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Calgary Festivals
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide to Festivals in Calgary, Alberta.
Sep 10, Sep 12 to Sep 17, Sep 19 The Artcity Festival has over 50 participating galleries in and around Calgary's downtown showcasing works by local and national artists through various displays and exhibits.
Sep 11 This year the México will commemorate the Mexican Independence 2010, will be a very meaningful and important affair in Calgary’s multicultural community. Variety of entertainment, food, drinks, live music, dance and much more!
Sep 12 The Haultain and First Street Festival is a free community-based event held in the heart of Victoria Park along vibrant First Street SW (between 12 and 15 Avenues) and in Haultain Park - Calgary’s newest urban park and playground. The festival seeks to showcase the very best of community, sustainability, and the urban experience. This is one of the last festivals of the summer, and a great way to finish off the season! This year's event is featuring Calgary’s Market Collective along with local foods, live performances, and a host of interesting ideas around sustainability and innovative urban living.
Victoria Park Address: Between 6 Street SE and 2 Street SW and between 10 Ave and 17 Ave Calgary AB
Sep 23 Even though Calgary is far away from the ancient Silk Road, yet there is a thread of connection through all the immigrants who have journeyed from Lebanon, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and China to make Calgary their new home. They share their spices, art, and culture adding a unique flavour to the Canadian multicultural tapestry. Being a catalyst and connector, the Calgary Multicultural Centre connects diverse communities in Calgary and showcases poetry in its various form. These series of poetry nights are featuring famous classical poets like Khalil Gibran, Rumi, Tagore, Omar Khayyam and others. In addition, local immigrant poets will recite their own poems on June 24. Please join us at Calgary Publuic Library, John Dutton Theatre to share, learn and celebrate the poetic heritage of Silk Road in Calgary
Sep 25 Light the Night is unique in that it is a twilight walk that features participants carrying illuminated balloons, cancer supporters carry red balloons, patients and cancer survivors carry white balloons, and gold balloons are carried by those walking in memory of a loved one. Each balloon is a beacon of hope to commemorate and celebrate lives touched by cancer. This walk takes place at Eau Claire Market in Calgary.
Light The Night is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s of Canada's major fundraiser and takes place each September across 68 regions across North America “take steps” to raise money for research, advocacy and patient services.
Register today and help us win the battle towards finding a cure for blood cancers! Why not invite you family, friends or co-workers to be involved as well and start up a team!
Oct 12 to Oct 17 Aiming to bring readers and writers together, WordFest was started by Mount Royal University, the Banff Centre, the Calgary Public Library, and the Writers' Guild of Alberta. At numerous venues throughout Calgary and Banff, authors read from their works in a celebration of the spoken and written word.
Oct 14 to Oct 16 The Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is Alberta’s premier food and wine sampling event. Its social, relaxed atmosphere invites consumers to enjoy and array of samples of international wines, port, scotch, liqueurs, beer, spirits, as well as delicious food samples prepared by Calgary’s local restaurants and hotels. The Wine Access International Value Wine Awards will be featured at the Festival again this year! Attendees will enjoy the exclusive chance to sample from medal winning wines of the 2010 competition. This award program seeks to find the best wines available in Canada that retail for $25 or less.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to win exciting Early Bird Contests and Door Prizes.
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to create CULINARY SCHOLARSHIPS at SAIT and NAIT.
Oct 15 to Oct 17 Established in 2004, the Calgary Arts and Tattoo Festival is expanding this year to include over 100 artists from across Canada and the rest of the world. A number of other art forms will be on display including sculpture and painting, and the festival will also include all things related to and associated with tattoo culture including choppers, fashion, hotrods and more. A number of local vendors will be onsite for the duration of the festival.
BMO Centre Address: 20 Roundup Way SE Calgary AB CAN
Oct 15 to Oct 24 The Fluid Movement Arts Festival is designed to bring attention to contemporary performance arts while showcasing the fluidity between dance, film, spoken word and more.
Nov 04 to Nov 08 Quickdraw Animation Society presents its annual Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival. This special event celebrates independent, underground animation from across Canada and the world.
TBA The people bringing the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival to the community of Marda Loop and greater Calgary are volunteers who care about all people and the world. This annual festival hopes to foster awareness and understanding of injustices and indignities, encourage participants to take steps of care and actions, and offer opportunity to talk about views of the world.
