Festivals in Calgary: 11 Best Calgary Festivals This Year [2024]

Films, food, music, and much more are all on tap at Calgary's festivals. The family-friendly events celebrate the history and culture of this fantastic city and draw visitors from dozens of countries; more than 7 million tourists come to Calgary every year for a visit, and many may even decide to move. Here is a closer look at some of the locals' favourite festivals in Calgary each year.

High Performance Rodeo

No "bronco busting" happens at the High Performance Rodeo (HPR). HPR is the official name for Calgary's International Festival of the Arts and is one of the city's best winter festivals. This incredible event takes over much of Downtown Calgary for the last two weeks in January and the first week in February each year. It features music, dance, theatre, free concerts at lunch, and more. Most of the shows take place on various stages at the One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre (225 8 Avenue SE) in Downtown Calgary. However, events happen all over Downtown, including at City Hall.

There's plenty of parking in and around the One Yellow Rabbit, including a small on-site garage and a parking lot directly across 9 Avenue SE. There are an additional seven parking garages or lots within a two-block radius. A Flex Pass can be purchased early for $125, allowing the purchaser to enter four different shows or concerts. Flex Passes are $160 at full price. Acts and exhibits at the High Performance Rodeo feature up-and-coming artists and internationally established ones.

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is billed as the world's biggest outdoor rodeo and draws more than 1 million tourists to Calgary every year. The 10-day rodeo begins on the first Friday of every July or the second Friday if that day falls on Canada Day. The rodeo's event space is bordered on the north by 12 Avenue SE, on the west by Macleod Trail, and on the south and east by the Elbow River.

The event kicks off with the Stampede Parade, which features more than 150 floats, dozens of marching bands, and other groups. The rodeo action takes place daily, starting at 1:30 p.m. Dozens of musical acts perform on five stages at the Stampede grounds, and all concerts are free to watch with regular admission. The evening show features chuck wagon races, song and dance numbers, and massive fireworks shows to end each night.

There are three parking lots north of the Stampede grounds. Reserved parking is $50 per day; non-reserved is $25 per day. There are no RV accommodations. CTrain and city bus services are another option for getting to the Stampede without worrying about parking.

Calgary Folk Music Festival

Immerse yourself in the heart of Calgary's vibrant music scene at the Calgary Folk Music Festival, where a mix of folk, roots, and indie music genres awaits. This festival is a must-attend event for music lovers, offering an eclectic blend of live music amid the beautiful scenery of Prince's Island Park near the Eau Claire neighbourhood. With over 70 artists performing on 5 daytime and 2 evening stages, there's no shortage of talent to enjoy.

The festival isn't just about concerts; it also offers engaging workshops where you can learn from seasoned musicians. These workshops provide a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the music and perhaps even pick up a new skill or two.

Community engagement is at the core of the Calgary Folk Music Festival. It brings together a diverse crowd, fostering a sense of unity through the universal language of music. You'll find local and international artists sharing their craft, creating an inclusive atmosphere that's both welcoming and inspiring.

Families are well-catered for with a variety of family-friendly activities, ensuring that even the youngest attendees have a memorable experience. Whether you're a fan of indie music or simply enjoy a good tune, this festival promises a rich, immersive experience.

Taste of Calgary

Explore Calgary's culinary scene at Taste of Calgary, where you can sample a variety of dishes from over 40 local restaurants and breweries. This annual food and beverage festival is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse selection of culinary creations that showcase the city's rich gastronomic culture. The festival takes place at Lot 6, located just before the Louise Bridge connecting Calgary's Downtown West End to all of the walkable restaurants in Kensington Village. 

At Taste of Calgary, tasting tickets are your passport to a unique dining experience. You can purchase these tickets and use them to sample different dishes and drinks, allowing you to curate your own culinary adventure. The festival is not just about food; it's an immersive experience that also includes live music, cooking demonstrations, and other entertainment to keep you engaged.

The festival is a fantastic opportunity to discover new local restaurants and breweries, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. With so many options to choose from, you'll have an unforgettable time exploring the culinary delights that Calgary has to offer. So, grab your tasting tickets and get ready to indulge in a feast for the senses at Taste of Calgary.

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival transforms Calgary into a bustling hub of creativity with over 200 bands, comedians, films, and artists. This island music festival is a paradise for indie rock lovers, featuring a diverse lineup that spans genres like punk, electronic, and experimental music. With over 30 venues across Calgary's best neighbourhoods, the festival creates a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that's hard to miss.

When you attend Sled Island, you're not just there for the music. The festival also boasts a range of art installations that turn Calgary's streets and venues into an open-air gallery. These creative expressions are designed to provoke thought and inspire the community, adding a visual feast to the auditory one.

Comedy enthusiasts won't be disappointed either. The festival's comedy shows offer a platform for both established and up-and-coming comedians to showcase their wit and humor. And let's not forget the film screenings that provide a cinematic escape, rounding out the festival's rich tapestry of entertainment.

Whether you're a music aficionado, an art lover, or someone who enjoys a good laugh, Sled Island Music and Arts Festival has something special for everyone.

Calgary Fringe Festival

If you're looking for an eclectic mix of theater, comedy, dance, and experimental performances, the Calgary Fringe Festival in the Inglewood neighbourhood offers an exhilarating nine-day experience in early August. This theatre festival is a haven for those who crave uncensored performances and a wide variety of genres. Showcasing over 160 performances, the festival features both local and international artists, ensuring a diverse and vibrant lineup.

You'll find everything from laugh-out-loud comedy to thought-provoking drama and innovative dance routines. The Calgary Fringe Festival is particularly known for its experimental theatre, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling and offering audiences something truly unique. It's a golden opportunity for emerging artists to step into the spotlight and connect with the community.

