Summer is fast approaching, and what better way to usher in the warmest time of year than by attending a festival or two? From the iconic Sled Island festival to the beloved Lilac Festival, there’s an event to suit just about every taste.
Here are a few of the festivals you can check out in Calgary this month.
FunnyFest Comedy Festival
When: May 30 to June 9, 2024
The 24th annual FunnyFest hits the city once again over 11 days through May and June, and with 12 separate shows totalling 70 performers, there are plenty of chances to catch your daily dose of chuckles. You can also book comedians from FunnyFest for stand-up comedy workshops, corporate comedy seminars and private parties if you’re seeking more laughs year-round.
Multiple locations, funnyfest.com
Calgary Ukrainian Festival
When: June 1 and 2, 2024
Gather at the 14th annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival to celebrate the Ukrainian community and its rich culture. Take in Ukrainian song and dance performances, traditional clothing and plenty of Ukrainian food — pierogies, anyone?
Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Ave. S.W., calgaryukrainianfestival.com
Lilac Festival
When: June 2, 2024
Stretching for several blocks in Mission along 4th Street S.W., Lilac Festival is an annual, one-day event that celebrates the beginning of Calgary’s festival and market season, as well as the blooming of the area’s lilac bushes. Known as one of the city’s best free festivals, Lilac Festival hosts more than 500 vendors selling handmade goods, imported wares, artisan crafts, food and more. It also features a variety of dance, music and cultural performances throughout the day, with six stages featuring more than 70 performances.
4 Street S.W., between 12 Avenue S.W. and Elbow Drive S.W., lilacfestival.net
Calgary Horrorcon XII
When: June 15 to 16, 2024
If you’re a fan of all things horror, don’t miss Calgary Horrorcon XII. The two-day event features celebrity guests, screenings of the latest indie horror films, Q&A panels on iconic horror films and more than 100 vendors selling horror-themed goods. You’ll also want to don your scariest, goriest or most terrifying outfit and participate in the costume competition on the last day.
DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North, 2120 16 Ave. N.E., horror-con.ca
Sled Island
When: June 19 to 23, 2024
Sled Island is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place in Calgary over five days every June. Since 2007, this festival has been bringing the community together by showcasing the talents of more than 150 bands, emerging visual artists, filmmakers and comedians. While the best way to experience Sled Island is by purchasing a festival pass, a limited number of day passes and single tickets to select shows are also available.
Multiple locations, sledisland.com
Red & White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo
When: June 23, 2024
Running since 1988, Calgary’s oldest comic and collectible show is back for another year. With over 100 vendor tables, there are a ton of comic collectibles, merchandise and more to explore. Also, put on your finest comic book-inspired outfit and take part in the costume competition at 2 p.m., which is open to all ages.
Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Ave. S.E., comicandtoy.ca
JazzYYC Summer Festival
When: June 25 to 30, 2024
Could there be a better way to say goodbye to spring and hello to summer than with a bit of jazz? At the end of June, join JazzYYC for its summer festival featuring five days full of performances from award-winning jazz musicians and performers at iconic venues throughout the city. Grab a festival pass for all five days, a four-ticket bundle or single show tickets.
Multiple locations, jazzyyc.com
Sound Atlas Music Festival
When: June 27 to 29, 2024
For a second year, Contemporary Calgary will host the Sound Atlas Music Festival, which features live acts by both local and international musicians. This year’s event features a wide range of musical performances, such as solo pieces on the saxophone, piano, harp and other instruments, as well as group performances by JUNO-nominated Land’s End Ensemble, Latitude 49 and Circular Sparrow.
Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St. S.W., soundatlastfest.com