11 festivals happening in Calgary this May

Apr 28 2017, 2:04 pm

Festival season is officially in full swing here in Calgary, which means there is no lack of things to do this month. The greatest thing is that there is a different festival happening almost every weekend and each one is so incredibly different from each other, making Calgary come alive and a more interesting place to be.

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Each festival allows us to experience the diverse arts and culture that is deeply rooted in our city and there are even a few geared towards inspiring our little ones. This month is about spring fashion, a variety of film genres, good food, and the breathtaking scenery that this season brings to Calgary!

Be sure not to miss these 11 lively and exciting festivals happening around Calgary this May.

YYC Taco Fiesta

  • What: Participating eateries will offer either individual tacos for $4 to $6, or a larger taco platter that will be anywhere from $12 to $18. YYC Taco Fiesta aims to mobilize the taco-loving community and get people into restaurants to purchase these special dishes. Partial proceeds from the taco sales (15%) will be donated to the Calgary Homeless Foundation and Kids Up Front. At the end of the festival on May 5 there will be a Cinco De Mayo bash at an unnamed surprise location – we’ll keep you updated as details come.
  • Where: Over 25 participating restaurant in Calgary and the surrounding area
  • When: Friday, April 28 to Sunday, May 7

The Royal Canadian Family Circus SPECTAC

  • What: For 50 years, the Royal Canadian Family Circus has been providing lively entertainment and spectacular shows to multiple generations of family’s. Whether or not your Grandma saw this circus as a kid, or this is the first time for everyone in your family, you’re bound to be awed by the gravity-defying performances and have a magical time under the big top!
  • Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
  • When: May 26-June 4
  • Cost: $25

Canmore Uncorked

  • What: eat, drink and eat some more at this annual award winning, 12-day food festival, held in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
  • Where: Various locations in and around Canmore
  • When: May 3 -14
  • Cost: Prices may vary

Calgary International Beerfest

  • What: If you’re a beer drinker then you absolutely can’t miss out on this festival! You will have the opportunity to sample more than 500 different types of beers from all over the world, while becoming more educated on the craft. You will also receive a sample festival mug to take home as a souvenir!
  • Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SW
  • When: May 5-6
  • Cost: Prices vary

African Film Festival Presented by Afrikadey! Arts & Culture Society

  • What: Dive into the authentic African culture and feel yourself being captivated with emotions as you laugh, cry, wonder and cheer during the 4 spectacular movies that this year’s film festival has to offer.
  • Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8 Avenue SW
  • When: May 11-13
  • Cost: Single tickets: $10, package of 4 tickets: $35

Good Food and Wine Festival

  • What: In support of The Alex Community Food Centre, Cibo and Willow Park Wines and Spirits have teamed up to host the Good Food and Wine Festival. This foodie endeavor will feature delectable eats from some of Calgary’s top chefs and top-shelf wine pairings and leave you only craving more!
  • Where: Cibo – 1012 17 Avenue SW
  • When: May 18
  • Cost: $80

Banff Centre Children’s Festival

  • What: Spend a day adventuring into the world of art and imagination through fun-filled activities and live shows. This festival is aimed at fostering imagination in children of all ages, while exploring Canada’s diverse cultural communities through dance, music, storytelling, circus school and more!
  • Where: Banff Centre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
  • When: May 20
  • Cost: Varies depending on event

Calgary International Children’s Festival

  • What: Educate and inspire your children at this 3-day festival that encourages creative expression and stresses the importance of arts exposure for young minds. Through multiple shows and activities happening throughout the festival, Kidfest aims at “developing creative thinkers conscious of the world and their place in it.” See the full lineup of artists and scheduled shows here!
  • Where: Various locations between Olympic Plaza and the Arts Commons
  • When: May 24-27
  • Cost: $17

The Canadian International Fashion Film Festival (CANIFFF)

  • What: Fashion film is not a well-explored genre within neither film or the fashion industry. This second annual, three-day festival has made it its’ mission to put Canada on the fashion map, while exploring this niche film genre right here in Calgary, helping to develop our own fashion industry at the same time. This year features films from some of the most creative international talents, while being judged by many notable, international fashion figures from around the world!
  • Where: Various Locations
  • When: May 26-28
  • Cost: $20-$150

The 2nd Annual Banff Yoga Festival

  • What: During this 3-day festival, learn from exceptional yoga practitioners, while practicing meditation and mindfulness in the midst of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Through yoga classes, hiking, canoeing, cultural and social interactions and woodland adventures, you’ll leave the weekend feeling relaxed, refreshed and renewed!
  • Where: Fenlands Recreational Centre – 100 Mount Norquay Road
  • When: May 26 – 28
  • Cost: $78 and up

Picnic in the Park

  • What: Join the Calgary Food Trucks for their second event of the season! Snack on delicious bites from over 15 food trucks, while listening to live local music and participating in spring activities that are fun for the whole family.
  • Where: Bridgeland Murdock Park – 9 Street NE & Centre Avenue NE
  • When: May 27 & 28
  • Cost: $5 – free for kids under 14
Kristy ArchibaldKristy Archibald

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