Dec 01 to Dec 04 Experience the longest running Disability Arts Festival in the world. Presented by Stage Left Productions, this annual arts festival celebrates the creative works of people who have disabilities, brain injuries or chronic illnesses. Support the advancement of disabled artists and foster an appreciation for disability culture.
Jan 20 to Jan 22 Take new media technologies: sound, video and net art, installations, compositions and performances… mix liberally with super-cool dinosaurs and a dash of experimental goodness.
Soundasaurus is an organized cacophony of experimental music, sound, performance and visual art. This is a multisensory, three-day festival rocking the centre in conjunction with the High Performance Rodeo.
Bigger than Albertosaurus, bolder than a buckin’ bronco, beefier than a prairie steer. It’s an experience to sink your saber teeth into—rarer than a wooly mammoth and bigger than the badlands—SOUNDASAURUS rocks… and roars.
TBA The 2009 Calgary International Spoken Word Festival is entering its 6th year of poetic celebration. This festival is about inclusion and giving voice to people. It is about creation, languages, song, sound in the body, vibration, frequencies, and all that celebrates the authentic.
Auburn Saloon Address: 163, 115 9th Ave SE Calgary AB Canada T2G 0P5
TBA A uniquely Calgarian bi-annual celebration of masks, puppets, and all things animated. Mainstage shows, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, screenings, and site-specific shows for adults and children.
The IFAO is produced by CAOS, Calgary Animated Objects Society, and is curated by Xstine P. Cook (a founder and former co-artistic director of Green Fools Theatre). CAOS produces numerous art events and happenings throughout the year.
There will be no festival in 2008. The 2009 festival will be held from January 23 to February 1.
TBA In celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is putting on a carnival complete with dance shows, food, calligraphy and painting exhibitions and demonstrations, games, carnival booths and special programs.
TBA Winefest, Calgary’s oldest wine festival, has become one of the most distinguished all-inclusive wine events in Calgary. Winefest features hundreds of international wines, port, champagne, and dessert wines from the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
Tickets to Winefest include wine sampling, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary Riedel wine glass.
BMO Centre Address: 20 Roundup Way SE Calgary AB CAN
TBA The Annual Calgary Super8 Filmmakers' Challenge continues to grow in size and popularity amongst local filmmakers and the film community in Calgary. Each year a challenge is issued to the city's filmmaking talent to make a short film, all of which use the same basic narrative/thematic criteria.
The Distillery Address: 615 7 Ave SW. Calgary AB CAN T2P 0Y9
TBA Since 2002, the ProArts Society has been working to enrich the cultural landscape of Calgary by presenting exhilarating, free events to the public, and this year, we’re proud to team up with the joint goal of extending the reach of their artistic voice. The perfect fit. Very sexy.
TBA A week long festival held yearly at various indoor venues around Calgary shocasing the blues by way of workshops, jams, dances and concerts. Beat the winter blahs by enjoying the blues!
TBA This fun family event is held annually. It is free of admission charges and is open to the general public. The Winter Festival features sleigh rides, climbing walls, dog wagon rides, turkey bowling for the kids and much more. Inside the facility are booths highlighting artisans and craftsman as well as a wide variety of vendors that offer a wide array of products and services. A free pancake breakfast begins the Winter Festival and is the kick-off for the ice fishing derby which has been of continuing interest to participants from far and wide. The Winter Festival is also gaining popularity for hosting a sno-pitch tournament that has gained a title of being the “most fun”. Come out to the Festival! Bring the kids and the relatives for a day of Chestermere fun!
TBA The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers is proud to present the Annual $100 Film Festival. The festival is an annual 3-day event which screens short films by local, national and international filmmakers. The $100 Film Festival is one of the few remaining festivals in North America that screens movies exclusively with film prints in Super 8 and 16mm formats.
Each evening is a different selection of short films which embody the spirit of low-budget, independent film making. The films vary from narrative to animated to experimental so there is something for everybody!
Plaza Theatre Address: 1133 Kensington Rd NW Calgary AB T2N 3P4
TBA Birch Mountain Resources has put on the Dragon Boat Races in Calgary at the Glenmore Reservoir since 1992. Every year over 70 teams from across the city and North America join together to help celebrate the festival and to learn about the culture and heritage of China.
