Mexifest
When: July 4 to 7, 2025
Mexifest brings a little taste of Mexican food, culture and hospitality to Calgarians each year. At this three-day festival, visit the grounds to snack on tacos or tamales, as well as drinks like micheladas and margaritas. But this festival isn’t just about food — to complete the experience, be sure to check out the many musical performances, Mexican luchadore wrestling and more.
Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., mexifest.ca
Calgary Japanese Festival “Omatsuri”
When: July 18 and 19, 2025
While this festival isn’t strictly a food festival, food is definitely one of the biggest reasons to attend, according to the festival creators. Japanese restaurants from around the city will be serving the best-of-the-best — items from previous years include takoyaki, yakitori, gyoza and more, as well as beverages like teas, sake and Japanese beers. This year’s festival will be a two-day affair, with music, cultural performances, a cosplay contest and, of course, food.
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Tr. S.E., calgaryjapanesefestival.com
Fiestaval
When: July 18 to 20, 2025
During some of the hottest days of summer, Fiestaval transforms downtown Calgary into a celebration of all things Latin American. Enjoy more than 30 food vendors serving authentic dishes from Central and South America, as well as an artisan market and hundreds of performers participating in the cultural festivities. Admission is free.
Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., fiestaval.ca
YYC Ice Cream Fest
When: July 18 to August 17, 2025
Held in support of Calgary Meals on Wheels, YYC Ice Cream Fest launched in 2022 to great success. Now in its fourth year, Calgarians are invited to visit their favourite participating restaurants and ice cream shops to try some unique ice cream creations, with a portion of the proceeds going towards Meals on Wheels. Then, vote for your favourites (anyone who has experienced YYC Hot Chocolate Fest can expect the same format).
Taste of Calgary
When: July 31 to August 4, 2025
One of the most anticipated food festivals in the city, Taste of Calgary is a huge draw for food-loving crowds. Taste global dishes and drinks from Calgary’s wide range of restaurants, food trucks and beverage makers — all you need is a pocket full of sample tickets ($1 each) and an empty stomach. Last year’s festival included 47 local restaurants, 20 food trucks and eight local brewers and distillers, so there are plenty of choices for every palette.
Lot 6, 311 8 St. S.W., tasteofcalgary.com
Alberta on the Plate
When: August 8 to 17, 2025
Alberta on the Plate brings together some of the best Alberta restaurants to celebrate the incredible bounty of ingredients found in our province. Head to participating restaurants and beverage makers around Alberta for a multi-course, prix-fixe meal made in concert with local fruit, vegetable and product makers for an unforgettable local dining experience. Participating Calgary eateries include Rouge, Eighty Eight Brewing Co. and Alloy, with plenty more to come when the full list is released.
GlobalFest
When: August 14, 16, 19, 21 and 23, 2025
While many Calgarians know GlobalFest for its fireworks competitions, the event grounds are also home to the OneWorld Festival, which hosts a gigantic number of food stalls serving different cultural foods from countries around the world. Before watching the impressive fireworks competition, start a meal off with arepas, grab some Vietnamese food and maybe finish with some shawarma. Whatever your stomach desires, the world is at your fingertips at GlobalFest.
Elliston Park, globalfest.ca
Barley & Smoke
When: August 22, 2025
This festival celebrates everything barbecue and beer, and does it all in support of Kids Cancer Care. The festival offers food and drinks from some of Calgary’s best breweries and restaurants, with previous editions featuring spots like Saltlik, Rodney’s Oyster House, Pink Door Pizza, Village Brewery, The Establishment Brewing Company and more. All vendor samples are included in your admission price.
Enmax Park, at Elbow River Pathway and MacDonald Ave. S.E., barleysmoke.ca
Western Canada Rib Fest Tour
When: August 22 to 24, 2025
Catch the Calgary leg of this rib-centric grill festival, which brings four barbecue experts across Canada for a rib cook-off that you won’t want to miss. In addition to delicious barbecue, expect live music, family-friendly activities and more.
68 McKenzie Towne Gate S.E., wcrft.ca
Brewery & the Beast
When: August 24, 2025
This one-of-a-kind food festival is all about celebrating good food and drink, particularly when it comes to meat and beer. Come to this festival to experience everything smoked, barbecued and fire kissed. This festival is unique in that there are no sample tickets, only an entrance fee, so patrons are free to fill up on whatever their favourite dish is or try a bit of everything. Plus, there are plenty of craft beers, ciders, cocktails and wine to wash it all down.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E., breweryandthebeast.com
