Calgary Mac & Cheese Festival
When: January 15 to 31, 2026
January is cold, so why not warm up with a little macaroni and cheese? This festival sees Calgary restaurants competing to offer the best cheesy pasta dish. Just head to a participating restaurant, try its take on mac and cheese and vote for your favourite at the end. Restaurants include last year’s defending champion Bonterra Trattoria, as well as spots like IBU and La Mano.
Multiple locations, calgarymacandcheesefest.com
La Poutine Week
When: February 1 to 7, 2026
Love poutine? Of course you do. There’s no better food combination than crispy fries, melty cheese curds and warm gravy. Started in Montreal more than a decade ago, this celebration of poutine has now spread across Canada, including here in Calgary. During La Poutine Week, local restaurants will offer an array of creative poutine options. A full list of participating restaurants will be released closer to the event date.
Multiple locations, lapoutineweek.com
YYC Hot Chocolate Festival
When: February 1 to 28, 2026
Held in partnership with Meals on Wheels, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is an annual event where local restaurants, cafés and chocolatiers compete to create the best hot chocolate in the city, as decided by Calgarians. Partial proceeds from the hot chocolate sales go towards supporting Meals on Wheels. A full list of participating restaurants will be released on January 28.
Multiple locations, yychotchocolate.com
YYC Food & Drink Experience
When: March 13 to 29, 2026
During the later half of March, YYC Food & Drink Experience showcases Calgary’s impressive dining scene through prix-fixe menus and special events from some of Calgary’s top chefs, sommeliers and bartenders. Participating venues have yet to be released, but last year saw more than 100 restaurants take part and 15 sold out special events.
Multiple locations, yycexp.com
Grape Escape
When: March 20 and 21, 2026
Created by Calgary Co-op, Grape Escape is one of Calgary’s largest wine festivals. Tickets are all-inclusive, including samples from all of the participating wine, spirit and beer vendors and samples of appetizers, larger dishes and desserts. Ticket holders will also be able to attend sommelier seminars.
BMO Centre, 1912 Flores Ladue Parade S.E., coopwinespiritsbeer.com
