While the Calgary Stampede may be the most famous July event in our city, there are a number of other noteworthy festivals to check out this month too. From concerts and classic cars to cultural celebrations and curated art installations, the following festivals have something for everyone.
YYC Summer Scoop Fest
When: June 30 to July 7, 2023
There’s no sweeter choice in the summer than deciding where to go for some delicious local ice cream. YYC Summer Scoop Fest brings together some of Calgary’s best local ice cream shops as they compete for the title of Best Scoop. Up to $3 from every featured item sold supports Calgary Meals on Wheels. Only a few participating shops have been announced so far — Milk Ice Cream Club, Abbey’s Creations and Righteous Gelato — but the full list will be available on June 28.
Multiple locations, yycscoopfest.com
Cowboys Music Festival
When: July 6 to 16, 2023
Featuring guests and performers from around the world, the Cowboys Music Festival takes place throughout the entirety of Stampede. Held inside the legendary Cowboys tent on the Stampede grounds, this year’s highly anticipated lineup is nothing short of spectacular from start to finish. Headliners include Dustin Lynch, Wiz Khalifa and Metro Boomin, Jack Harlow, Nelly Furtado and more. The 10-day-long festival also includes a barbecue invitational cook-off hosted by Chef Rush and a drag brunch featuring legends from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
519 12 Ave. S.E. on Stampede Park, cowboysmusicfestival.com
Inspire Fest
When: July 15, 2023
Taking place at Highfield Regenerative Farm, Inspire Fest is an immersive experience inspired by music and art. After a successful debut last year, this festival will once again feature local DJs, creators, artists and musicians. It also includes a market full of local vendors, a beer garden, workshops and more.
1920 Highfield Cres. S.E., highfieldfarm.ca
Fiestaval
When: July 21 to 23, 2023
Fiestaval celebrates Latin American culture and is a free, three-day multicultural event that takes place at Olympic Plaza. Organized by the Calgary Multicultural Arts Society, the festival features hundreds of national and international performers, more than 30 authentic food vendors, an artisan market, beer gardens and a play area for kids.
228 8 Ave. S.E., fiestaval.ca
Afro Caribbean Food Festival
When: July 22 and 23, 2023
Celebrate the vibrancy of Afro-Caribbean culture for two amazing days this July. From the local vendors and mouthwatering food to the artists and performers keeping you entertained all day, this festival in Celebration Square promises to be a fun experience for you and your friends.
Celebration Square, 508 7 Ave S.E., acfoodfestival.com
Calgary Folk Music Festival
When: July 27 to 30, 2023
For 44 years, Calgary Folk Fest has been one of the city’s most popular and beloved July events. It’s held on Prince’s Island Park and features six daytime stages, two evening stages, an arts market and drinks from Big Rock Brewery and Eau Claire Distillery. Among the eclectic lineup of artists performing at Folk Fest this year is Emmylou Harris, Digable Planets, Julia Jacklin and The Paper Kites.
Prince’s Island Park, calgaryfolkfest.com
Inglewood Sunfest
When: July 29, 2023
Inglewood Sunfest’s motto is to “celebrate, engage, entertain and delight.” This free, one-day festival in Inglewood does exactly that by featuring a variety of activities and attractions including street performers, food trucks and local vendors. Among the festival’s major highlights is the annual Show & Shine spectacle, showcasing classic and muscle cars for attendees to admire. Inglewood Sunfest is an all-ages event, with plenty of fun things to do for kids and adults alike.
Pet-A-Palooza’s The Day of The Dog
When: July 29 and 30, 2023
Your favourite furry friends deserve their own summer festival, and the people behind Pet-A-Palooza have them covered. During the two-day festival (which has free admission and a dog-friendly environment, of course), celebrate Day of the Dog with the festival’s inaugural Foam Party for Dogs. You can also take photos of your superpet at the superhero photo booth, participate in yoga classes with some adorable puppies and more. Did we mention there’s a pool party too?
Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., petapaloozawest.com/calgary