Summer Festivals
From favourites to traditions, Calgary’s festival scene is always 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.
Grab your calendar and start planning, it’s going to be an amazing season!
Shakespeare by the Bow
Until August 18, 2019
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 2019, see A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Shakespeare’s exploration of love, identity, and confusion. Starring a company of Alberta’s up-and-coming actors, every performance is pay-what-you-will (no ticket required).
theatrecalgary.com
Canada Day
July 1, 2019
Various venues
Free admission
The City of Calgary has once again partnered with dozens of local cultural organizations to program a day filled with free, family-friendly events. Bursting with music, dance, art, and culture, the day includes an Indigenous Showcase on Prince’s Island Park and live music on the Tim Hortons Canada Day stage.
calgary.ca
Badlands Stampede Music Festival
July 4 – 14, 2019
Knoxville’s Stampede Tent (840 9th Ave. SE)
Prices Vary
A 10-day celebration with a diverse line-up of international headliners including EDM superstars Tiesto and Kaskade, country music talents Gord Bamford and Tim Hicks, the reality television star DJ Pauly D, and trap phenomenon RL Grime, join Knoxville’s for this festival within a festival.
badlandsmusicfest.com
Mexifest
July 5 – 7, 2018
Eau Claire Festival Plaza (139 Barclay Parade SW)
$15 – $30
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 Stampede
July 5 – 14, 2019
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. There are so many cool things to check out including Coca-Cola IgNITES the Night. Returning for 2019 on July 8, this one-night-only event is back again to light up the midway with exciting music, bright lights, and shareable moments that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else.
calgarystampede.com
Stampede at the Eddy
July 5 – 14, 2019
King Eddy, National Music Centre (438 9th Ave. SE)
Prices Vary
With 10 days of sizzling tunes, Stampede week brings an epic lineup of live music to this historic stage. Just 600 metres from Stampede Park, you can see rising country-pop star Kalsey Kulyk, alt-country four-piece Johnson Crook, roots-raconteur Mariel Buckley, award-winning country singer-songwriter Drew Gregory, and more. The week also includes late-night sets from Hot Little Rocket, Sinzere, A Day As Wolves, The 427’s, and much, much more.
kingeddy.ca
Roundup Music Fest
July 10, 2019, 3:00 – 11:00pm
Shaw Millennium Park (1220 9th Ave. SW)
$99 – $249
This year’s Roundup Music Fest features two 80s rock icons—Billy Idol and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members Blondie. The lineup is rounded out by Canadian punk-influenced rock band the Headstones as well as Doug and the Slugs.
roundupmusicfest.com
Oxford Stomp
July 12, 2019, 3:00 – 11:00pm
Shaw Millennium Park (1220 9th Ave. SW)
$99 – $249
Featuring Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and top-selling Canadian artist of all time, Bryan Adams, this year’s Oxford Stomp is sure to be a hit. The lineup is rounded out by Amanda Marshall, Odds, and a still-to-be-announced guest.
oxfordstomp.com
Electrodeo
July 12 & 13, 2019
Downtown Barn (1627 10th Ave. SW)
$25 – $40
An electronic music festival that’s a guaranteed Stampede rager, the lineup includes Average Gypsy, Wes Please, Case of the Mondays, Rumpus, and many more.
electrodeo.com
Calgary Turkish Festival
July 12 – 14, 2019
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
Cyclepalooza
July 12 – 21, 2019
Various venues
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
Fiestaval Latin Festival
July 19 – 21, 2019
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
Calgary Folk Music Festival
July 25 – 28, 2019
Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. SW)
$35 – $263
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 Sharon Van Etten, Belle & Sebastian, Sheila E., Lucius, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and many more.
calgaryfolkfest.com
Terminus
July 26 – 28, 2019
Dickens Pub (1000 9th Ave. SW)
$25 – $220
Founded in 2012, Terminus is Western Canada’s only multi-day industrial/ebm/dark electro festival featuring international artists. The 2019 lineup includes performances from Covenant, Health, Neuroticfish, TBD, and many more.
terminus-festival.com
Historic Calgary Week
July 26 – August 5, 2019
Various venues
By donation
Chinook Country Historical Society highlights our cultural, institutional, industrial, architectural, sporting, and military heritage with over 100 events. Most are free and there are talks, walks, concerts, museum visits, and more to check out.
