2019/2020 APRIL J U ly 6 - 7 1 ROCKY MOUNTAIN Aggie Days Canada Day Come and see real farm animals, and find out where your food Commemorate Canada’s 152nd anniversary of confederation SHOW JUMPING comes from at this free educational experience for families. with fireworks, live music, activities, food trucks and more May 17 - 19: Bow Valley Classic I 15 - May 4 3 - 7 Performing Arts Festival North American CSI 5* May 22 - 26: Bow Valley Classic II One of the largest amateur competitive festivals in North Watch some of the top show-jumping athletes and horses in June 19 - 23: June Classic I CSI 2* America features performances by emerging musicians and North America compete, and enjoy family friendly activities, vocalists. market shopping and a prairie dog showcase. June 27 - 30: June Classic II 19-20 5 - 7 July 31 - August 4: Easter Eggstravaganza Mexifest Rocky Mountain Classic I The hosts an Easter egg hunt and other fun Sample Mexican cuisine, browse an artisan market and see August 7 - 11: springtime activities for kids. real luchadores (wrestlers) from Mexico at this celebration of Rocky Mountain Classic II 22 - 28 Mexican culture. Calgary Underground Film Festival August 14 - 18: Rocky Mountain Classic III Screenings of feature, documentary, short and animated films 5 - 14 that have rarely been shown in North America. October 17 - 27: Royal West CSI 4* A 10-day festival that includes a rodeo and exhibition, midway rides, games and food, concerts and more. 11 10 Marda Gras Street Festival Roundup Music Fest Join the community-focused neighbourhood of Marda Loop Big names perform at this charity fundraiser (in 2018, the Goo for an all-ages, Mardi Gras-themed festival full of vendors, Goo Dolls and Train performed). entertainment and a pet parade 19 - 21 16 - 18 Fiestaval Festival Latino Expo Latino A free, multicultural festival with plenty of Latin cuisine, music Hispanic Arts Society presents a weekend of lively music and dancing. and dance performances, along with art and food vendors, outdoors in Prince’s Island Park. CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this festival presents new feature, documentary and short films by filmmakers around the world, some 16 - 18 premiering for the first time. From films with award buzz to flicks by indie filmmakers, there’s something new and interesting for everyone to see. Country Thunder This country music festival is back with headliners Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Jason Aldean, as well as 12 other acts including Lauren Alaina, Terri Clark and Jimmie Allen. Put 5 - 8 Weekends only - NOV - DEC CALGARY COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO on your cowboy hat and boots, grab a beer and enjoy some Honens International Piano Competition & Festival ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS Visit one of the largest comic and pop culture shows in North country music in the great outdoors. This music festival celebrates piano and classical music with a Enjoy old-fashioned Christmas fun at Heritage Park America. Meet actors from movies and television shows, listen variety of concerts and free, kid-friendly community events. Historical Village. Decorate cookies, get photos with Santa, 16 - 17 to themed panel discussions, get your favourite comics signed sing along with costumed carollers, shop for unique and Carifest by the artist, dress up as your favourite characters and shop for 13 - 14 vintage gifts and ride along in a horse-drawn wagon. merchandise. A colourful parade full of music and dancing kicks off a Circle Carnival weekend of lively activities celebrating Caribbean culture. This travelling food, beer and music carnival includes plenty of 23 - 25 fun for all ages, including live music and circus school for kids. JANUARY 2020 M AY Calgary Ribfest 18 - 22 8 - 26 “Get your sticky on” at this three-day extravaganza where you 3 - 4 Beakerhead High Performance Rodeo CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL can taste the city’s best ribs, chicken and pulled pork. Calgary International BeerFest This unique collaboration of arts-and-science-fused activities Canada’s largest international festival of the arts includes a Folk artists from all over the world perform at Prince’s Island Park. Sample hundreds of varieties of beer from local and is a Calgary original. It’s truly unlike any other festival diverse selection of dozens of different alternative theatre international breweries. experience, with hands-on workshops, installation art, theatre, shows and live music performances. 