OUR FAVOURITE FESTIVALS IN CALGARY & EDMONTON

There is something special about festivals – a different kind of energy – something that changes you when you go – something that makes you feel like you have entered a whole new world. Festivals help us stay connected with our community and with each other. They promote and grow culture, they bring relief from the day to day monotony of life, and most importantly, they provide us with a shared sense of celebration and purpose. It might be that the only thing better than being at a festival is having one to look forward to. The amazing cities of Calgary and Edmonton are home to some of the best festivals anywhere – and because we love festivals so much, we’re going to share some of our favourites with you.

EDMONTON

The Edmonton Heritage Festival – The Edmonton Heritage Festival refers to itself as ‘The World’s Largest Outdoor Celebration of Multiculturalism’.  Without question, Edmonton is home to cultures from all over the world. This multicultural festival aims to bring the entire world to town – all of which you can explore through culinary experiences, artisanal crafts, and more than seventy pavilions celebrating over ninety cultures. This colourful festival is held every July/August in Hawrelak Park.

A Taste of Edmonton – One of Western Canada’s largest food festivals, A Taste of Edmonton brings together local restaurants and eateries and a fantastic lineup of local music. At the festival, you’ll be able to sample just about everything you can imagine. Come with an explorer’s mindset and boldly let your taste buds go where they have never gone before. This event runs every summer in Churchill Square in the heart of the city.

Edmonton Fringe Festival – This festival hosts approximately 1500 artists from down the block to across the world. It features live entertainment including music, theatre, a circus, a freak show plus so many other performances. From book shops to local iconic landmarks, and the Walterdale Playhouse to the Varscona Theatre, this incredible festival happens every August for ten days and is not to be missed. 

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival – We have to admit that Edmonton can get a little cold in the winter, but what better way to celebrate the season than taking part in this festival. These ten days of winter excitement turns Edmonton into a frozen wonderland. Explore the folklore and history of indigenous Inuit and Metis people as well as the other cultures that shaped this region. Explore the incredible giant ice sculptures, go skating, shop the holiday market, listen to local music and explore the city as this festival takes over. There’s no better way to celebrate winter than taking part in this January annual festival.

The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival – One of the fastest growing beer festivals in the world, The Edmonton Craft Beer Festival is a celebration of more than just beer (though there is a lot of that there obviously). This festival brings together not only breweries from down the block to around the world, it also has spirits, cocktails, ciders, meads, delicious local restaurants and eateries, games, music and more. This year’s event takes place at the Edmonton Expo Centre March 10th and 11th. Tickets to this annually sold out event are sold using tiered pricing, so the earlier you buy – the more you save! Get your tickets now at www.albertabeerfestivals.com.

CALGARY

Lilac Festival – This massive, one day street event has a little bit of everything. Lilac Festival celebrates local crafts, food, music, and more. Cruise the ten blocks of stalls, stop at the performance stages, take in the morning’s grand parade, play some beach volleyball on the street, or just sit at one of the many restaurants and cafes and watch the crowds go by.  With six performance stages, there’s no shortage of music, dance troupes, choirs and athletic displays. And no matter where you go, you’ll find street performers, magicians and more – there’s never a dull moment at Lilac.

Beakerhead – Science has never been as cool as it is at Beakerhead. This festival blends science, art, and technology to produce anything from hands on robots you can control to pick up balls to giant robots using its mechanical limbs to crush anything in its way as it thunders down a street. There’s live music, acrobats, live performers, and don’t miss the wrap party that features circus performances, dance, laser displays, and great local beers. Beakerhead is a mostly outdoor festival that goes rain or shine – so come prepared for anything.

Rocky Mountain Food & Wine Show – The name says it all. This long running sampling event brings together incredible beverages from around the world with delicious local offerings from some of the city’s top restaurants. This event actually happens in both Calgary and Edmonton – and is an incredibly enjoyable experience for everyone. Put it on your calendar and come find a new favourite food or drink.

GlobalFest – The world comes together at GlobalFest as it celebrates the many international influences that have shaped Calgary. Cultural pavilions allow you to explore history from around the world. Roam the night market for artisanal crafts. Get a good spot to view the stages where you will see artists perform traditional dances, music, and martial arts demos. Sample food from the tents and food trucks scattered around the grounds – and then at the end of each evening of this 5 day festival, ohh and ahh as the sky above Elliston Park comes alive with fireworks displays from teams representing different nations. This event truly is a celebration of all things community.

The Calgary International Beerfest – Recognized as one of the best and biggest beer festivals in the world, there truly is something for everyone at this event. Beyond the 150+ breweries, you’ll also be able to sample from exhibitors offering up spirits, cocktails, RTDs (ready to drink beverages), meads, ciders, non-alc beers, plus delicious foods from some of the city’s best eateries. Nothing brings people together more than food and drink – and Beerfest is a true celebration of community. With live music, DJs, games, Cooking with Beer and Brew Master Seminars, sports on the big screen and so much more, there really is something for everyone at this festival. Beerfest happens May 6th and 7th. Tickets to this annually sold out event are sold using tiered pricing, so the earlier you buy – the more you save! Get your tickets now at www.albertabeerfestivals.com.