Global Major Cities Guide

Seasonal events celebrating Calgary's culinary scene, ideal for discovering local food and drink specialties.

Sections

1. Calgary Stampede (July)

Overview: Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day event that celebrates Western heritage, culture, and community. While it’s famous for its rodeo and entertainment, the food scene is a major highlight.
Food Focus: Expect a mix of traditional Western fare (like BBQ, beef brisket, and pancakes) and quirky, innovative carnival foods (deep-fried everything, exotic meats, and unique desserts).
Schedule: Early to mid-July (10 days).
Cultural Elements: Free pancake breakfasts are hosted across the city during the Stampede, a nod to Calgary’s Western hospitality.
Cost:
- General admission to the Stampede grounds: CAD 23–25.
- Food prices vary: CAD 5–20 per item.
Tips:
- Arrive early for free pancake breakfasts (check the Stampede website or local community boards for locations).
- Bring cash for food vendors, though many accept cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are large and busy.

2. Taste of Calgary (August)

Overview: This is Calgary’s premier outdoor food and drink festival, showcasing the city’s multicultural culinary scene. It’s a great way to sample dishes from local restaurants and food trucks.
Food Focus: International cuisines (Indian, Vietnamese, Italian, etc.), local craft beers, wines, and spirits.
Schedule: Mid-August (4 days).
Cultural Elements: Live music and entertainment from local artists add to the festive atmosphere.
Cost:
- Admission: Free.
- Food and drink tickets: CAD 1 each (most items cost 2–5 tickets).
Tips:
- Purchase tickets in bulk to avoid long lines.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the event is outdoors.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure your favorite dishes don’t sell out.

3. Calgary International Beerfest (May)

Overview: One of Canada’s largest beer festivals, this event features hundreds of craft beers, ciders, and spirits, along with food pairings from local restaurants.
Food Focus: Gourmet pub food, BBQ, and snacks designed to complement the beverages.
Schedule: Early May (2 days).
Cultural Elements: A celebration of Alberta’s craft beer scene, with many local breweries participating.
Cost:
- Tickets: CAD 20–30 (early bird pricing available).
- Sampling tokens: CAD 1 each (most samples cost 2–4 tokens).
Tips:
- Plan your transportation in advance (use public transit or rideshares) if you plan to drink.
- Download the festival app to navigate the event and find your favorite breweries.

4. Calgary Poutine Week (April)

Overview: A week-long celebration of Canada’s iconic dish, poutine (fries topped with cheese curds and gravy), with a charitable twist. Participating restaurants create unique poutine dishes, and a portion of proceeds goes to local charities.
Food Focus: Creative poutine variations, from classic to gourmet (e.g., lobster poutine, vegan options).
Schedule: Mid to late April (7 days).
Cultural Elements: A fun way to explore Calgary’s restaurant scene while supporting a good cause.
Cost:
- Prices vary by restaurant: CAD 10–20 per dish.
Tips:
- Check the official website for a list of participating restaurants and their poutine creations.
- Share dishes with friends to try more varieties.

5. YYC Hot Chocolate Fest (February)

Overview: A month-long event where local cafes and restaurants compete to create the best hot chocolate in Calgary. Proceeds support Calgary Meals on Wheels.
Food Focus: Decadent hot chocolate creations, often paired with pastries or desserts.
Schedule: Entire month of February.
Cultural Elements: A cozy way to explore Calgary’s winter charm while supporting a local cause.
Cost:
- Prices vary by location: CAD 5–10 per drink.
Tips:
- Use the event’s website or app to track participating locations and vote for your favorite hot chocolate.
- Dress warmly, as you’ll likely be walking between cafes.

6. Calgary Garlic Festival (September)

Overview: A celebration of all things garlic, hosted by local farms and restaurants. This festival highlights Alberta-grown garlic and its culinary versatility.
Food Focus: Garlic-infused dishes, from appetizers to desserts, as well as fresh garlic for sale.
Schedule: Early September (1–2 days).
Cultural Elements: A focus on sustainable, local agriculture and farm-to-table dining.
Cost:
- Admission: Free or low-cost (CAD 5–10).
- Food prices: CAD 5–15 per item.
Tips:
- Bring reusable bags if you plan to purchase fresh garlic or other local produce.
- Arrive early for the best selection of dishes and produce.

7. Calgary Vegan Festival (June)

Overview: A family-friendly event celebrating plant-based living, with food vendors, cooking demonstrations, and educational talks.
Food Focus: Vegan and vegetarian dishes, plant-based desserts, and sustainable products.
Schedule: Mid-June (1 day).
Cultural Elements: A focus on health, sustainability, and community.
Cost:
- Admission: Free.
- Food prices: CAD 5–15 per item.
Tips:
- Bring a reusable water bottle and utensils to reduce waste.
- Check the schedule for cooking demos and workshops.

8. Inglewood Night Market (Monthly, May–September)

Overview: A lively outdoor market featuring food trucks, local artisans, and live entertainment. While not exclusively a food festival, the market offers a wide variety of culinary delights.
Food Focus: Street food, international cuisines, and desserts.
Schedule: One Friday per month, May to September.
Cultural Elements: A mix of food, art, and community spirit in Calgary’s historic Inglewood neighborhood.
Cost:
- Admission: Free.
- Food prices: CAD 5–15 per item.
Tips:
- Arrive early to find parking or use public transit.
- Bring cash for smaller vendors, though many accept cards.

General Tips for Attending Calgary Food Festivals

Weather Preparedness: Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring an umbrella or sunscreen, depending on the season.
Transportation: Use Calgary Transit (buses and C-Trains) to avoid parking hassles. Many festivals are centrally located and accessible by public transit.
Payment Methods: While most vendors accept credit/debit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or faster transactions.
Dietary Preferences: Many festivals cater to dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), so don’t hesitate to ask vendors about options.
Plan Ahead: Check festival websites or social media pages for schedules, maps, and updates to make the most of your visit.

Calgary’s food festivals are a fantastic way to experience the city’s culinary diversity and community spirit. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these events offer a delicious and memorable way to explore Calgary’s culture. Enjoy!

Calgary

Food Festivals and Events