chinookcountry.ca
Calgary Arab Festival
July 27 & 28, 2019
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
This is a free, family-friendly event presented as a platform to share Arabian traditions including folk dance, traditional music, food, customs, arts, and much more, to the general public in Calgary.
facebook.com
Pet-a-Palooza
July 27 & 28, 2019
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free admission, 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 International Blues Festival
July 29 – August 4, 2019
Various venues
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 2019 lineup includes Cash Box Kings, John Primer & Bob Corritore’s All Star Chicago Band, the Russell Jackson Band with Kenny Neal, Terrie Odabi, Keeshea Pratt Band, and many more.
calgarybluesfest.com
Calgary International Fringe Festival
August 2 – 10, 2019
Various venues
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. Tickets go on sale July 1.
calgaryfringe.ca
Inglewood Sunfest
August 3, 2019, 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
Bucky Music Festival
August 3, 2019, 12:00 – 6:00pm
Buckmaster Park (1629 21st Ave. SW)
Free admission
A family-friendly festival with two stages of awesome music, this is your chance to hear local acts, explore the garden, and much more. Emily Triggs headlines this afternoon in one of Bankview’s most beautiful treasures.
facebook.com
Floating Lantern Peace Ceremony
August 3, 2019, 8:00 – 9:30pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
With 2,000 colourful, glowing paper lanterns launched on the reflecting pond, this free, family event looks towards a peaceful, nuclear-weapons-free world that is free from violence.
ploughsharescalgary.ca
Chasing Summer Festival
August 3 & 4, 2019
Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds (1001 Barlow Tr. SE)
$109.95 – $299.95
Western Canada’s largest outdoor electronic music festival brings two days of electronic music to Calgary with a lineup that includes The Chainsmokers, Above & Beyond, and many more.
chasingsummerfestival.com
Tour de Bowness Street Festival
August 5, 2019, 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 5, 2019, 12:00 – 6:00pm
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free
Hosted by the Calgary Folk Arts Council, the 42nd annual Heritage Day Festival features six hours of multicultural performances, ethnic foods, and unique handicrafts. Don’t miss this family-friendly festival in the heart of downtown.
facebook.com
Taste of Calgary
August 8 – 11, 2019
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. There’s even live music so be sure to make a day of it.
tasteofcalgary.com
Slam Festival
August 9 & 10, 2019
Municipal Lot 6 (311 8th St. SW)
Prices vary
Evolving from The Big Slam event, this festival is back for its third year with live music, craft beer, a market pop-up, and food trucks to check out. Slam Festival embodies the soul of Calgary’s inland surf culture and takes place right by the 10th St. Wave—a constant wave on the Bow River, right beside the 10th St. Bridge.
slamthefestival.com
When Words Collide
August 9 – 11, 2019
Delta Calgary South Hotel (135 Southland Dr. SE)
$20 – $100
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 Dragon Boat Race & Festival
August 9 – 11, 2019
North Glenmore Park (7305 Crowchild Tr. SW)
Free admission
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
Calgary Japanese Festival Omatsuri
August 10, 2019, 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
Dandyfest
August 10, 2019
Dandy Brewing Company (2003 11th St. SE)
$35
An outdoor event celebrating the fifth anniversary of Dandy’s first brew, this event is designed as an experience first festival featuring bands, artists, and breweries. It runs in two sessions including an afternoon and evening option.
facebook.com
Marda Gras
August 11, 2019, 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
GlobalFest
August 15 – 24, 2019
Elliston Park (1827 68 St. SE)
$16 – $176
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
Carifest Calgary
August 16 & 17, 2019
Shaw Millennium Park (1220 9th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration and enjoy Caribbean entertainment with local and international bands, dance performances, food, art, and much more this August. There’s even the not-to-be-missed parade that showcases Caribbean arts and culture.
carifest.ca
Expo Latino
August 16 – 18, 2019
Prince’s Island Park (698 Eau Claire Ave. SW)
$14.99 – $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 16 – 18, 2019
Prairie Winds Park (223 Castleridge Blvd. NE)
Prices vary
Returning for 2019, this country music festival features Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Terri Clark, Tanya Tucker, Shawn Austin, and many more. You can even grab tickets for the platinum experience with an upgraded viewing area.
