The one-day Inglewood Sunfest, held at the end of July, offers free events for all ages. Circus performers, talented dance groups, beloved local musicians, and comedians come together with vendors in Inglewood to make the festival a favorite family event for Calgarians. Read on for more details about this event, which celebrates, engages, entertains, and delights, on calgaryski.net.
A Brief About Inglewood
Inglewood is the oldest neighborhood in Calgary, home to vintage furniture shops, independent clothing designers, and rare vinyl records. It boasts restaurants offering Vietnamese, Mediterranean, and contemporary Canadian cuisine.
This lively area is home to many iconic structures in Calgary, including residential, institutional, and commercial buildings, many of which were built before 1914. The vibrancy of Inglewood is directly tied to the low building heights and rural atmosphere.
The area was officially registered in 1875 as East Calgary. It received the official name “Inglewood” in 1911, named after the neighboring estate established by Colonel James Walker. Before 1875, the land surrounding the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers was home to the Blackfoot Nation. The confluence of the rivers had served as a key trade and gathering point for the First Nations for centuries.
From 1840 to 1866, American traders made seasonal raids along the Bow River to collect bison pelts, returning to their permanent forts on the Missouri River. In 1866, the North-West Mounted Police arrived to combat the illegal whiskey trade (American whiskey was exchanged for furs). It was during this time that a permanent settlement was established east of the Elbow River.
Since 1866, the population of the area east of the river confluence grew, and the number of Métis and former members of the North-West Mounted Police, including Colonel James Walker, increased. Some Edwardian-period buildings, such as Burn Block, and Romanesque Revival structures like East Calgary Telephone Exchange, remain.
Inglewood has a unique character, with thriving art, culture, and music. You can enjoy music every day of the week at venues like Ironwood Stage and Grill and The Blues Can. The area also has several galleries, such as Esker Foundation, and offers tours to learn more about the history and heritage of the neighborhood.
In 2014, the Canadian Institute of Planners named Inglewood “Canada’s Best Neighborhood.” It’s a place with history, diversity, inclusivity, art, culture, and remarkable landmarks.
A Festival for Everyone
The Inglewood Festival is an event for all age groups, offering plenty of activities for both children and adults. It’s a great opportunity to visit a neighborhood with an active and diverse community, meet new people, and simply have fun with your family.
The motto of Inglewood Sunfest is “Celebrate, Engage, Entertain, and Delight.” With inflatables, local bands, and fried food, guests can enjoy circus acts and European-style comedians performing on one of four outdoor stages. Throughout the day, street performers create world-class shows, and live music fills the air.
In addition to these amazing events, attendees can shop from over 200 vendors selling food, clothing, jewelry, and more. There is also a family beer garden to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
While kids enjoy jumping in bouncy castles, adults can discover new bands, admire talented street performers, relax in a summer courtyard, or explore trendy clothing – it’s all up to you.
Various competitions are held at the festival, such as “Best of the Fest,” where participants can win tickets to other festivals. One of the highlights of the Inglewood Festival is the pie-eating contest. If you don’t mind getting a little messy, you’ll enjoy being part of this fun challenge. Wilde Grainz Bakery will provide the pies, and all you need to do is eat them. Only the fastest will win.
Show & Shine
The main event of the festival is the annual Show & Shine, where visitors admire classic cars and muscle cars. Hundreds of spectators come to see rare vehicles and support teams serving delicious burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and popcorn.
In 2022, the Show & Shine raised funds to support youth struggling with homelessness, providing homeless individuals with essential items and helping them secure housing.
Other July Festivals in Calgary
In addition to Inglewood Sunfest, there are several other important festivals to visit in Calgary in July. One of the most famous is Calgary Stampede, one of the largest cowboy rodeo festivals in North America.
Another vibrant July event is the Cowboys Music Festival. Featuring guests and performers from around the world, the event takes place in the legendary Cowboys tent on Stampede grounds. The combination of a diverse lineup of top artists and the legendary party atmosphere makes this 11-day event one of the most anticipated in North America.
The summer season also hosts the Inspire Fest, held at the Highfield Regenerative Farm. This celebration features local DJs, creators, artists, and musicians, with a market full of local vendors, two music stages, a beer garden, farm tours, curated art installations, and much more. Visitors can watch or participate in the creation of visual art, such as graffiti or live paintings.
Another notable July event is the Calgary Folk Music Festival. With over 70 musicians from Alberta, Canada, and beyond, this is one of the most popular and beloved events in July. Held at Prince Island Park over four days, the festival offers 5 daytime stages, 2 evening stages, an arts market, and a Big Rock Brewery beer garden. Folk music icons from around the world perform on the stages, shifting genres from roots to funk, country, indie, and more, offering Calgarians and visitors a family-friendly cultural and musical extravaganza.
A key part of the Calgary Folk Music Festival is the workshops held over the weekend on side stages. Known as “jams” or “sessions,” these gatherings bring together 4-5 festival artists to perform together. The result is often a delightful blend of music, ranging from soulful ballads to lively and upbeat grooves.
The free three-day multicultural event, Fiestaval, also takes place in July at Olympic Plaza. Organized by the Calgary Multicultural Arts Society, the festival features hundreds of national and international performers, over 25 vendors of authentic food, a craft market, beer gardens, and a children’s play area. Get ready for three days of fun, authentic Latin American food, the best entertainment from Western Canada, international Latin American bands, dance performances, and much more!