Festive events in cowtown

Come on Calgary, we can’t be named the culture capital of Canada for 2012 and not show the rest of the country our fun-loving spirit. So, if your summer weekend seems empty or you’re thinking there’s nothing to do, check this list and get out there!

 

Free:

May and June

 

Lilac Festival

May 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This will be the 23rd edition of the popular 4th Street Lilac Festival in Mission. The day starts out with a parade while vendors and all sorts of entertainers keep the rest of the afternoon fun-filled.

lilacfestival.net/lilacfestival

 

Carifest

June 2 to 9

Details of events at this festival dedicated to the arts and culture of the Caribbean have yet to be released but you might want to keep an eye out for info on their movie night and after party. The food will knock your tam off too! carifestcalgary.com

 

CJSW Summer

Concert Series

Dates to be announced

Every year during two magical days in July and August respectively, CJSW hauls out all your favourite Indie locals and not -so locals to perform at Olympic Plaza for free.

 

Suncor Energy Stage One Festival of New Work

June 10 to 25

If you’re big on theatre you’ll want to check out this festival for one act plays by up-and-coming and senior playwrights. You’ll even have a chance to add your opinion into the mix.

lunchboxtheatre.com

 

July

 

Canada Day Celebration July 1

All sorts of activities are planned for this day celebrating our awesome nation — and best yet, most of them are free. Check out calgarycanadaday.ca for all the listings, but remember fireworks start at the municipal building at 10:45 p.m. An added bonus — you’ll have the Monday off.

 

Calgary Turkish Festival July 6 to 8

Head down to the Calgary Turkish Festival during the first weekend of Stampede to taste Turkish coffees, baklava, donair and lots of other goodies.

calgaryturkishfestival.com

 

Fiestaval Latin Festival July 21 to 22

Keep the party going after Stampede at Fiestaval celebrating Latin American culture.

fiestaval.ca

 

Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival

July 22 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Can you feel the heat? Well you might after taste-testing 40 salsas at this one-day festival. Kensington Road and Tenth Street will be closed off for the day so take public transit to get to this one.

visitkensington.com/sun-and-salsa

 

August

 

Inglewood Sunfest

Aug. 4 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kick off August at the Inglewood Sunfest with a pie-eating contest. Yes, you read that right — you can eat your face full of pie here and get a suntan too.

inglewoodsunfest.com

 

Chinatown Street Festival August 11

This free festival will showcase Chinese culture has to offer including food, performances and art.

calgarychinesemerchants.org/chinatown-street-festival

 

Marda Gras

Aug. 12 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beads, music and street party fuel this New Orleans inspired festival in its 28th year. Head over to Marda Loop to check out this one.

mardaloopbrz.ca

 

Taste of Calgary

August 16 to 19 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Yum! Buy food tickets for $1 each and sample dishes from restaurants around the city at Eau Claire. For a (soon to be released) menu check out

tasteofcalgary.com

 

Toast ‘N’ Jam Festival

August 16 and 17

If you’re a young musician you might want to sign yourself up for this event that partners with industry professionals to help perfect your craft. Applications are open until April 20.

calgary.ca/toastnjam

 

Under $20:

May and June

 

Calgary International Beerfest

May 4 and 5

After exams are done and summer jobs have started, why not blow off a little steam at Beerfest? You can taste over 200 beers but make sure you call a cab at number 199.

 

Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival

May 24 to June 2

This will be the 14th edition of Fairy Tales, which focuses on documentaries, shorts and features made by the LBGTTQ community.

fairytalesfilmfest.com

 

Greek Festival

June 22 to 24

Fill up with food and wine while listening and watching to Greek music and dance.

calgaryhellenic.com/greek-festival

 

June

Shakespeare in the Park

June 27 to Aug. 11

MRU’s Shakespeare in the Park is set to return after a one-year hiatus. Keep checking

mtroyal.ca/AboutMountRoyal/MediaRoom/

 

July

Calgary Stampede

July 6 to 15

Need I say anymore? Okay, I will. It’s the 100-year anniversary and there will be so many awesome events happening that you can leave your boots on while The Stampede blows your white hat off.

calgarystampede.com

 

August

Fringe Festival

August 3 to 11

The Calgary Fringe Festival started in 2006 and has grown ever since. Check their website in June for a list of performances. calgaryfringe.ca

 

Globalfest

August 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26

Fireworks and multiculturalism meet in this Calgary favourite going on its tenth year. The shows start at 6:30 p.m. and tickets cost $15.

globalfest.ca

 

Expo Latino

August 24 to 26

Check out this Hispanic music and dance festival that turns Prince’s Island Park into a party zone. Buy your $30 weekend pass online now.

expolatino.ca

 

Afrikadey!

August 5 to 11

This week-long celebration of African music, dance, art, theatre, film and literature takes place all over the city. The final day is a music-filled party at Prince’s Island Park.

afrikadey.com

 

More than $50:

May and June

 

Sled Island Music Festival June 20 to 23

Feist. Archers of Loaf. The Hold Steady. 300 bands, 30 venues. Get. Your. Tickets. NOW.

sledisland.com

 

July

Calgary Folk Festival

July 26 to 29

Sinead O’Connor. Lindi Ortega. Serena Ryder. Need I repeat myself? Go get your tickets.

calgaryfolkfest.com

 

August

Calgary International Blues Festival

July 30 to August 5

Dig into your soul and groove to the sweet sounds of the blues over the August long weekend. calgarybluesfest.com