Fall has officially arrived, and there are plenty of Calgary festivals rolling in with the change in weather. With festivals that celebrate the fall harvest, film, wine and more, there’s bound to be something for all interests.
Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)
When: September 19 to 29, 2024
Now in its 25th year, CIFF is showcasing hundreds of multi-genre feature and short films from across Canada and around the world. In addition to being an Oscar-qualifying festival for short films, CIFF supports local filmmakers by including a selection of Alberta features in its lineup. You can purchase ticket bundles or get single-show tickets.
Multiple venues, ciffcalgary.ca
Beakerhead
When: September 20 to 22, 2024
Beakerhead is back with exciting new artists, experiences, talks, food and, of course, fire! Head to Telus Spark Science Centre for three days of interactive installations, performances and engineering marvels that push the boundaries of what’s possible. The event brings you on a sensory journey where creativity and technology merge. Discover a fire-breathing bronco, a 360-degree kaleidoscope of sound, light and colour, and many more electrifying installations.
220 Saint George’s Dr. N.E., beakerhead.com
Mid-Autumn Festival
When: September 20 to 22, 2024
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a collaboration between the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre and National Music Centre, celebrating Canada’s Chinese and Asian communities through music and cultural traditions. Head over to Studio Bell for three days of events like choir performances, dances, evening concerts and more.
850 4 St. S.E., studiobell.ca
YYC Pizza Fest
When: September 20 to October 6, 2024
YYC Pizza Fest is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and restaurants across Calgary are participating in this year’s edition. Participating restaurants will offer a pizza creation that will be judged in a friendly competition decided by the public. A portion of the proceeds goes to Calgary Meals on Wheels to help fight food insecurity in the city.
Multiple venues, yycpizzafest.com
Night Light
When: September 26 to 28, 2024
Wander through Victoria Park as it transforms into a magical display of vibrant lights during this art and light festival. For three days, there will be projections, light installations, live performances and other art mediums on display in the area.
1126 3 St. S.E., nightlightvicpark.ca
Harvest Fair
When: September 28 and 29 and October 5 and 6, 2024
Hosted by Granary Road, the Harvest Fair brings together its previous Apple Fest, Pumpkin Fest, Garlic Breath and Pickle Palooza festivals, all in two fun-filled weekends. Get your face painted, browse fresh local produce and get tickets for the Pumpkin Hunt and bring home a pumpkin.
226066 112 St. W., granaryroad.com
Harvest Pumpkin Fest
When: Every Saturday and Sunday throughout October, 2024
Take your family to Butterfield Acres Farm for some weekend fall fun. Visit the farm animals, enjoy the pony and tractor wagon rides, treat yourself to some pumpkin pie and find your favourite pumpkin to bring home in time for Halloween.
Butterfield Acres, 254077 Rocky Ridge Rd. N.W., butterfieldacres.com
ScreamFest
When: Multiple dates in October, 2024
ScreamFest is Canada’s largest Halloween festival, and a local horror-head’s dream. Throughout the month of October on Fridays, Saturdays, and a few special dates, head to GMC Stadium at Stampede Park to experience seven themed haunted houses filled with ghouls, ghosts and other spooky creatures, all designed to guarantee a scream. There will also be plenty of games to play if you want to try your hand at winning some prizes. Tickets start at $30 for regular admission.
Calgary Stampede GMC Stadium, 3 St. S.E., @screamfestyyc
Imaginairium by Wordfest
When: October 16 to 21, 2024
Considered one of Canada’s leading literary festivals, Wordfest’s Imaginairium strives to connect the “world’s best authors with the world’s best audiences.” This year’s lineup features over 30 events, with more than 50 celebrated authors, including Tegan and Sara Quin, Jeremy Klaszus, Tanya Talaga and more.
Multiple venues, wordfest.com
Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival
When: October 18 to 19, 2024
One of the city’s premier food events, the Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival is back to celebrate Alberta’s dining scene. Every year, this festival brings together some of Calgary’s top restaurants, food purveyors and drink-makers at the BMO Centre for a weekend that highlights many of Alberta’s best things to eat and drink. Tickets start at $33 for admission, with sample tickets available for purchase on-site.
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way S.E., rockymountainwine.com
Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival
When: October 18 to 20, 2024
The Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival gathers some of the best tattoo artists in the world under one roof to celebrate the tattoo industry and everything that goes along with it. Tattoo artists, vendors, performers and more will be in attendance — there will even be opportunities to get a tattoo there, if you’re up for it.
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way S.E., albertatattooshows.com
GIRAF Festival of Independent Animation
When: November 14 to 17, 2024
Presented by Quickdraw Animation Society, GIRAF (Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival) showcases and celebrates experimental independent animation, bringing together some of the best animators from Canada and around the world. The full lineup and details has yet to be announced, but, for reference, 2023’s event featured more that 60 animated short and feature-length films.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave S.W., giraffest.ca
CUFF.Docs
When: November 20 to 24, 2024
Presented by the Calgary Underground Film Festival, CUFF.Docs is showcasing more than 15 feature-length and short non-fiction films this year. There will be documentaries covering a wide range of topics, viewpoints and styles.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave S.W., calgaryundergroundfilmfestival.org
