engineering has more than 60 events that you can explore. Look for engineered art, international ingenuity competitions, public performances, community challenges, and creations of your own making.
beakerhead.com
Calgary International Film Festival
September 19 – 30, 2018
Multiple locations
$15 – $350
A 12-day showcase of up to 200 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and over 40 other countries, check out gala events, screenings, special presentations, and a Behind the Screen series. Now the largest film festival in Alberta, and the sixth largest in Canada, it’s well worth hitting up.
calgaryfilm.com
Equinox Vigil
September 22, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30pm
Union Cemetery (enter from Spiller Road)
Free
A graveyard might be the last place you’d expect to find live music, performances, and contemporary art installations, but that’s what the Equinox Vigil is. Back for its seventh year, this unique evening creates an atmosphere of community camaraderie while honouring those who have died.
equinoxvigil.ca
Doors Open Calgary
September 22 & 23, 2018
Throughout Calgary
Free admission
Ready to get a peek behind the doors of Calgary institutions? Doors Open invites buildings in all quadrants to let Calgarians in for free and many offer tours, special activities, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
doorsopenyyc.org
Gotta Minute Film Festival
September 24 – 30, 2018
Multiple locations
Free
The Edmonton-based Gotta Minute Film Festival celebrates it fifth year with an expansion to Calgary and has films screening along the CTrain Transit System and at the Calgary International Airport. Using digital screens as its canvas, the program is filled with one-minute silent short films for one and all.
gottaminutefilmfestival.com
Alberta Culture Days
September 28 – 30, 2018
Multiple locations
Free
Alberta Culture Days began in 2008 as a one-day event to recognize the value of Alberta’s arts and cultural communities. Since then, it has expanded into a vibrant, three-day, province-wide celebration that has helped inspire the creation of Culture Days—a pan-Canadian movement to raise awareness, accessibility, participation, and engagement of all Canadians in arts and culture. With tons of activities taking place, it’s a great chance to explore the community.
ab.culturedays.ca
Print It Yourself Festival
September 29, 2018, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Alberta Printmakers Gallery and Studio (4025 4th St. SE)
Free
Celebrating its 8th annual Print It Yourself Festival, join Alberta Printmakers and take part in print demos and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect time to learn about linocut, silkscreen, letterpress, and child-friendly printmaking techniques from local print artists. You even get to print it yourself and take your very own prints home. No experience is necessary.
facebook.com
Have an upcoming festival that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