Most teams are drawn from local associations, businesses and city organizations. They compete in women's, men's, mixed novice and mixed open divisions. Trophies, medals and victory ribbons are awarded to the finalists. Throughout the festival, spectators can enjoy additional traditional entertainment such as kung fu, Chinese dances and singing, tai chi, fashion shows, and lion dances.
TBA L’Association Canadienne-Française de l’Alberta (ACFA) regional of Calgary is proud to announce the launch of the Maple Festival des Sucres de Calgary.
This year, the province-wide event will focus on Olympic sports and the Francophone Games. The festival sport theme will allow the visitors to talk with athletes and obtain their autographs.
Come and enjoy the traditional maple buffet as well as the Maple Taffy on the snow, indoor and outdoor activities for your whole family, kids and adults shows, Sugar Market, etc.
TBA The Calgary International Improv Festival takes place at the Epcor Centre. Guest appearance by Colin Mochrie in this years festival highlite our 11 night, 3 venue event. Teatre Oslo from Norway, The Crumbs from Winnipeg, The Improv Guild from Calgary, Patti Stiles from Melbourne returns for "Women In Improv" night.
TBA FUNNYFEST Calgary Comedy Festival Presents the Annual FunnyFest Talent Search at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
Featuring: Headliner & SPECIAL GUEST Performers Come watch the excitement and have fun at pennies a laugh as competitors compete to be one of the funniest and earn a chance to perform at FUNNYFEST Calgary Comedy Festival 2010, April 29 through May 9. Plenty of good times and great FOOD & BEVERAGES are offered in this casual environment.
TBA Each year, the Jamaican Canadian Association of Alberta proudly presents Taste of Jamaica, a fun-filled cultural expose featuring Jamaican food and lots of activity for the entire family.
TBA The Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) is dedicated to showcasing independent films that are provocative and even bizarre. Contemporary works are shown from all categories of film including feature, animation, documentary and short. For something different, check out CUFF.
Plaza Theatre Address: 1133 Kensington Rd NW Calgary AB T2N 3P4
TBA Western Canada's largest pop culture convention. Come join over 10,000 fans of comics, sci-fi, television, anime, gaming, horror, toys, animation and more. Meet your favorite creators and celebrities, enjoy special panels, photo ops, charity auction, costume contest and an exclusive convention artbook.
Stampede Park Address: Stampede Park, 2300 Stampede Trail SE Calgary AB Canada T2P 2K8
Apr 29 Locals and visitors can laugh it up at Calgary's FunnyFest Comedy Festival, which features more than 70 performers at 40 comedy showcases at 9 venues over 11 nights. A variety of themes are used at the festival including Best of The Fest, Full Frontal Comedy, Canada vs. USA and the Battle of Alberta.
TBA Come out to the annual Calgary International Spoken Word Festival. This years Festival’s theme “The Ultimate Cabaret” promises to be the most eclectic and exotic collection of Spoken Word artists that Calgary has ever seen. Performances, panels, discussions, workshops, special events – something for everyone! Various venues in Calgary and Banff.
TBA Bid on original works of art and distinctive vintage wines at three different events during this festival. This is the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s signature fundraiser.
TBA • A 20-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine • An opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt • Activities for the whole family, including arts & crafts, storytelling, video viewing, live Music, face painting, wagon rides, antique midway and much more! • Exclusive commemorative merchandise including a Day Out With Thomas passenger car, as well as a t-shirts, engineer caps, pennants, and more
TBA The Calgary International Children’s Festival is one of North America’s largest performing arts festivals of its kind. Bringing professional live theatre, dance, music and more to Southern Alberta families, the Festival is held in Calgary’s esteemed EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. The Festival is not only fun, but provides great entertainment with performances that appeal to people ages 2 to 102. The Festival boasts world-class performances from Brazil, West Africa, Scotland, Belgium, USA and Canada.
TBA The Lilac Festival is a street fair on 4th Street SW (Mission District) put on by area merchants and businesses. Enjoy rock, country, jazz, folk and world music. There is also a Kid's World with a kid's stage, crafts and balloons.
TBA Summer heats up in Calgary with the annual Carifest, celebrating Caribbean culture. A variety of events are scheduled including a carnival parade, food tastings, music and dance performances and more.
TBA This annual music festival features performances from world renowned musicians. This event takes place at the Rozsa Centre at the University of Calgary.
