Top 6 Events You Should Participate at least once in Calgary
Top 6 events you should participate at least once in Calgary.
Calgary isn’t just about cowboy hats and rodeos—it’s a city that thrives on community events and celebrations. Festivals here create a space where locals and tourists can connect, explore new cultures, and experience unique entertainment.
1. Calgary Stampede
Location: 1410 6 St SE, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @calgarystampede
Website: calgarystampede.com
The Calgary Stampede is an iconic event that defines Calgary’s spirit and sense of community. Held every July, this 10-day festival celebrates the rich heritage of Western Canada, with an emphasis on rodeo, agriculture, food, and culture. Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede attracts over a million visitors each year and has become a hallmark of the city’s identity. From thrilling rodeo events to world-class concerts, this festival offers something for everyone.
At the heart of the Stampede is the rodeo, which is the largest of its kind in North America. Thousands of cowboys and cowgirls compete in a variety of events, including bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. The rodeo events are thrilling to watch, as competitors showcase their skills in handling livestock in high-stakes, action-packed scenarios. The Calgary Stampede’s rodeo is not just about competition; it is a celebration of the hardworking ranchers and farmers who have shaped Western Canadian life.
The Stampede Parade, which marks the beginning of the festival, is another must-see spectacle. It features over 150 entries, including marching bands, colorful floats, and horse-drawn wagons. The parade is a visual treat that captures the essence of Calgary’s Western heritage while also highlighting the city’s growing diversity. The event is family-friendly, with children and adults alike excitedly lining the streets to watch the grand procession.
Beyond the competitions, the Carnival is another major draw. The Stampede’s carnival offers everything from thrilling rides like roller coasters and Ferris wheels to classic midway games. The food is also a highlight of the event, with vendors offering a wide range of tasty treats, from deep-fried Oreos to mini doughnuts and corn dogs. It’s a great place to indulge in classic fair food and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The Calgary Stampede also serves as a significant economic and cultural event for the city. Local businesses, artisans, and food vendors participate, providing a platform for Calgary’s vibrant local economy to thrive. The event fosters community spirit, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate Calgary’s history, culture, and future.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Calgary Stampede is an event that should not be missed.
2. Calgary Folk Music Festival
Location: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, AB
Instagram: @calgaryfolkfest
Website:calgaryfolkfest.com
The Calgary Folk Music Festival is one of Calgary’s most beloved cultural events, attracting music lovers from across the country and beyond. Held annually in Prince’s Island Park, the festival showcases an eclectic mix of folk music, offering performances from local and international artists. The festival’s charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, which allows attendees to experience live music in a beautiful outdoor setting while fostering a sense of community among its audience.
What sets the Calgary Folk Music Festival apart from other music festivals is its focus on folk music in its purest form. The festival is dedicated to the artistry of storytelling through song, celebrating the unique styles and traditions of folk musicians from around the world. Each year, the festival draws talent from various genres, including blues, country, indie, and world music. The diversity of performances makes the festival a musical journey, where each stage offers something fresh and exciting.
The Calgary Folk Music Festival is not only about the music—it’s about fostering a sense of community and connection. The event also features workshops, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits, allowing attendees to dive deeper into the world of folk music and learn more about the artists and their craft. It’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and culture, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for music fans to engage with the folk music scene on a deeper level.
The food vendors at the festival also reflect the diverse nature of the event, offering a variety of local and international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for savory snacks or sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every taste. The laid-back, picnic-style atmosphere encourages attendees to explore the food offerings while enjoying the music and the natural beauty of the park.
The Calgary Folk Music Festival is a celebration of music, culture, and community. It’s a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates live music in a relaxed, picturesque setting. For music lovers of all ages, it’s a chance to experience the magic of folk music and connect with fellow fans in one of Calgary’s most beautiful parks.
Location: 4339 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB
(2 minutes away from Stampede ground and 6 minutes away from Downtown Calgary)
Social Media:
- Instagram: @ynottoday
- Website: Ynottoday.ca
Operation hours:
- 12pm – 10pm from Sunday to Thursday
- 12pm – 00am on Friday and Saturday
Phone: 403.345.7108
Y Not Today’s Neon Paint Night is a unique and vibrant event that has captured the attention of Calgary’s artistic community. Held regularly at their cozy and inviting café space, this event offers an exciting twist on the traditional paint night experience. What sets this event apart is the use of neon paints, which glow under UV lights, creating an immersive, almost magical experience for participants. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, the Neon Paint Night is designed for everyone, providing an open, creative environment where you can express yourself and let your imagination run wild.
The Neon Paint Night is typically held in the evening, making it a perfect after-work or weekend escape. It is ideal for those looking to unwind, destress, and enjoy a relaxed yet engaging activity. There is no artistic skill required—just a willingness to try something new and let go of any inhibitions. Y Not Today offers a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone is encouraged to embrace their inner artist, no matter their skill level. The staff is always available to guide you, whether you need assistance with techniques or just want to talk about your process.
