Categories: Things To Do

This art festival transforms Calgary’s streets into hallways of colour

Photo via YYC Bump

Every year, a festival takes place in Calgary that transforms the city into living, breathing portals of public art.

YYC Bump returns for its ninth year from Aug. 1 to 8. This exceptional event will bring visionary artists together from across Canada to turn our Alberta beige walls and minimalist urban spaces into hallways of colour.

Bump is equal parts festival and declaration — that public space is not neutral and that Calgary infrastructure is fertile ground for energy, meaning, mythos and storytelling.

What to expect

YYC Bump Festival will host a series of events ranging from underground parties to walking tours.

From Aug. 5 to 6, an Urban Art Conference will explore how civic identity is constructed and contested through public space. On Aug. 10, the Ground Up Graffiti Jam & Block Party will boast a full day of programming for graffiti, street art, breakdancing, and more across cypher stages.

Free public mural tours

Over the past decade, Calgarians have become familiar with the vibrant murals peppered throughout the city’s downtown core.

YYC Bump will offer free guided walking tours that meander through Calgary’s inner city streets, providing insight into new and legacy mural projects.

Ground Up Graffiti Jam & Block Party

Aug. 10 will bring the heat to Lot 2 at 112 14th Ave. NW. It’ll be a full-day takeover to showcase the best in Calgary hip-hop, graffiti, skate and break culture, and live beatmaking.

This collaboration with Foundation Collective will deliver a high-energy dance party that promises plenty of raw talent, good vibes, community power and a loud rap stage.

Bump Festival’s alley party has continued to grow over the years, turning it into one of Calgary’s most exciting outdoor summer music events.

This sought-after, open-air rave will celebrate the intersection of music, art, and community, and embody the spirit of Bump by injecting culture into unexpected spaces.

Some of Canada’s visiting artists will participate in live graffiti writing, and there will be plenty of food trucks, a pop-up market and a beer garden for you to grab a bite and unwind.

YYC Bump promises to bring a fresh, new perspective to the streets of Calgary this year. We can’t wait!