The festival's non-juried format means that performers have complete creative freedom, making each show a genuine reflection of the artist's vision. Multiple venues across Calgary host these performances, turning the city into a dynamic stage where creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or a curious newcomer, the Calgary Fringe Festival promises an unforgettable artistic journey that celebrates the best of contemporary performance art.

Beakerhead

Beakerhead, one of Calgary's best fall festivals, has to be one of the most unique festivals of the year. It combines the art and cultural sectors of the city with the science and technology sectors, mashing them all together for several days of jaw-dropping shows and exhibits in September. Want to watch a 4,000-kilogram human-powered machine walk around and smash things? They have that. Want to watch "science rap battles" in a 14-meter-high geodesic dome? They have those too!

Visitors to Beakerhead might see a presentation from a former astronaut or a Wu-Tang Clan member. Western Canada's Le Cirque de la Nuit does circus performances featuring fire, aerial performances and amazing stunts. Beakerhead takes place in the St. George's Heights neighbourhood, just north of the Calgary Zoo and adjacent to the walkable restaurants in Bridgeland-Riverside. There's a large parking lot off St. George's Drive NE directly in front of the facility, and the city bus service also provides public transportation to the venue.

Most of the events at Beakerhead are free to attend, but the Dark Arts After Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the festival's last night charges $15 per ticket and usually sells out. Food trucks and multiple food vendors are on hand to provide refreshments. Beakerhead is almost entirely funded through donations and corporate sponsorships.

Lilac Festival

The Lilac Festival is a free all-day event that takes place on the first Sunday in June each year. It's considered the kickoff to Calgary's summer festival season. Usually, it draws nearly 100,000 visitors to 4th Street SW, between 13 Avenue S and Elbow Drive. Fourth Street is the business district of the Cliff Bungalow neighbourhood, which is primarily condos and townhomes.

The lilacs are usually in bloom by the first Sunday in June, which is where the festival draws its name. Pedestrians can park and walk the length of 4th Street to check out hundreds of vendor displays. The big draw for the festival is the incredible number of free outdoor concerts—there are six performance stages set up along the route. Five stages feature a half-dozen live concerts by local acts during the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. festival. A sixth stage features local youth dance troupes and musical acts, putting on 15-minute performances all day long.

There are several public parking lots near the festival's north end and off-street parking in the nearby residential neighbourhoods. Be advised that all of 4th Street SW is blocked off for the Lilac Festival. Bus lines 3, 17, and 90 all provide access to the festival at 12 Avenue SW for those who want to take public transportation to the event.

Calgary International Film Festival

Film buffs will love the Calgary International Film Festival. CIFF runs for 11 days each year, starting in late September and lasting until early October. More than 35,000 attendees turn out each year to watch hundreds of feature films, documentaries, and shorts directed by budding artists. Most of the feature films are screened at the Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market, the Globe Cinema, and Theatre Junction GRAND. Studio Bell and Telus SPARK have also hosted CIFF screenings. Films from every genre and many countries worldwide are presented yearly at CIFF.

All films featured at the CIFF can be streamed for a fee on Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast for those who can't attend in person. However, the number of people who can stream showings is capped between 150 and 600 viewers per film. Tickets for screenings at the Cineplex and the Globe sell for around $14. To guarantee entry, ticket holders must show up at least 15 minutes before each show starts.

ClubCIFF offers memberships at various levels. Each level of membership, based on price, offers an annual discount on year-round CIFF screenings, complimentary tickets to some of the shows at the main festival, merchandise discounts and other perks.

GlobalFest

GlobalFest is an annual celebration of the many different cultures present in Calgary. It happens on the eastern outskirts of Calgary at Elliston Park (1827 68 Street SW), just east of the Forest Heights neighbourhood. The GlobalFest comprises two portions: the OneWorld Festival, which happens during the daylight hours, and the International Fireworks Festival, which happens each night after the sun goes down. One of Calgary's best summer festivals, it takes place each year in August on five separate nights, staggered over a 10-day period.

The OneWorld Festival features food, music and dance from various cultures. Two performance stages are set up in the park for those events, and there's also a children's area for kid-friendly activities and displays. The International Fireworks Festival is a competition between Canada and four other nations; one country puts on a fireworks display each night over Elliston Lake, set to music and lights.

There are a few other things to know when attending GlobalFest, most notably that there is no parking available at Elliston Park. People must either take public transportation to the neighbourhood or catch one of the shuttle buses from the Merriweather Mall. Shuttle bus tickets are $7 and bring visitors to and from the park. Tickets for GlobalFest cost $13.50 for general admission to one day/night of the festival and up to $184 for VIP access.

Banff Festivals

Banff is a mountain community about two hours drive west of Calgary, but the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival comes to town each year. Feature films are shown in Calgary, and guest speakers include many outdoor adventurers from the sports of mountain climbing, kayaking, skiing, and biking give talks. Outdoor authors and photographers are there for book signings as well. The Banff Festivals do a World Tour each year and come to Calgary in January.

This festival takes place over two weekends, the first of which takes place at the University of Calgary, just north of the University Heights neighbourhood. The second weekend has events and movies at the Bella Concert Hall in West Calgary, and public parking is available at both venues. Adult tickets are $29.50 for each day of the festival. Child and senior tickets cost $26.50.

Stay Active Year-Round with Calgary's Amazing Festivals

Calgary has a nice mixture of free and paid festivals for people to attend all year long. This list barely scratches the surface of the many festivals taking place each year, which is why these events are part of why locals love living in Calgary. Every type of Calgary resident can find multiple festivals that will delight and dazzle them at various times of the year.

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