27 - 28 wearable tech fashion shows, concerts, gastronomy meals and 4 - 5; 10 - 12 JAN - FEB Pet-a-Palooza so much more. Spruce Meadows May Classic I & 2 Don’t miss this free, family friendly event dedicated to your Chinese New Year Festival The first outdoor tournaments of the season at Spruce furry companions. Celebrate the arrival of the lunar new year with live Meadows. performances, firework displays and more. 29 - Aug 4 OCTOBER 17 - 19 Calgary International Blues Festival Otafest - Calgary’s Anime Festival 3 - 6, 17 - 20 Blues music gets its time in the spotlight during this week-long Fans of Japanese anime, popular culture and related arts won’t Spruce Meadows Oktoberfest I & II FEBRUARY 2020 festival. want to miss this festival. Experience equestrian competition up close and in comfort at Winefest the indoor Equi-Plex. May 20 – 25 This all-inclusive event includes as many samples of wine as YYComedy Festival AUGUST 11 - 14 you can drink. Choose among hundreds of varieties from Bringing laughter with renowned comedians from across North 2 - 10 HEX Halloween and vendors representing wines from around the world. America. Calgary Fringe Festival Entertainment Expo Block Heater Festival 24 - June 2 See a variety of uncensored, non-juried theatre shows by A new Halloween expo with haunted houses, a marketplace, This indoor winter music festival, presented by Calgary Folk Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival troupes and performers from around the world. cosplay and lots of other activities. Fest, features more than 20 local, national and international A showcase of movies that depict a selection of stories about 16 - 23 artists. people in the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate and engage 3 Inglewood Sunfest WordFest diversity. Spruce Meadows February Classic IV The neighbourhood of Inglewood hosts a full day of free all- CALGARY PRIDE This literary festival hosts authors from around the world in Watch the competitions from the indoor comfort of the 26 ages programming, from live music to children’s crafts to a Celebrate and encourage diversity, positivity and acceptance a variety of genres for readings, Q & As, book signings and Spruce Meadows Equi-Plex. Scotiabank Calgary Marathon vintage car display. with a series of art, film, theatre and music events, including the unique programming. The Calgary Marathon is an official Boston Marathon- festival highlight: the lively, colourful Pride Parade. Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest 3 - 4 18 - 19 qualifying race. Other races include the 150 km ultra solo and Beat the winter blues with workshops and performances of Chasing Summer Music Festival Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival relay marathon and a 5 km family run and walk. live blues music. Western Canada’s largest electronic music festival is always a 30 - Sep 1 Sample hundreds of wines and liquors from wineries, 30 - June 9 party with multiple outdoor stages showcasing the year’s top Shaw Charity Classic - PGA TOUR Champions breweries, and distilleries around the world, paired with food FunnyFest DJs and electronic artists. Grab your neon body paint and Calgary welcomes the 2019 PGA Champions Tour at the Shaw from local restaurants. This comedy festival features local comedians, magicians, MARCH 2020 glow sticks and get ready to dance until the wee hours of the Charity Classic, a 54-hole stroke-play tournament held at ventriloquists and variety acts. morning. Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club NOVEMBER JUNE 8 - 11 31 Taste of Calgary Calgary Highland Games 7 - 10 1 - 2 Wander around the outdoor food and drink vendors to sample Attracting competitors and spectators from across Western JazzYYC Canadian Festival Calgary Ukrainian Festival some tasty creations from restaurants, bars, cafés and food Canada and the United States, you will watch some of the Running in tandem with the Yardbird Suite’s Festival of A celebration of Ukrainian culture with traditional food, music, trucks. Enjoy your food alongside live music, browse retail world’s top pipers, drummers, dancers and heavy event Canadian Jazz, this four-day festival brings together the best dancing and activities. vendors and take little ones to the kids’ craft zone. athletes compete and perform. jazz musicians that Calgary and Canada have to offer. 