High Performance Rodeo
When: January 13 to 31, 2026
One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo is a multidisciplinary arts festival with an array of live productions featuring dance, music, theatre, puppetry and more. Don’t miss your chance to check out one of the many experimental and contemporary works happening at venues around the city.
Multiple venues, oyr.org
Calgary Mac & Cheese Festival
When: January 15 to 31, 2026
The second annual Calgary Mac & Cheese festival is back with local restaurants going head-to-head for the title of Calgary’s best mac and cheese. Options range from a katsu curry mac and cheese at Brix & Barrel to a spicy vodka mac and cheese from La Mano.
Multiple locations, calgarymacandcheesefest.com
Bob-Sled Music Festival
When: January 21 to 24, 2026
Presented by Sled Island, Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. and Palomino Smokehouse, this music festival gives a burst of Sled Island energy to get you through the winter. Head to Palomino Smokehouse and check out artists like PACKS, The Shivas, FAZE and more over four days. Full festival wristbands are available for $88 or you can get individual show tickets for $26.
Palomino Smokehouse, 109 7 Ave. S.W., sledisland.com
Chinook Blast
When: January 30 to February 16, 2026
One of the city’s biggest and brightest winter festivals, Chinook Blast returns for its sixth year of lighting up Calgary’s downtown core. The massive celebration features live music, light installations, art presentations, cultural performances, sporting events and more, all taking place throughout the downtown area. During this year’s festival, head to Eau Claire Plaza to take in the popular (and Instagrammable) light and art installations.
Exposure Photography Festival
When: February 2026
This popular festival showcases the work of local and international photographers. This year’s festival is hosted by Contemporary Calgary, where the annual Emerging Photographer’s Showcase and International Open Call exhibitions will be held, along with plenty of other exhibitions at partner venues throughout the month.
East End Cold Spell
When: Various dates in February 2026
On select dates in February, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland will transform into the coolest winter playground with music, fashion, skijoring and markets during this new festival. Bundle up, show off your winter fits and dive into a festival that proves cold weather is just part of the fun.
750 9 Ave. S.E., theconfluence.ca
La Poutine Week
When: February 1 to 7, 2026
Love poutine? Of course you do. There’s no better food combination than crispy fries, melty cheese curds and warm gravy. Started in Montreal more than a decade ago, this celebration of poutine has now spread across Canada, including here in Calgary. During La Poutine Week, local restaurants will offer an array of creative poutines. A full list of participating restaurants will be released closer to the event date.
YYC Hot Chocolate Festival
When: February 1 to 28, 2026
Held in partnership with Calgary Meals on Wheels, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is an annual event where local restaurants, cafés and chocolatiers compete to create the best hot chocolate in the city, as decided by Calgarians. Partial proceeds from the hot chocolate sales go towards supporting Meals on Wheels.
Multiple locations, yychotchocolate.com
Block Heater
When: February 5 to 7, 2026
Presented by Calgary Folk Fest, Block Heater is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year. This year’s event brings musical performances by artists like Cedric Burnside, Field Guide and Goldie Boutilier at venues throughout the city.
Multiple locations, calgaryfolkfest.com
Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture
When: February 27 to March 1, 2026
One of the local events marking Black History Month, Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture celebrates the voices and cultural traditions of Alberta’s African and Caribbean communities. This year’s festival includes a gaming competition, the Calgary Food War event, performances, a ball and recognition night and more.
Multiple locations, ethnikfestivals.com
