It’s no secret that Calgary is a festival-heavy city. Its annual summer offerings, with events ranging from niche to crowd-pleasing, continually grab international esteem. Here are a few festivals you should add to your calendar.
Beef: The Festival
This Father’s Day weekend, Heritage Park Historical Village “promises to be the biggest and best celebration of beef in the world.” Between family games and educational sessions, live entertainment, 4-H showcases, and a five-course gala beef dinner — there’s a meaty activity for everyone. Proceeds from the event go to Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta. June 15 and 16. Heritage Park Historical Village, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.
Sled Island
More than 200 acts perform at 30 different venues throughout the city, allowing “Sleders” to buy into the entire festival (by purchasing a discovery pass) or take in individual shows. A new bike-friendly program makes getting around the festival far more convenient. June 20 – 23. Various venues, check out the full schedule
Calgary Folk Music Festival
The gem of Calgary’s summer festival season, CFMF brings more than 50,000 people to Prince’s Island Park for a communal music experience. The Globe and Mail declared the festival “one of the seven musical wonders of the world,” and Folk Fest’s 2012 line-up — including Chris Isaak, Dan Mangan, Shad, and Rural Alberta Advantage — promises to set an already high bar of expectations just a little higher. July 26 – 29. Prince’s Island Park
GlobalFest
Over the past decade, GlobalFest has morphed into a celebration of Calgary’s cultural diversity, featuring a night market, human rights forum, and the OneWorld Festival offering dozens of cultural pavilions and ethnic food markets. But the genesis of the festival, and what it will always be famous for, is lighting up the night sky with an international fireworks display. This year’s festival welcomes professional teams from the Philippines, Mexico, China, Brazil, and the U.S. August 16 – 26. Elliston Park, 17th Ave. S.E. and 60th St. S.E.
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Image courtesy of kDamo.
