Calgary’s largest winter festival is back for its fifth year, and it promises to be brighter than ever. Running from January 31 to February 17, Chinook Blast brings Calgarians together to celebrate the winter season with art, music, sports, lighting installations and more. This year, due to construction at Olympic Plaza, installations will be centred around Stephen Avenue.
Alongside the art and light displays that illuminate Stephen Avenue, Chinook Blast features a number of partner events and festivals. High Performance Rodeo kickstarts the winter festivities with theatre and dance performances until February 2; Block Heater brings live music to locations around Calgary on February 14 and 15; and Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture showcases Afro-Canadian and Caribbean cultures and traditions on February 21 and 22.
In addition to these partnered events, there’s plenty more to see and do during Chinook Blast (you can find the full list of events online). Here’s a look at just some of the things worth checking out.
The Looking Glass
When: January 31 to February 17
Where: Stephen Avenue
Check out this installation along Stephen Avenue, which uses mirrors and lights to reflect dynamic forms of the city’s winter landscape. The Looking Glass changes depending on which way you look at it, so be sure to view it from every angle to get the full experience.
Journey Through the Stars
When: January 31 to February 17
Where: East Village
At this outdoor exhibit, read four unique stories written by local authors that are inspired by the stars and accompanied by a distinct lighting installation. The best time to experience this is after sunset when the lights are turned on. Each story contains a new way to celebrate the winter.
Reciproculus
When: January 31 to February 17
Where: Stephen Avenue
This lighting installation is an illuminated portal with an element of interactivity. Gather under this structure and enjoy the colourful lights above as they change before your eyes with the input of visitors and the environment.
GLOWful Wanderings
When: January 31, February 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
Where: Stephen Avenue
Three Left Feet presents GLOWful Wanderings, which features unique performers who will stand tall above the audience on stilts and LED-lit costumes. These stilt-walkers will be wandering Stephen Avenue performing dazzling prop magic, so bring your camera and watch for them for a great photo-op.
Out From Under the Shadows: Shadow Bombing Tour
When: February 1, 8 and 15
Where: Telus Convention Centre
Check out this unique lighting installation created by artist Kid.Be that uses a unique blend of light and shadow. Watch the shapes projected through plasma-cut steel change depending on how the light is cast through them, creating a fantastic visual show cast onto the side of the Telus Convention Centre. This installation is showing Saturday nights during Chinook Blast from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can also watch the steel stencils being plasma-cut by the artist live on January 31, February 8 and 15, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Authentically Indigneous Winter Market
When: February 7 to 9
Where: The Pioneer
This market featuring Indigenous artists and makers is a great place to shop around for gifts for both yourself and others. You’ll also find a variety of cultural performances and demonstrations. Stop by this market for a celebration of Indigenous heritage and artistry.
Nordic at Night
When: February 8
Where: The Confluence
Head to the East Village Nordic Loop for an all-ages cross-country ski party on February 8. Enjoy the roving performers lighting up the night, musical performances and boba tea from Mr. Sun Tea. You have to bring your own cross-country skis for this event taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Snow Rodeo
When: February 12 to 16, and 21 to 22
Where: WinSport, Canada Olympic Park
Head to WinSport to watch the FIS Ski and Snowboard World Cups. Check out slopestyle and halfpipe events and watch some of the world’s best winter athletes compete. Be sure to check out the rest of the activities like DJs, beer gardens and more in the crowd zone.
ImaginAsian: Asian Night Market
When: February 14 to 16
Where: The Pioneer
This cultural market features vendors selling cool products, calligraphy writing, lantern making, artwork and interactive games for attendees to enjoy. At the centre of the market, a stage will be set up for a number of performances showcasing music, dance, martial arts and more.
SkijorDue
When: February 15 and 16
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parklands
Join Skijor Canada at The Confluence to check out this incredible display of sport. Skijoring is a sport of horse-drawn skiers pulled through obstacle courses and over jumps, and the athletes will be putting on an exhibition twice a day between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. In between, check out fondue stations and food trucks to stay warm, a makers marketplace and more at this all-day après-ski party. Tickets are required for this event.