Although Stampede festivities have come to an end, festival season in Calgary is still going strong. From cultural and artistic celebrations, to boat races, to the continuation of country music events, you can keep enjoying summertime celebrations at these festivals in August.
BUMP Festival
When: August 5 to 26, 2023
Calgary’s public art scene is as diverse and wonderful as its people. Throughout August, see murals, artist talks and more at the annual BUMP Festival, starting with the Graffiti Jam to kick it all off. Check online to see what’s happening on each day of the festival and what you can expect.
Various locations, yycbump.ca
Calgary Arab Festival
When: August 12 and 13, 2023
This festival’s eight-year-long history has featured the very best that Arab cultures have to offer, from incredible food to a thriving bazaar, complete with live performances and plenty of interactivity. 2023 won’t be any different as the festival debuts at Shaw Millennium Park. The bigger venue allows for lots of activities, including building your own cultural tent.
Shaw Millennium Park, facebook.com/yycarabfest
Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
When: August 11 to 13, 2023
Every summer, the Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival attracts more than 1,850 competitors and 4,000 spectators to North Glenmore Park. Organized by the Calgary Dragon Boat Society, the event showcases the exciting sport of dragon boat racing as teams — made up of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steer person — vie for the win. Admission for spectators is free, and there are food trucks, beer gardens, live music, cultural performances and a kids’ zone on-site.
North Glenmore Park, calgarydragonboatsociety.com
Calgary Fringe Festival
When: August 4 to 12, 2023
Kick off August with the unrestricted, unexpected and unforgettable performances of this year’s Calgary Fringe Festival. Fringes are where emerging and established artists share the stage to tell their stories and this year’s lineup of performances is available in-person and on-demand. With shows guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, or both at the same time, Calgary Fringe has all you need to have a good time.
Various locations, calgaryfringe.ca
Calgary Japanese Festival “Omatsuri”
When: August 11 and 12, 2023
Omatsuri is the Japanese word for festival, and the Calgary Japanese Community Association has big plans since its return to an in-person setting last year. On Friday night, there’s a special performance by Japanese comedian Yumi Nagashima and a Japanese-inspired drag show featuring Angelina Starchild, Tangerine Dream, and Penny Tense, in addition to a mini night market and sake/beer gardens. Saturday will include a market, delicious food and loads of music, art, and more.
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail S.E., calgaryjapanesefestival.com
CariFest
When: August 18 to 20, 2023
CariFest is a celebration of Caribbean music, culture, tradition, costumes and more. Inspired by a desire to educate attendees about everything to do with Caribbean culture, CariFest has grown each year and is now one of Calgary’s most popular festivals. The three-day event takes place at Shaw Millennium Park and features live music, vendors, a parade and much more.
Shaw Millennium Park, carifestcalgary.com
Country Thunder
When: August 18 to 20, 2023
Known for its always-impressive lineup, this three-day-long event showcases up-and-coming artists alongside some of the biggest names in country music. Returning to Fort Calgary again this year — an appropriate venue, considering its proximity to the National Music Centre – headliners include Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Jon Pardi.
Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave S.E., countrythunder.com/ab
GlobalFest
When: August 17 to 26, 2023
Featuring awe-inspiring “pyromusicals” and cultural pavilions, GlobalFest was first introduced to the city’s festival scene in 2003. Known as Calgary’s most explosive festival, GlobalFest comprises the International Fireworks Festival and OneWorld Festival, displaying cultural diversity and artistry while putting on a fantastic fireworks show. There’s also a night market, international food vendors and plenty of live music.
1827 68 St. S.E. globalfest.ca
Incredible India Fest
When: August 7, 2023
India’s vibrant culture, from the food to the dances and everything in between, is showcased at Incredible India Fest. After a successful debut last year, the festival is set for another amazing afternoon complete with live performances, vendors and plenty to do for children and adults alike.
Westin Calgary Airport, 671 Aero Drive N.E., sparqproductions.com
Taste of Calgary Festival
When: August 3 to 7, 2023
Dubbed Calgary’s “most appetizing festival,” Taste of Calgary gives guests a chance to experience some of the city’s best foods, beverages, music and more. Sampling tickets are one dollar each, which makes it pretty easy for attendees to try a variety of the dishes and drinks on offer. Admission to the festival (live performances included) is free.
CPA Lot 6, 311 8 St. S.W., tasteofcalgary.com