You can listen to reggae music by the riverside at this Calgary festival

There are some genres of music that just feel made for summer, and reggae is definitely one of them. This month, ReggaeFest is bringing that sound to Calgary with two days of live performances and Caribbean culture in one of Calgary’s coolest riverside settings. The annual festival will welcome local and international artists for a weekend full of music, community, and plenty of reason to soak up the sunshine.

Now before you grab your tickets, here’s a look at everything happening at ReggaeFest this year.

What to expect at ReggaeFest

ReggaeFest is bringing a packed lineup of performers across two days, with artists from Calgary and internationally recognized artists taking the stage.

According to organizers, the festival has been bringing reggae music to the city for more than 20 years, with hundreds of artists taking the stage and sharing their sounds with Calgary audiences.

This year’s festival will take place at The Rise on St. Patrick’s Island, which is the perfect backdrop for an event like this. If you’ve never been to the location before, it’s a riverside gathering space surrounded by walking paths, green spaces and some pretty great views of Calgary’s downtown skyline.

Some of the names hitting the stage over the weekend include artists Louie Culture, Nana McLean and reggae legend Leroy Sibbles.

Alongside the performances, there will also be craft vendors, on-site food trucks, and a beer stand hosted by Village Brewery where you can enjoy a tasty beverage.

Tickets, timing and parking details

The festival will take place on Friday. Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29. 2026. General admission weekend passes are $70 in advance or $80 at the gate. Single-day passes are $45 in advance and $50 at the gate, with children 12 and under able to attend for free with a paying adult.

One important thing to note is that there is no on-site parking available, so organizers recommend walking, biking, taking a scooter, or using transit to get to the festival.

ReggaeFest is also a cash-light event, so make sure to bring your card or have your e-wallet set up before arriving.

So if you’re a longtime reggae listener or someone who’s currently looking to dive into a new genre of music, this is your chance to experience the music live and see what makes it so loved around the world.

ReggaeFest

When: Friday, Aug. 28 to Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Time: Doors open at 4 p.m.
Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Rd. NE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $45 online, $50 at the gate

Recent posts:
Meet best-selling authors and discover new reads at this Calgary book festival
A magical floating lantern festival is taking over this Calgary garden