Rozsa Centre Address: 2500 University Drive N.W. Calgary AB T2N 1N4
TBA Did you know that three billion people – almost half of the world’s population, live on less than $2 per day?
The World Partnership Walk is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to increasing awareness and funds to fight global poverty. For over 25 years, Canadians have been participating in the Walk and have improved the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people in Asia and Africa by raising more than $50 Million. An initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, the Walk is a meaningful way for you to be part of the solution to global poverty. 100% of funds raised go directly to poverty alleviating programs, including health, education, rural development and supporting community-based organizations.
The walk is a fun, family event. Find out about Canada’s role in international development at the Global Village, enjoy beats from around the world at the World Music Playoffs, and take steps towards social change along a 5K route. There is no cost to register or walk. Join us at the Enmax Stage, at Prince's Island Park. A better world is within walking distance!
Prince's Island Address: 1st Ave & 4st, or Memorial Dr & 3rd St NW Calgary AB Canada
TBA Family Day Out 'McKenzie Frenzie' Saturday, June 19th at 9am parade and pancake breakfast, carnival of activities including Wii tent, bounce houses, monster trucks, beer gardens and live band from 12pm, McKenzie Idol Talent contest, Movie in the Gym door open at 6pm, admission $4 at the gate, 4 years and under free!
TBA A celebration of paddling that aims to expose as many people as possible to the enjoyment and safety of paddle sports. From novice to expert, all paddlers are welcome.
Carburn Park Address: 8925 Riverview Dr. SE Calgary AB CA
TBA This family friendly event is a celebration of all things cycling and will feature clinics, a biking scavenger hunt, cycling and community vendors, and opportunities to demo new bikes. We cyclists love to share our knowledge and experience and this is a great opportunity to connect with other cycling enthusiasts!
TBA The Calgary Jazz Association presents a Festival of Jazz with performances taking place at various venues across Calgary. Visitors can hear artists from Calgary and Vancouver, and from as far away as Cuba and Australia play everything including traditional, southern and classical jazz. Special events at the festival include the Kick-off Party and a Latin Dance Party. While the 2010 event is officially cancelled, some venues will still proceed with shows as planned. In addition, Calgary Jazz Festival pass holders are offered free all access passes to the Sled Island Film Festival, June 24-29.
Jul 01 The Second Annual Ming Film Festival gives locals the chance to show off movie-making skills and maybe bring in some extra cash. Films are screened during the last two weeks of August and prizes are awarded September 13th.
TBA This adults-only event includes Canadian beer sampling, a BBQ dinner and the Great Canadian Race Through the Zoo. Bring comfy shoes for walking quickly in. 7pm to midnight.
Calgary Zoo Address: 1300 Zoo Road (access via Memorial Drive) Calgary AB T2M 4R8
TBA The Canadian Rockies International Rodeo was started in 1994 as a gay rodeo and continues as an annual event, which is sanctioned by the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). The three-day rodeo features traditional events, such as bull riding and calf roping, as well as popular camp events, such as goat dressing and wild drag. Held on the outskirts of Calgary in late June.
TBA This annual event takes place from 9am to 9pm at the Eau Claire Market YMCA. There is a place for everybody who wants to help this happen. People can rent a tent to sell merchandise or exibit, become a sponsor, volunteer at the festival, or just come to have some fun. Entrance to the site and stage performance is free.
Jul 21 to Jul 24 Calgary's ever popular annual Folk Festival attracts many big names in the industry. Single-day tickets and four-day passes may be purchased at the gate, the Folk Festival Office (414 Memorial Dr. NE g), Megatunes (932 - 17 Ave. SW) or online at Ticktemaster.
Prince's Island Address: 1st Ave & 4st, or Memorial Dr & 3rd St NW Calgary AB Canada
TBA FREE, fun, and informative, join Lougheed House for this year’s Ride Through Time with a military theme. This fabulous, family fun filled day takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Set on a 2.8 acre estate in the heart of Downtown Calgary, the Lougheed House and Gardens will be bursting with exciting things to do for all the family. Enjoy a day full of music, military and magic as we bring history to life.
Lougheed House Address: 707 - 13 Avenue SW Calgary AB Canada T2R 0K8
TBA Fiestaval is a 2-day free multicultural arts and entertainment festival highlighting the Latin American Culture. It is an opportunity to support Calgary’s Latin community while encouraging multiculturalism among all Calgarians. Central to its distinction is that Fiestaval is a free, family-oriented alternative for celebrating multicultural arts and entertainment in Calgary.