2 4th Street Nov - Dec Kicking off with a family friendly parade, this neighourhood Zoolights street festival features arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and Walk among hundreds of outdoor displays of millions of live entertainment. coloured lights, enjoy interactive exhibits, skating, a visit from Santa and more family-friendly activities. 5 - 9 Spruce Meadows National CSI 5* Performances by some of the world’s best show jumping Weekends only - NOV - DEC athletes and horses compete. Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market A shopping experience filled with 300+ vendors spreading 7 - 9 Christmas Spirit, delicious food, world-imported items, hand CALGARY MAPLE FESTIVAL DES SUCRES Third Action Film Festival crafted gifts, and colourful entertainment. Celebrate the traditions and stories of the French Canadian, This festival focuses on celebrating the “third act”, the last Métis and First Nations cultures. Learn about the history at three decades of adult life, to shift how aging is viewed in Heritage Park Historical Village, try some fun activities and society. Weekends only - NOV - DEC sample delicious maple treats. 8 Granary Road Christmas Market Calgary Reggaefest A unique holiday market that makes for a great full day Transform into a “Rastagarian” (a Calgarian who shares the shopping experience. Meet the farmers and entrepreneurs Calgary International Salsa Congress values of reggae music and culture) at this family friendly behind the produce and products and keep the whole Join world-famous salsa dancers for a weekend of workshops, music festival. family occupied with a complete lineup of activities. performances, salsa music and dancing. 12 - 16 Spruce Meadows Continental CSI 5* This world-class show jumping competition features some of the best equestrian athletes in the world. 12 - 16 JazzYYC Summer Festival Enjoy jazz concerts, a club series and the signature JazzWalk on the final Sunday of the festival. GLOBALFEST 19 - 23 Celebrate Canada’s cultural diversity with a series of concurrent festivals focused on food, performances and jaw-dropping fireworks displays. Sled Island Festival Teams from six countries, including Canada, will present spectacular fireworks set to themed music. Before the main event each night, enjoy other Every year, crowds gather to enjoy an eclectic mix of themed entertainment, sample regionally-inspired food, make children’s crafts and shop for locally-made products at the night market. performances by over 250 musicians, artists, filmmakers and comedians. 26 - 30 9 - 11 31 - Sept 1 Spruce Meadows Pan American CSI 5* Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival BBQ on Festival The Spruce Meadows Summer Series concludes with a Over 1,000 competitors in traditional wooden dragon The 26th anniversary of this beloved communal picnic includes tournament with the top riders from North American boats vie for victory on the . Watch the a chance to sample dozens of BBQ items and watch the BBQ competing. Complimentary admission. competitions and enjoy all-ages activities. competition. SEPTEMBER 4 - 8 Spruce Meadows Masters CSI 5* This tournament is a major international equestrian event where the top show jumpers in the world compete for money and industry fame.

CCMA COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK & AWARDS SHOW SHAKESPEARE BY THE BOW Canadian country music’s biggest night of the year is coming to CFL GREY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP & FESTIVAL Enjoy the timeless appeal of the Bard by taking in an all-ages production of one of his plays performed outdoors at Prince’s Island Park. Admission Calgary, which gives Calgary the title of most frequent host city of Calgary is honoured to host the nation for the 107th Grey Cup Championships. While the actual game will be held at McMahon Stadium, experience by donation. the CCMA Awards. the energy of the festival at Stampede Park, making for an epic, can’t-miss event with a family area and special events. PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY CALGARY ZOO; TRUDIE LEE; HERITAGE PARK; SILVIA PIKAL; KELLY HOFER; TOURISM CALGARY; PIXABAY HOFER; TOURISM CALGARY; PIKAL; KELLY SILVIA PARK; ZOO; TRUDIE LEE; HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY CALGARY

Learn about more Calgary experiences at: /tourismcalgary Find the #askmeyyc Visitor Information Kiosk visitcalgary.com | 1-800-661-1678 #capturecalgary | #askmeyyc from May to September at the