In addition to the paint night itself, Y Not Today provides a full menu of refreshing and unique beverages, including bubble tea and bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert). These treats add to the overall experience and provide a delicious way to relax while working on your artwork. Many attendees enjoy sipping on a drink while chatting with friends and fellow artists, making the event as much about the social experience as it is about creating art.
Y Not Today also organizes themed Neon Paint Nights, which add an extra layer of excitement to the event. These themed nights allow attendees to create artwork based on specific topics or moods, further encouraging creative exploration. Themes like “Under the Sea,” “Cosmic Dreams,” or “Nature’s Glow” invite participants to experiment with colors and shapes that they might not have considered before, sparking new ideas and techniques.
For anyone seeking a fun, artistic night out, Y Not Today’s Neon Paint Night offers an innovative and accessible way to create, relax, and connect with others in a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. Whether you’re there to unwind after a long week or to try something completely new, it’s an event that promises a memorable and colorful experience.
4. GlobalFest
Location: Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE, Calgary, AB
Website: globalfest.ca
Instagram: @calgaryglobalfest
For anyone who loves fireworks, food, and experiencing the beauty of diverse cultures, GlobalFest is a must-attend event in Calgary. Held annually in the summer at Elliston Park, GlobalFest is Calgary’s premier multicultural festival and one of the most anticipated events of the year. The festival’s centerpiece is the International Fireworks Festival, a dazzling competition that brings together pyrotechnic teams from around the world to create mesmerizing light displays.
Every evening, visitors are treated to a spectacular fireworks show set to music, where each team strives to outdo one another with breathtaking displays that light up the night sky. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the fireworks are a feast for the eyes, and the music enhances the emotional impact of the pyrotechnics. The festival’s fireworks competitions are a highlight of the summer, attracting thousands of spectators each year. The shows are designed to be a family-friendly experience, with many attendees bringing their children to witness the magic of the fireworks in a safe and fun environment.
In addition to the fireworks, GlobalFest is a celebration of food, music, and arts from different cultures. Visitors can explore a wide variety of international food vendors offering delicacies from all corners of the globe. GlobalFest’s vibrant atmosphere, the stunning fireworks displays, the wide variety of international foods, and the cultural celebrations make it an unforgettable experience. The festival fosters a spirit of inclusion, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate what makes Calgary a truly global city. Whether you’re there for the fireworks, the food, or the cultural experiences, GlobalFest is an event that offers something for everyone
5. Beakerhead
Location: Various venues across Calgary, AB
Website: beakerhead.com
Instagram: @beakerhead
Beakerhead is one of the most exciting and innovative events that Calgary has to offer. A festival that celebrates the fusion of art, science, and technology, Beakerhead encourages participants to explore the boundaries of creativity and experimentation. Founded in 2013, this festival has quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, offering an eclectic mix of interactive art installations, performances, and creative workshops.
What sets Beakerhead apart from other festivals is its emphasis on innovation. The event showcases massive, larger-than-life art installations that are not only visually captivating but also incorporate scientific principles. Imagine giant robotic creatures roaming the streets or digital art projections that challenge the viewer’s sense of reality. Beakerhead brings together artists, engineers, and scientists to collaborate and create experiences that blur the lines between these traditionally separate disciplines. The result is a festival that is thought-provoking, visually stunning, and intellectually stimulating.
One of the key draws of Beakerhead is its inclusive, community-driven nature. The festival is not only about viewing art from a distance but also about participating, learning, and engaging with the ideas behind the installations. For those interested in the creative potential of science, technology, and art, Beakerhead is an event that sparks imagination and inspires creativity in every participant.
Whether you’re a lover of art, science, or simply enjoy experiencing something new and exciting, Beakerhead is an event that will leave you in awe of the endless possibilities when creativity and technology come together.
6. Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)
Location: Various venues, Calgary, AB
Website: ciffcalgary.ca
Instagram: @ciffcalgary
For movie lovers and cinema enthusiasts, the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is an unmissable event that offers a diverse and engaging selection of films from around the world. Held annually in September, CIFF has grown to become one of Calgary’s most important cultural events, providing a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to discover fresh, exciting, and thought-provoking films.
CIFF’s film selection spans a wide array of genres, including drama, documentary, animation, short films, and experimental cinema. The festival focuses on showcasing both local and international talent, making it an essential event for anyone interested in the latest trends in the global film industry. With films from established directors alongside works from emerging filmmakers, CIFF offers an eclectic mix of cinema that reflects the cultural diversity of Calgary.
One of the highlights of CIFF is its Canadian Content section, which is dedicated to showcasing Canadian films. This section provides an invaluable opportunity for local filmmakers to present their work to a broader audience and gain recognition for their craft. CIFF is known for its commitment to fostering the growth of the Canadian film industry, offering industry panels, networking events, and Q&A sessions with directors and actors that allow audiences to engage directly with the creative minds behind the films.
If you visit Calgary in summer, Stampede will give you the hustle vibe of the city. If you prefer something cooler with art involved, Neon paint night at Y Not Today will be the night you are left memorable experience and fun.
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