12 Summer Food Festivals to Check Out in Calgary

This summer, snack the day away at one of these festivals focused on barbecue, ice cream, pickles and more.

Chickens cook over an open fire.
Photo courtesy of Brewery & the Beast.

Ube Fest

When: June 13, 2026

Celebrate the iconic purple yam from the Philippines at Ube Fest, a new festival celebrating Filipino culture and cuisine. Check out the festival’s “Ube Alley,” with local vendors serving a variety of purple treats and drinks. Along with the food, enjoy the live entertainment and shop the market stalls during this free festival.

Historic Fire Hall No. 1, 144 6 Ave. S.E., @ubefestcalgary

 

Mexifest

When: July 3 to 5, 2026

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, the wrestling ring and more.

Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., mexifest.ca

 

Omatsuri – Calgary Japanese Festival

When: July 17 and 18, 2026

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 17 to 19, 2026

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 17 to August 16, 2026

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.

yycicecreamfest.com

 

Taste of Calgary

When: July 30 to August 3, 2026

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 over 60 local vendors, so there are plenty of choices for every palette.

Cowboys Park, 1220 9 Ave. S.W., tasteofcalgary.com

 

Alberta on the Plate

When: August 7 to 16, 2026

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.

albertaontheplate.com

 

Western Canada Rib Fest Tour

When: August 21 to 23, 2026

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 23, 2026

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

 

Picklefest

When: August 29, 2026

The humble pickle gets its own celebration with Picklefest. Hosted by Big Rock Brewery, Picklefest casts a spotlight on foods that are fermented, brined, cured, marinated and preserved. The festival features over 40 vendors and is open to all ages.

Big Rock Brewery, 5555 76 Ave. S.E., bigrockbeer.com

 

VegFest

When: September 5, 2026

Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or just want to try more plant-based fare, don’t miss VegFest organized by the Calgary Vegan Society. Check out food vendors and trucks serving delicious plant-based meals and listen to the live music and speakers at the event. Entry is by donation and all ages are welcome.

Sunalta Community Hub, 1639 10 Ave. S.W., calgaryvegansociety.com

 

Barley & Smoke

When: September 12, 2026

With proceeds supporting Kids Cancer Care, this festival offers food and drinks from some of Calgary’s best breweries and restaurants. All vendor samples are included in your admission price.

Enmax Park at Elbow River Pathway and MacDonald Avenue S.E., barleysmoke.ca

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