13 festivals to check out in Calgary before the summer ends
It’s summertime, the weather is sublime, and there’s no shortage of awesome events happening in Calgary.
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, culture buff, or just here for the beer gardens, there’s something happening every week that’s worth marking your calendar for.
Ready to finish summer strong? Here are some can’t-miss festivals taking place throughout Calgary.
Taste of Calgary
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Calgary’s most delicious festival is back! Taste of Calgary serves up samples from the city’s best restaurants, craft brewers, and beverage makers — all in one delicious spot. There’s live music, activities, and plenty to sip and snack on.
When: July 31 to August 4
Where: LOT 6, 311 8 Street SW
Cost: Taste Tickets are available to buy at the festival or online. Each Taste Ticket equals $1, and the cost of dishes will range from two to eight tickets.
Calgary International Blues Festival
Calling all blues lovers! Get ready for a week-long celebration of soul-stirring music, featuring both legendary acts and rising stars. It all crescendos with four straight days of concerts at The Confluence — just bring your lawn chair and let the good times roll.
When: July 31 to August 3
Where: The Confluence, 750 9 Ave SE
Cost: Starting at $50 — Available here
Chasing Summer
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Get your dancing shoes on! Chasing Summer, the largest outdoor EDM event in Western Canada, is returning. This year’s headliners include KX5 (Deadmau5 + Kaskade), Loud Luxury, Cosmic Gate, Levity, plus a stacked lineup of more artists guaranteed to keep you moving all weekend long.
When: August 2 to August 3
Where: Max Bell Centre Grounds
Cost: Starting at $143.87 — Available here
Expo Latino Festival
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Expo Latino is Western Canada’s largest Latin festival, celebrating Latin American culture with over 25 food vendors, a bustling artisan market, vibrant performances, beer gardens, and a kids’ zone. It’s a fun day out for the whole family.
When: August 8 to August 10
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Cost: Free!
Marda Gras Street Festival
Marda Gras is a free family-friendly event in the heart of Marda Loop. Take part in a pedestrian-friendly, car-free day with your friends and family where you can shop local vendors, enjoy live performances, and connect with your community.
When: August 10
Where: Marda Loop, 33rd Avenue SW (between 18th and 22nd St)
Cost: Free!
GlobalFest
GlobalFest is the annual celebration of Calgary’s multi-cultural communities. Experience dazzling fireworks, performances, and food from cultures around the world. This year’s festival features 30 different cultural food vendors, so be sure to bring an appetite.
When: August 14 to August 23
Where: Elliston Park, 1827 68 St SE
Cost: Tickets start at $25 — available here
Country Thunder
Yeehaw! One of North America’s biggest country music festivals is galloping back to Alberta. This year’s lineup includes Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion and more. (P.S.: Don’t forget your boots!)
When: August 15 to August 17
Where: Fort Calgary, 750 9 AVE SE
Cost: Starts at $110.94 — Available here
Carifest
The ultimate celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and vibes! The festival includes live music, food vendors, and other cultural displays — and, of course, the iconic annual parade.
When: August 15 to August 17
Where: Cowboys Park, 1220 9 Ave SW
Cost: Free!
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Get ready to LOL under the stars. This year’s Great Outdoors Comedy Festival brings big-name comedians like Theo Von, Whitney Cummings, Mark Normand, and Adam Ray (as Dr. Phil) to Calgary for a weekend of outdoor fun.
When: August 22 to August 24
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Cost: Varies by act, tickets start at $59 — Available here
Brewery & the Beast
Indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience at Brewery & the Beast! More than 60 of Calgary & Banff’s award-winning restaurants and renowned chefs will be serving up an incomparable feast for the senses.
When: August 24, 2025
Where: The Confluence, 750 9 Ave SE
BUMP Festival
Watch Calgary’s inner city transform into a giant open-air art gallery during the BUMP Festival. The city gets splashed with colour as artists from around the world paint new large-scale murals. You can also expect block parties, DJ sets, artist talks, pop-ups, and alleyway raves.
When: August 1 to August 18
Where: Various locations — find mural map here
Cost: Free!
Calgary Pride
Celebrate love, inclusivity, and the city’s vibrant 2SLGBTQI+ community at Calgary Pride 2025. The festivities include drag and burlesque shows, art, music, and a massive Pride Parade. This year, the parade route will run west down 9th Ave SE, from Studio Bell to 6 St SW.
When: August 30 to August 31
Where: Prince Island’s Park
Cost: Free
Calgary International Film Festival
Lights, camera, Calgary! CIFF returns with 11 days of boundary-pushing films, red carpet moments, and Q&As with directors and stars. From world premieres to local indie gems, this is the place to be for movie lovers.
When: September 18 to September 28
Where: Globe Cinema, Eau Claire, and other venues across the city
Cost: Ticket bundles start at $49 — Available here
So, what are you waiting for? Festival season doesn’t last forever! Grab your sunhat, round up your crew, and get out there.
Head over to Tourism Calgary’s website to check out even more fun events around the city.
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