When warmer weather approaches Calgarians are ready to burst out and celebrate. For the summer of 2020 there are dozens of festivals and events for every age and interest. Whether you live here or are visiting, check out this roundup of some of the best summer festivals in Calgary.
The 4th Street Lilac Festival
June 7, 2020, 10am to 6pm
This free one day event is the start up to Calgary’s vibrant festival season.
Enjoy the unique and pedestrian friendly 4th Street venue, offering an array of musical talent, artisan vendors, quality entertainment and some perfect people watching.
There are six stages hosting over 30 performances throughout the day, and over 500 vendors that vary from artisan crafts to street food.
Pet-A-Palooza is a FREE family-friendly and pet-friendly festival.
Bring your pet to sample treats & food. Shop for toys, collars, coats and beds! And best of all get hooked up with FREE SWAG!!
Join us at Eau Claire to meet over 80 exhibitors, local rescues, listen to live music, check out Running of the Bulls – French and English Bulldog Races! And, you did what with your wiener?! Raced em’! New this year wiener dog races!
The Calgary Bluesfest takes place at Shaw Millenium Park, offering non-stop mainstage performances, a beer tent and nightly dance parties that run late into the night.
This family friendly event draws audience members from around the world, who enjoy the grass-roots feel and fun for all.
Also check out the Calgary Mid-winter Bluesfest running February 24 – 29, 2020.
“Omatsuri” is the Japanese term for a “traditional festival”. Visitors to the festival will be treated to authentic Japanese customs, presentations of traditional music, dance & song, martial arts demonstrations, and more!
The streets of Marda Loop will come alive at this 35nd annual New Orleans themed festival.
Purple, green and gold pageantry; a variety of high quality cultural performers, dance groups and musicians; and great food. There is something for each member of the family and best of all it’s FREE to attend!
Calgary Opera is the only opera company in Canada with an annual outdoor summer opera festival. In 2020 Calgary’s East Village RiverWalk Plaza will once again be filled with music as Calgary Opera presents an abridged production of Carmen.
Calgary city’s summer Shakespeare tradition in beautiful Prince’s Island Park.
Celebrate Alberta’s emerging artists. Admission is pay-what-you-will by donation (no ticket required). Bring snacks and a picnic as you enjoy this 90 minute performance.
Suitable for all ages.
Check the Theatre Calgary website for updates on this season’s performance.
GlobalFest
August 20 – 29, 2020
An international fireworks festival and celebration of Calgary’s diverse cultural; with cultural pavilions, ethnic food booths and a night market.
Watch up to 200 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and over 40 countries. The festival also hosts gala events, movie screenings in several Calgary theatres, and special presentations to bring out an entertaining and educational 12 days each fall.
Local Tip: Fans and local filmmakers can get the chance to interact with each other through the Behind the Screen series.
Calgary’s annual festival where science and engineering meets art and entertainment. Experience large-scale mechanical public art, performances, science-themed culinary creations, hands-on workshops, and more.
This past Sunday we joined (practically) everyone in Calgary for the 4th Street Lilac Festival. It was a perfect sunny day and everyone was happy to get out and enjoy the live music, food, artists and people-watching.
4th Street is part of Calgary’s Mission District, with numerous great restaurants, shops and art galleries. Today the street was pedestrian only, with more than 500 vendors showcasing arts and crafts, organizations and charities, and of course lots of food.
A sunny day at the 4th Street Lilac Festival
Lots of music
People of all ages
Dancing in the street
Food and unique shopping
Many of the food vendors were mini versions of 4th street restaurants, so it was a great way to sample their offerings. Our favourite was the bratwurst from Wurst.
If you missed the 4th Street Lilac Festival, don’t despair! Here’s a roundup of Calgary summer festivals.
If you would like more information about the next Lilac Festival check the official Lilac Festival website.
Do you have any festival plans this summer?
https://touristsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC001891.jpg6541028Shelleyhttps://touristsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/touristsitelogobig-300x117.pngShelley2015-06-02 23:33:482020-02-17 20:10:11The 4th Street Lilac Festival