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 and EDM music events, you can keep summertime celebrations rolling at these festivals in August.
Taste of Calgary
When: August 1 to 5, 2024
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 $1 each (items require two to seven tickets). Admission to the festival (live performances included) is free.
CPA Lot 6, 311 8 St. S.W., tasteofcalgary.com
Calgary Fringe Festival
When: August 2 to 10, 2024
Kick off August with the unexpected and unforgettable performances of this year’s Calgary Fringe Festival as emerging and established artists take to the stage to tell their stories. This year’s lineup of performances is available in-person and on-demand. With shows that are sure to entertain, fill your belly with laughter or even move you emotionally, Calgary Fringe has something for all types of audiences.
Various locations, calgaryfringe.ca
Incredible India Fest
When: August 3, 2024
The Incredible India Fest, which honours India’s rich cultural heritage, returns to the Westin Calgary Airport for its third year. Cultural performances, live music, traditional singing and dancing, vendors, a variety of kid-friendly activities and authentic Indian cuisine will all be present at the one-day event. All ages and cultures are welcome to attend the festival, which is free of charge.
Westin Calgary Airport, 671 Aero Drive N.E., sparqproductions.com
Chasing Summer
When: August 3 and 4, 2024
The Chasing Summer Festival brings some of the biggest names in electronic dance music (EDM) to the city this month. Artists like Deadmau5, Two Friends, DJ Snake and more are coming for two full days of live music.
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail S.E., chasingsummerfestival.com
BUMP Festival
When: August 3 to 18, 2024
Calgary’s public art scene is as diverse and wonderful as its people. That’s all the more reason to explore murals around the city, attend artist talks and more at the annual BUMP Festival this August. Check out the festival’s online calendar to see what’s happening each day of the festival.
Various locations, yycbump.ca
OMATSURI – Calgary Japanese Festival 2024
When: August 9 and 10, 2024
The Calgary Japanese Community Association has big plans for this year’s two-day festival. The first night features modern and contemporary themed events, followed by a day of traditional cultural entertainment (think music, dancing, drumming and karate) that you won’t want to miss on August 10th. Of course, a plethora of vendors and tents showcasing food, beverages and other Japanese treasures will be present on both days.
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail S.E., calgaryjca.com
Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
When: August 9 to 11, 2024
The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival is an annual spectacle that draws over 4,000 spectators and 1,850 competitors to North Glenmore Park. Entering its 31st year, the Calgary Dragon Boat Society-hosted event highlights the thrilling 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 Arab Festival
When: August 10 and 11, 2024
During its nine-year run, this festival has featured the best that Arab cultures have to offer, from incredible food to a thriving bazaar, complete with live performances and plenty of interactivity. Featuring free admission, the Calgary Arab Festival has something to excite every member of the family.
Cowboys Park (previously known as Millennium Park), 1220 9 Ave. S.W., facebook.com/yycarabfest
Marda Gras Street Festival
When: August 11, 2024
Marda Gras Street Fest brings live music, entertainment and an endless line of local vendors to the Marda Loop area for one exciting day. The pet pageant is a highlight, with participants dressing up their pets in creative costumes in support of Tails of Help. Admission is free.
33rd Avenue S.W. between 19th and 22nd Street, visitmardaloop.com
GlobalFest
When: August 15 to 24, 2024
Featuring awe-inspiring “pyromusicals” and cultural pavilions, GlobalFest is known as Alberta’s most explosive festival. The event is a display of cultural diversity and artistry that’s capped with a fantastic fireworks show each night. This year’s celebration features pyro-musical performances by artists from Spain, Brazil, Mexico and the United States, as well as a Canadian-produced finale. There’s also a night market, international food vendors and plenty of live music.
Elliston Park, 1827 68 St. S.E., globalfest.ca
Carifest
When: August 16 to 18, 2024
Carifest is a celebration of Caribbean music, culture, tradition, costumes and more. Inspired by a desire to educate attendees about Caribbean culture, Carifest has grown each year and is now one of Calgary’s most popular festivals. The three-day event features live music, vendors, a parade and more.
Cowboys Park, (previously known as Millennium Park), 1220 9 Ave. S.W., carifestcalgary.com
Country Thunder
When: August 16 to 18, 2024
Known for its always-impressive lineup, this three-day event showcases up-and-coming artists alongside some of the biggest names in country music. This year’s headliners include Dallas Smith, Hardy and Luke Combs.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E., countrythunder.com/ab