Do
Attend High Performance Rodeo
January 12 to February 1
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, High Performance Rodeo kicks off the year with theatre, dance and music performances galore. Check out Christopher Hunt’s musical- and story-based exploration of Southern Albertan lore, Vivek Shraya’s orchestral pop concert and more.
Move and groove at Bob-Sled 2026
January 21 to 24
Brought to you by the team behind Sled Island, Bob-Sled is a cheeky winter spin on Calgary’s beloved music and arts festival. Find refuge from the January chill among dancing crowds, local musical acts and out-of-town talent at the Palomino Smokehouse’s downstairs stage.
Check Out Chinook Blast
January 30 to February 16
This annual winter festival does it all to celebrate winter — art exhibitions, live entertainment, culinary experiences and sporty fun. This year, Chinook Blast takes place in the newly renovated Eau Claire Plaza.
Watch the 2026 Winter Olympic Games
February 6 to 22
Rally your friends, share some food and drink and cheer on Team Canada at the Winter Olympics. Catch the action at places like Leopold’s Tavern, Home and Away, or your favourite sports-loving, TV-filled hangout.
Hit the gentle slopes
Grab your Nordic skis and glide through the many groomed cross-country trails in Calgary’s parks. Head to spots like Bowness Park, Prince’s Island Park and Maple Ridge Golf Course to get your cross-country skiing fix — minus the mountain drive.
Sip at YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
February 1 to 28
This city-wide festival needs your help to crown the best cup o’ cocoa in town. Sip your way through local cafés, restaurants and chocolatiers, then cast your vote. Bonus: $1 to $3 from every cup of hot chocolate supports Calgary Meals on Wheels.
Use your senses at Spark After Dark
February 13
Telus Spark’s adult-only event Heart, Body & Heat explores the biology of desire and the chemistry of love with a sensory-charged experience.
See
Watch Oscar-nominated shorts at Globe Cinema
February 20 and 27
Who are you rooting for at the Academy Awards? Back by popular demand, CIFF presents the 2026 Oscar-nominated shorts for a weekend of bite-sized entertainment on the big screen.
Listen
Stream local band Summer Bruises
Listen to Out of Body, the sophomore album from Calgary-based Summer Bruises. The band’s mix of indie rock and dream pop has a pulsing edge and danceability to lift your mood even on the chilliest of days. Streaming on Spotify and Apple Music.
The Music of Hans Zimmer
January 16 to 17
Experience the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s renditions of award-winning film scores, including soundtracks from Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar and The Dark Knight.
