Halal Ribfest
When: June 16 to 18
While Southern barbecue is often a pork-heavy experience, this festival flips that idea on its head by creating an inclusive event that revolves around Halal meats. Head to the festival’s Calgary stop to indulge in dishes like brisket, beef ribs and smoked chicken while taking in live performances, a market and more.
311 8 St. W., halalribfest.com
YYC Summer Scoop Fest
When: June 30 to July 7
Organized by Calgary Meals on Wheels, YYC Summer Scoop Fest launched in 2022 to great success. This year, Calgarians are once again invited to visit their favourite participating restaurants 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).
Mexifest
When: July 7 to 9
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. To complete the experience, all this tasty food is complemented by music, Mexican luchadore wrestling and more.
311 8 St S.W., mexifest.ca
Fiestaval
When: July 21 to 23
During some of the hottest days of the summer, Fiestaval transforms downtown Calgary into a celebration of all things Latin American. Over three days, join more than 30 food vendors and hundreds of performers in the cultural festivities. Admission is free.
Olympic Plaza, fiestaval.ca
Afro Caribbean Food Festival
When: July 22 and 23
Celebrate the sunny summer weather with some Caribbean cuisine and culture. At this annual event, try some delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken and fried plantain, and take in the fun vibes with music and art in East Village.
Celebration Square (C-Square), 508 7 Ave. S.E., acfoodfestival.com
Taste of Calgary
When: August 3 to 7
One of the biggest food festivals in the city, Taste of Calgary is a huge draw for food-loving crowds. Taste global dishes and drinks from Calgary restaurants and beverage makers — all you need is a pocket full of sample tickets ($1 each) and a hearty appetite.
Calgary Japanese Festival “Omatsuri”
When: August 11
While this festival isn’t strictly a food festival, food is by far one of the most popular attractions. 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.
Alberta on the Plate
When: August 11 to 20
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.
GlobalFest
When: August 17 to 26
While GlobalFest is known to a lot of Calgarians for its fireworks competitions, the event grounds are also home to a gigantic number of food stalls, each serving different cultural foods from countries around the world. Start off with arepas, grab some Vietnamese food and maybe finish with some shawarma. Whatever your heart desires, the world is at your fingertips at GlobalFest.
Elliston Park, globalfest.ca
Brewery & the Beast
When: August 27
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.
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E., breweryandthebeast.com