27 things to see + do
PHOTOGRAPHS : ( TOP TO BOTTOM ) COURTESY CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ; COURTESY TOURISM CALGARY
September
2 Calgary Highland Games Celebrate Scottish culture with fun activities and delicious food while watching Highland dancing , piping and drumming , and athletics .
2 - 3 BBQ on the Bow The 25th anniversary of this beloved communal picnic includes a chance to sample dozens of BBQ treats and watch the BBQ competition .
6 - 10 Spruce Meadows Masters This tournament is a major international equestrian event where the top show jumpers compete for money and industry fame .
16 - 21 YYComedy Festival Calgary ’ s largest comedy festival offers showcases , stand-up , workshops , and open mic nights , featuring some of the hottest new and established talent in comedy .
22 - 23 Calgary Oktoberfest Prost ! Raise a glass to this German celebration by celebrating with Calgary ’ s own version . Sample beers from local and Bavarian breweries while enjoying traditional German music and entertainment .
30 PARKLUXE An elaborate fashion show that features established designs and brands from Canadian retailers and designers .
Sep 13 - 17
October
6 - 15 Wordfest This literary festival hosts authors from around the world in a variety of genres for readings , Q & As , book signings , and unique programming meant to inspire ideas and discussions .
12 - 15 , 19 -22 Spruce Meadows Oktoberfest This indoor tournament is a great introduction to equestrian sport and show jumping , complete with tours of the horse barns . Free admission .
13 - 14 Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival Sample hundreds of wines and liquors from wineries , breweries , and distilleries around the world , paired with food from local restaurants .
19 - 29 Royal West CSI 3 * Longines FEI World Cup Watch International show jumping riders compete in the heart of the city .
November
18 - December 16 , weekends only Once Upon a Christmas Enjoy old-fashioned Christmas fun at Heritage Park . Decorate cookies , get photos with Santa , sing along with costumed carolers , and shop for unique gifts .
24 - Jan 6 Zoolights Walk among hundreds of outdoor displays of coloured lights and interactive displays , skating , a visit with Santa , and more family-friendly activities .
BEAKERHEAD This unique collaboration of arts and science-fused activities is a Calgary original . It ’ s truly unlike any other festival experience , with hands-on workshops , installation art , theatre , wearable tech fashion shows , concerts , gastronomy meals , and so much more . Many events and art installations are free to view and attend , including the hallmark event Beaker Night . You have to see it to believe it ! The must-see installation this year is Snakes and Ladders , with 12 unique and interactive art installations that tell stories of innovation and creativity in Canada in fun and interesting ways .
Sep 20 - Oct 1
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL New feature , documentary , and short movies by filmmakers around the world are screened , some premiering for the first time . From movies with award buzz to ones by indie filmmakers , there ’ s something new and interesting for everyone to see . CIFF is a qualifying festival for the Best Animated Short Film and Live Action Short Film awards for The Academy Awards (“ the Oscars ”), which means that the festival ’ s award-winning short film is eligible for consideration for an Academy Award nomination .
December
31 Zoo Year ’ s Eve Enjoy the Zoolights light displays , live entertainment , and an early , kid-friendly countdown with a fireworks display .
31 Noon Year ’ s Eve Take little ones to this kid-friendly celebration on the morning of New Year ’ s Eve for fun activities at TELUS Spark , Calgary ’ s Science Centre . The countdown begins at 11:45 a . m . and when the clock strikes 12 ( p . m .) balloons descend and a bubble-wrap dance party begins !
31 New Year ’ s Eve Count down to 2018 at Calgary ’ s official New Year ’ s Eve event with outdoor skating , family-friendly activities , bonfires , ice sculptures , DJs , a laser-light show , and fireworks .
January 2018
5 - 28 High Performance Rodeo Canada ’ s largest international festival of the arts includes a diverse selection of dozens of different alternative theatre shows and live music performances .
February 2018
Winefest This all-inclusive event includes as many samples of wine as you can drink . Select from hundreds of varieties from vendors representing wines from around the world .
Block Heater Festival This indoor winter music festival , presented by Calgary Folk Fest , features more than 20 local , national , and international artists .
Calgary Midwinter Blues Fest Beat the winter blues with workshops and performances of lives blues music .
GLOW Downtown Winter Light Festival Explore dozens of lighted pop-up art installations and enjoy live music and activities . Free admission .
Exposure Photography Festival Enjoy free admission at dozens of galleries in Calgary , Banff , and Canmore to view photography exhibitions by local , emerging , and established photographers .
March 2018
The Big Taste Enjoy set three-course menus for $ 15 - $ 65 at some of Calgary ’ s best restaurants .
Calgary International Salsa Congress Be mesmerized by a theatre-style production featuring some of the best salsa dancers in the world including local professionals , and troupes from all over North America . calgary . be part of the energy . visitcalgary . com