countrythunder.com
Franco Festival Calgary
August 17, 2019, 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
HoneyFest
August 17, 2019, 3:00 – 9:00pm
containR Art Park (1020 2nd Ave. NW)
$20
HoneyFest is a one-day music festival in the heart of Kensington, featuring eight bands, beer gardens, and food trucks. HoneyFest also marks the launch of Calgary’s newest indie label, Electric Honey Records, and its collaboration beer with Zero Issue Brewing.
eventbrite.com
Born & Raised Festival
August 17, 2019, 4:00 – 10:00pm
Trolley 5 Brewpub (728 17th Ave. SW)
$10
Hosted by Trolley 5 Brewpub, this festival features all things local including music by Groove Movement, Aaron Pollock Music, Mariya Stokes, Devin Cooper, Megan Dawson, and Gratuitous Platypus.
showpass.com
Calgary Pride Festival
August 23 – September 2, 2019
Various venues
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
BUMP Festival
August 28 – 31, 2019
Throughout the Beltline
Free admission
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, alley parties, and an outdoor cinema.
yycbump.ca
Fiesta Filipino
August 30 – September 1, 2019
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Celebrate Alberta’s vibrant Filipino community with food, arts, entertainment, and crafts. Guest performers include Ian Veneracion, Lovi Poe, and more.
fiestafilipinoyyc.com
Calgary Highland Games
August 31, 2019
Calgary Rugby Union (9025 Shepard Rd. SE)
Prices vary
One of the oldest gatherings in North America with competitors from across Western Canada and USA, this is 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
August 31 & September 1, 2019
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
Honens Festival
September 5 – 8, 2019
Various venues
$10 – $180
A musical love letter to the city of Calgary, highlights include performances by Miró Quartet, Duo 19:21, Jon Kimura Parker, Katherine Chi, and 2018 Honens Prize Laureate Nicolas Namoradze alongside festival favourites Bison Noir and the ever-popular Open Air concert.
honens.com
Indian Classical Music Festival
September 12 – 14, 2019
Various venues
Prices vary
This year’s festival highlights women’s empowerment in Indian classical music, including world renowned flute duo of Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee, violinist Dr. Sangeeta Shankar, vocalist Mrs. Indrani Mukherjee, and harp player Deborah Nyack. You won’t want to miss it.
sarbakal.com
Circle Carnival
September 13 & 14, 2019
Shaw Millennium Park (1220 9th Ave. SW)
$5 – $100
This annual event features a carnival market featuring local artisan vendors, circus performers, a kids stage, wiener dog race, and local food alongside two curated stages showcasing local DJs, international touring acts, and festival favourites. Now expanded to include an adults only night, check out the lineup to see what’s in store.
circlecarnival.com
Calgary Clown Festival
September 18 – 21, 2019
Pumphouse Theatre (2140 Pumphouse Ave. SW)
Prices vary
A rare opportunity to introduce Calgary to the not-so-serious art of clowning and challenge the perception of what clowning is, while showcasing the rich and talented community of artists. Mump & Smoot headline this inaugural lineup.
pumphousetheatre.ca
Beakerhead
September 18 – 22, 2019
Various venues
Prices vary
This smash up of art, science, and engineering has tons of 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 18 – 29, 2019
Various venues
Prices vary
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, 2019 marks a huge milestone—20 years and counting—so you won’t want to miss it!
calgaryfilm.com
Calgary ArtWalk
September 21 & 22, 2019
Various venues
Free admission
A free annual festival designed for all Calgarians to experience the wide-range of visual art in Calgary. Whether you are familiar with or brand new to Calgary’s art scene, walk, ride, or hop to venues across the city to take in artist talks and tours, exhibitions, workshops, and more.
calgaryartwalk.com
GlobalFest Human Rights Forum
September 25, 2019, 7:15am – 3:30pm
Various venues
$50
Recognized as an excellent platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and practical solutions necessary to address issues of racism and discrimination, this year’s forum looks at breaking the cycle of hate.
globalfest.ca
Alberta Culture Days
September 27 – 29, 2018
Various venues
Free admission
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.
culturedays.ca
Print It Yourself Festival
September 28, 2019, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Alberta Printmakers (4025 4th St. SE)
Free admission
As part of Alberta Culture Days, Alberta Printmakers welcomes the public to take part in free printmaking demos and activities. Learn about linocut, silkscreen, letterpress, and child-friendly printmaking techniques from local professional print artists. You won’t want to miss this hands-on experience.
albertaprintmakers.com
Doors Open Calgary
September 28 & 29, 2019
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
Have an upcoming festival that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
