Well, 2022 has come and gone – but the future looks bright and full of exciting activities. With a new year comes new beginnings, new places to see and of course, another round of our city’s greatest hits. Looking ahead? Here are 20 events in Calgary that you can look forward to in 2023!
CHINOOK BLAST
Cold hands and warm hearts! Get ready, Calgary – because the city is gearing up for Chinook Blast, a multi-week festival full of food, entertainment, lights, and community spirit in collaboration with local businesses. It’s going to be huge!
When: January 27th – February 12th, 2023
Where: Downtown Calgary
THE CALGARY UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
Can’t get enough horror, drama, mystery or romance? Calgary’s Underground Film Festival returns for another year of incredible film, impressive writing, and local love this April. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, April 20th – 30th, 2023
Where: 617 8 Ave SW
CALGARY COMIC EXPO
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Featuring celebrity guests, movie reunions, local vendors, and more – the Calgary Comic Expo will return this April, bigger and better than ever. If you’re interested, tickets are actually on sale now. It’s going to be incredible!
When: Thursday, April 27th – 30th, 2023
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
ALBERTA INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
By May, you’ll definitely have earned a stiff one… or 10! This year, like so many before it, take a sip or a gulp at Alberta International Beer Fest – an event that will take Calgarians on a boozy adventure around the world. Consider our bags packed, our shades on, and our hangover kits ready.
When: Friday, May 5th – 6th, 2023
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary
YYCAESARFEST
Not a fan of beer? Don’t fret! Created by Walter Chell In 1969, the Caesar is deeply rooted in Calgary’s history so it only makes sense that this particular drink is celebrated as well! This year, fans of the drink can hit the Stampede grounds where local bars and restaurants will be showcasing different variations of the boozy bevy all under one roof.
When: Saturday, May 20 – May 21, 2023
Where: 1801 Big Four Trail SE, Calgary
SLED ISLAND
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Sure to return with a kick-butt lineup of artists from a number of genres and backgrounds, Calgary’s Sled Island will take Calgary’s 4th street once again this June. Get ready – this year is expected to be quite a delight! Hit the link above for 2023 updates!
When: Wednesday, June 21st – 25th, 2023
Where: Venues around Calgary
LILAC FESTIVAL
Food, live music, drinks, local vendors, and sun! Scheduled for June of 2023, we’re happy to announce that the annual Lilac Festival will return to 4th Avenue – a spring-summer hotspot here in Calgary. It’s going to be huge!
When: Sunday, June 4th, 2023
Where: Between 13th Avenue South and Elbow Drive
THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
Calgary’s city-wide honky-tonk returns! As always, boot-wearing cow-folk will be encouraged to get down and dirty at the most anticipated event of the year – the Calgary Stampede. More details are to come – so stay tuned!
When: Friday, July 7th – 16th, 2023
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
FIESTAVAL LATIN FESTIVAL
From salsa lessons and authentic food vendors to artisan and community makers, shakers and creators – as well as a beer garden, Calgary’s annual Fiestaval will be one you won’t want to miss when it returns this July – especially because it’s actually FREE to attend!
When: Friday, July 21st – 23rd, 2023
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Cost: Free
PET-A-PALOOZA
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Described as “THE social event for dogs and their people,” Pet-a-palooza has become a west-coast sensation with it taking over city streets in Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary year after year. This summer, of course, is no exception, with organizers announcing the return of the furry shindig this sunny season. It’s going to be amazing!
When: Saturday, July 29th – 30th, 2023
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW #202, Calgary
THE BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
This July, among all of the Stampede craziness, music lovers are encouraged to kick off their boots in exchange for some dancing sneaks. The Calgary Badlands Music Festival is back for 2023 with featured artists including Loud Luxury and many more. Tickets are on sale now!
When: Thursday, July 6th – 17th, 2023
Where: 840 9 Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: Tickets vary
CALGARY FOLK FEST
The Calgary Folk Fest has run strong for over 40 years and has seen thousands of people gather annually in Prince’s Island Park for good music, good food, and sunshine. This year, of course, will be no exception. Check it out!
When: Thursday, July 27th – 30th, 2023
Where: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary
INGLEWOOD SUNFEST
Bouncy castles, local bands and street performances? This year’s Inglewood Sunfest will bring drinks, live entertainment and fun (along with a to of local vendors and artists) to the streets of Calgary. Talk about the perfect summer day in one of Calgary’s hottest neighbourhoods.
Date: Saturday, July 29th, 2023
Location: 9th Avenue SE from 11th to 14th Street
Cost: Free
KOOZA
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Step right up, step right up… This August, Cirque du Soleil returns to Calgary with Kooza, a show that features chills, thrills and explores everything from fear and identity to recognition and power. Tickets are on sale now!
When: August 25th – October 8th, 2023
Where: 50 25 Ave SE, Calgary
GLOBAL FEST
2023 is going to be explosive! This year, Calgary’s Global Fest will take to the sky and our stomachs once again at Elliston Park. From music, beer, food and choreographed pyrotechnics – we’re ready and waiting!
When: Thursday, August 17th – 26th, 2023
Where: 1827 68 St SE, Calgary – Elliston Park
COUNTRY THUNDER
Don’t hang up your hats after Stampede, Calgary, because this August Country Thunder and all of its crazy shenanigans, artists, and food trucks will be back – and probably bigger than ever.
When: Friday, August 18th – 20th, 2023
Where: 223 Castleridge Blvd NE, Calgary – Prairie Winds Park
PACKWOOD GRAND
Fancy hats, champagne and horse races? This summer you’ll find all three of those things at the city’s highly anticipated, highly fashionable Packwood Grand, by far one of Alberta’s snazziest soirees. Check out the link above for more information.
When: TBA 2023
Where: 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County, AB
CALGARY PRIDE 2022
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While no dates have been confirmed just yet, Calgary’s Pride Festival is easily one of the most vibrant occasions during any given year. From a parade to inspirational speakers, parties, and more, there will likely be a ton of incredible events happening in and around Calgary this summer so stay tuned!
When: TBA
Where: Various locations
HAVE A BITE AT THE TASTE OF CALGARY
Hungry? This August, Calgarians will get to explore global cuisines from all over the world through an eclectic mix of restaurants and beverage companies! We have a feeling this year will be a good one, so don’t miss it.
When: Thursday, August 3rd – 7th, 2023
Where: 311, 8 Street SW
Cost: FREE Admission
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Pop the corn, Calgary! This September, CIFF will be back with new films, new ideas, new showtimes, and new artists – so don’t miss your chance to check it out. More details to come!
When: Thursday, September 21st – October 1st, 2023
Where: 999 8 Street SW, Suite 260, Calgary
And there you have it! 20 major Calgary events that we can look forward to in 2023! Get ready, it’s going to be a good year!
