9 food events in Calgary to check out this summer

Jun 17 2016, 11:01 pm

This summer, you’ll have more than food truck fare to feast upon, thanks to a plethora of summertime food festivals and events happening in the city.

Featuring the world famous Calgary Stampede, BBQ cookoffs, and cultural gatherings, Calgary’s food events calendar for summer is sprinkled with a number of fun food-focused outings.

We’ve complied a list, which we will keep adding to, of upcoming food-related events taking place in the city this summer.

Calgary Stampede

Photo courtesy Calgary Stampede

Photo courtesy Calgary Stampede

In addition to hosting an annual rodeo and exhibition the Calgary Stampede offers visitors a range of exciting, tasty, and wacky foods to try. This year there are 34 crazy new eats being introduced at the Calgary Stampede–some a little crazier than others. You’ve got a frozen treat with crickets and edible gold, deep fried cocktail-flavoured shots, an Asian riff on perogies, rainbow grilled cheese, and oh so many things with Oreos…just to name a few.

When: July 8 to 17
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Price: Park admission is $18. Tickets can be purchased online here

Fiestaval

Fiestaval is a free and family-oriented multicultural arts and entertainment festival highlighting Latin American Culture. The three day event will take place in the heart of downtown Calgary at the Calgary Olympic Plaza and feature over 18 authentic Latin food vendors, in addition to 60 plus community vendors.

When: July 22 to 24
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
Price: Free admission

Calgary Turkish Festival

The Calgary Turkish Festival will feature Turkish art, folk dance, music, and gourmet food. Visitors will get an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, heritage, and cuisine (including sumptuous kebabs and mouth-watering pastries).

When: July 28 to 31
Where: Eau Claire Festival Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Price: Free admission

Taste the Trucks

Get out your stretchy pants, Taste the Trucks is back for another year, bringing with it a smorgasbord of delicious eats. While the list of participating food trucks is still being finalized, attendees can expect 10 to 20 of Calgary’s best food trucks to be in attendance at this year’s event, dishing up all kinds of mouthwatering street food fare.

When: August 5, 6, and 7, from 11 am to 7 pm daily
Where: Haultain Park – 225 13 Avenue SW
Price: $5 Entry (free for kids under 14)

Taste of Calgary

Calgary’s beloved outdoor food fiesta returns to the city in 2016, bringing with it a smorgasbord of globally-inspired cuisine and beverages. Attendees to the Taste of Calgary will be able to sample a variety of dishes, shop at some of the most interesting marketplace vendors in the city, and enjoy a wide range of entertainment.

When: August 11 to 14 from 11 am to 10 pm daily
Where: Eau Claire Festival Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Price: Free admission / Taste tickets $1

Brewery & the Beast

Photo courtesy Brewery & the Beast

Photo courtesy Brewery & the Beast Calgary

Brewery and the Beast is back for 2016. This outdoor, meat-focused event will take place rain or shine on August 21 and feature a line-up of local chefs from around the city, preparing and cooking the highest quality meats. In addition to serving a range of roasted, barbecued, and smoked edible delights, Phillips Brewing Company from Victoria, will offer a varied selection of their award winning beers.

When: Sunday, August 21 from 1 to 4:15 pm
Where: Pumphouse Park – 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW
Price: Tickets are priced at $89.75 and can be purchased online here

Calgary Ribfest

Get your sticky on at the 1st Annual Calgary Ribfest. From August 25 to 28 experience four awesome days of grilling heaven. Ribs, BBQ chicken, and pulled pork will be headlining the festival, available from six different vendors. There will also be live music, craft beer, wine pairings, and a pulled pork eating contest. Booths for foodie and BBQ demonstrations will also be in site.

When: August 25 to 28 (check website for times)
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Price: Free admission

BBQ on the Bow

The 24th annual BBQ on the Bow festival (the city’s oldest BBQ competition) will take place this September at the Montgomery Community Centre, and will see meat lovers from across the city gather to enjoy all things BBQ. Teams will compete over two days showing off their cooking skills on everything from Weber bullets to fancy rigs and trailers with expensive smokers built right on them.

When: September 3 to 4
Where: Montgomery Community Centre – 5003 16th Avenue NW
Price: Free admission

Calgary Greek Festival

This three day celebration of Greek culture is a chance for the community to come together. Attendees to this free annual event will find a range of entertainment options, traditional Greek food, dancing, and a whole lot more.

When: September 16 to 18
Where: Hellenic Community Centre – 1 Tamarac Cresent SW
Price: Free admission

Jess FlemingJess Fleming

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