TBA The Sun & Salsa festival gives Calgarians and visitors the chance to taste a variety of salsas created by restaurants in Kensington. The streets of the inner-city neighbourhood fill with bands, vendors, dancers and more. Pub patios get packed with revelers out to enjoy the sunshine while families and friends check out the food and fun atmosphere.
TBA Established in 2003, the Inglewood Sunfest gives community residents and other Calgarians the opportunity to mix and mingle. Vendors set up along 9th Avenue SE and visitors can purchase their wares and enjoy live entertainment, food, the Family Fun Zone and the Sunfest Saloon beer garden.
TBA Presented by the Chinook Country Historical Society, Historic Calgary Week celebrates the city's heritage and culture. Check website for program information.
TBA The Calgary Fringe Festival runs in the heart of Calgary's cultural corridor - 17th Avenue. This non-juried, uncensored artistic event will feature raw and innovative local, national, and international theatrical productions alongside street performers, musicians, film and outdoor stage events. The Calgary Fringe Festival will host indoor theatre productions, film entries, touring street performers, and musicians and musical acts.
TBA CBMA is the proud presenter of the annual Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest the last week of February, and the Calgary International Blues Festival the 1st week of August, as well as ongoing concerts, workshops & more.
TBA The Marda Loop neighbourhood festival is quickly becoming a must-do event. Featuring live entertainment, market tables and plenty of activities for children.
TBA Celebrating African culture, Afrikadey! is one of Calgary's most popular musical festivals over the 14 years it has run. Events will take place at various venues throughout the week, finishing with a weekend of music at Prince's Island Park. Featuring African music, crafts, food and more!
TBA Experience an array of colours, smells, sounds and people at the Chinatown Street Festival. There are many street vendors selling everything from jewelry to food. Various demonstrations occur, such as Tai Chi, and don't miss the parade of Chinese Dragons.
TBA The Igbo people of Nigeria in Calgary present this annual cultural festival. Highlights include cultural performances, dances, authentic Igbo cuisine, a fashion show, art exhibits and music.
TBA Taste of Calgary is Calgary's festival of fabulous food and distinguishing drinks. The festival offers sensational samples from Calgary’s finest and most unique restaurants and beverage companies.
All menu items are sample-sized, at sample-sized pricing. Admission to the festival is free with live entertainment throughout the event.
TBA Having celebrated its fifth year in 2007, this festival offers different activities happening throughout the week at different venues. A stellar lineup of Reggae artists from across Canada and around the world will play for 11 hours of nonstop Reggae entertainment. A kid's area will keep children entertained. There will also be art and craft vendors, Reggae food and beer garden.
TBA GlobalFest is a celebration of multi-culturalism and diversity. Activities include the OneWorld Festival, the Calgary Foundation Centennial World Stage and the world class International Fireworks Competition. Enjoy traditional cuisine, live entertainment, displays, arts, crafts and more. The festivities take place at the corner of 17th Avenue and 60th Street SE in Elliston Park.
TBA This annual festival takes place on the last weekend in August. Events include opening ceremonies at Olympic Plaza, and outdoor open workshops in Salsa, Flamenco, Capoeira and other hot latin dances. The main event is Expo Latino, Calgary's hottest outdoor festival, which takes place at Prince's Island Park and features food, vendors, live entertainment and more.
TBA For a wee bit of fun, enjoy the Calgary Highland Games for all things Scottish. The games feature highland dancing, traditional heavy events, Scottish food samples, and of course, the pipes.
TBA BBQ On The Bow Society will host the Annual BBQ On The Bow Festival from at Eau Claire Festival Market. Canada’s Oldest BBQ Competition “Home of the Alberta BBQ Championships”.
Saturday afternoon hosts the Judging for the BBQ Sauce and Chef's Choice Competitions.
Then Sunday kicks-off with Main Stage Entertainment featuring local concert bands, Stampede Talent Search winners, top Canadian blues musicians and bands.
Other festival activities include Children’s Craft Tent, a BBQ Food Pit & Coffee Concession, Alberta Producer's BBQ demos, Street Zone and General Store - goods for sale to the public.
Open to the public - Free Admission Eau Claire Festival Market - free street parking Sunday .
Canada
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