Wherever you are, it’s worth exploring the local food scene. The type of cuisine changes every few hundred miles, offering something unique each time. Calgary also has a lot to offer. In the summer, the city hosts numerous food festivals dedicated to BBQ, ice cream, international cuisine, and more. Here are 11 food festivals to visit, listed chronologically, on calgaryski.net.
1. Halal Ribfest
Held in mid-June, this festival celebrates halal meat with the best halal food Calgary has to offer, ranging from traditional southern BBQ to innovative street food. Halal food is prepared in a clean, both morally and spiritually, as well as physically, manner. The meat used follows Islamic laws, ensuring a humane slaughter and no forbidden ingredients. Halal Ribfest is more than just food; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and diversity with inflatables, live concerts, and even a fire show.
2. YYC Summer Scoop Fest
Launched in 2022 by Calgary Meals on Wheels, this festival invites Calgary residents to try unique ice cream from local restaurants in late June and early July. Part of the proceeds goes to providing healthy, nutritious food to those in need.
3. Mexifest
In early July, the Latin American Folk Society organizes Mexifest, a three-day multicultural festival celebrating Mexican culture. Enjoy Mexican tacos, tamales, cocktails like Micheladas and Margaritas, dance shows, orchestral performances, a craft market, and professional wrestling in the national Mexican style of Lucha Libre.
4. Fiestaval
Fiestaval is a free, family-oriented multicultural festival that celebrates Latin American culture. Held in July, after Calgary Stampede, Fiestaval transforms downtown Calgary into a Latin American celebration with over 30 food vendors, hundreds of national and international performers, a craft market, kids’ zones, beer gardens, and plenty of entertainment.
5. Afro Caribbean Food Festival
In mid-to-late July, the Afro-Caribbean Food Festival brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to Calgary. Enjoy delicious chicken, juicy oxtail, and fusion dishes blending different culinary traditions. The festival also features live music, dance performances, and cultural activities celebrating the rich history and traditions of the Caribbean.
6. Taste of Calgary
One of the largest food festivals in Calgary, Taste of Calgary attracts food lovers in early August for 4-5 days of international dishes and drinks from Calgary restaurants and beverage producers. This is a great chance to explore global cuisines in unique restaurants, shop from local artisans, attend interactive events, and enjoy music from local talents.
Taste of Calgary features culinary treasures from Calgary and unusual dishes from world cuisines like lobster rolls, fried quail eggs, and vegetarian tofu. Admission is free, but “tasting tickets” cost $1 each, with each dish priced from 2 to 7 tickets (as of 2023). It’s a perfect opportunity to try a variety of food at a low price, and then purchase your favorites in larger portions.
7. Calgary Japanese Festival «Omatsuri»
Though this festival is not strictly a food festival, food is a key part of the celebration. Japanese restaurants across the city serve up delicious dishes like takoyaki, yakitori, gyoza, as well as beverages like tea, sake, and Japanese beer. The festival also includes traditional Japanese performances, children’s games, and cultural experiences.
8. Alberta on the Plate
In mid-August, the 10-day Alberta on the Plate festival brings together some of the best restaurants in the province to showcase the incredible bounty of local ingredients. Visit participating restaurants and beverage producers across Alberta to taste dishes prepared in collaboration with local fruit, vegetable, and food producers.
9. GlobalFest
During the August GlobalFest, there are numerous food kiosks offering cultural dishes from around the world. Start with an arepa, enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine, and end your tasting with a familiar shawarma. The cherry on top is the fireworks show, lighting up the sky with a symphony of light and sound, featuring world-class pyro-musicians.
10. Brewery & the Beast
At the end of August, come to Brewery & the Beast to experience all things smoky, grilled, and fiery. Entrance is paid, but once you’re inside, you can sample any of your favorite dishes or try a little of everything. In addition, you’ll have access to a wide variety of craft beer, cider, cocktails, and wine.
The festival is community-driven. Since 2012, Brewery & the Beast has proudly united consumers, chefs, farmers, and companies through shared values and sustainable development, enjoying the best that the city has to offer.
11. Barley & Smoke
This gastro-festival takes place in mid- to late August. With your ticket, you can taste grilled dishes, sample craft beers, play lawn games, enjoy live music, and participate in lotteries and prize draws. Guests can watch competitions between the best chefs, breweries, and food businesses in Calgary. The funds raised from ticket sales are donated to charity.