12 Calgary Events To Check Out This Summer If You Can't Make It To Stampede
Anyone who's been to Calgary has without a doubt heard of the Calgary Stampede. You've probably heard about the amazing food, talented artists, and crazy rides that run for over a week. You've also probably heard about how big the lineups are, and how much money you'll be spending.
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Although the Stampede is super fun, and definitely worth going to at least once in your life, Calgary summers are filled with all kinds of other unique and fun festivals with incredible artists performing, and seriously tasty food. If you can't make it to the Calgary Stampede this year, be sure to check out at least one of the following events:
1. Parkland Summerfest // 14660 Parkland Boulevard SE
When: Saturday, June 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Celebrate the official beginning of summer with live music, great food, and entertainment for people of all ages.
2. Sled Island // Multiple Venues, Downtown Calgary
When: June 21st - 25th
With over 250 live bands, plus art, comedy, and film, Sled Island is one of Calgary's biggest summer events. The full artist lineup can be found on the events lineup, but it looks like they have something to offer for everyone.
3. Calgary Folk Music Festival // Prince's Island Park
When: July 27th - 30th
The Calgary Folk Music Festival brings together 16 countries on 8 different stages. If that's not cool enough for you, City and Colour will be performing this year, on top of all the other amazing artists from around the world.
4. Terminus Festival // 1000 9th Ave SW
When: July 28th - 30th
Terminus is Western Canada's only multi-day industrial/edm/electro festival, so if that's your scene, we suggest you check this one out. The festival features artists from all around the world, so the entertainment is sure to be incredible.
5. Pet-A-Palooza // 200 Barclay Parade SW
When: July 29th & 30th
We promise, this is just as cute as it sounds. Pet-A-Palooza is the west coast's largest outdoor pet festival. Events include dog races, agility demos, and photo lounges. Did we mention that admission is free?
6. Inglewood Sunfest // Mainstreet Inglewood
When: Saturday, August 5th
Inglewood is one of Calgary's trendiest neighbourhoods, so this festival is bound to be just as cool. Live music, fashion, food, and art vendors, and warm summer weather. You'll regret not checking it out.
7. One Love Music Festival // Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds
When: Friday, August 4th
One Love is Western Canada's biggest hip hop music festival. The event always entices a large audience with rad artists. This year Ms. Lauryn Hill, Migos, and Wale are all performing, so you know the show will be super hype.
8. Chasing Summer // 1001 Barlow Trail SE
When: August 5th and 6th
Chasing is widely known as Western Canada's largest electronic music festival. Headliners this year include Tiësto and Zedd, so make sure you grab your tickets and pack your rave gear.
9. Marda Gras Street Festival // 33rd and 34th Avenue
When: Sunday, August 13th
It feels like New Orleans right here in Calgary. Marda Gras is a festival of cultural performers, outdoor activities, and delicious food.
10. Taste of Calgary // 200 Barkley Parade SW
When: August 10th - 13th
All of Calgary's best eats, in one place. Admission is free, you simply have to purchase your food tickets and eat to your heart's content. The event also features local musicians and vendors to keep you busy all day.
11. Country Thunder Music Festival // Prairie Winds Park
When: August 18th - 20th
The next best thing to Stampede for country lovers. Featured artists this year include Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, and Thomas Rhett. Who knows, this might even be better than Stampede.
12. Global Fest // Elliston Park
When: August 15th - 26th
You can kiss your boo underneath the fireworks for a week straight. Countries from all over compete in an amazing fireworks competition, so you're in for some of the most beautiful sights of the summer.
Luciano Frattolin is taken away in custody from the Essex County Court in Elizabethtown, New York on Friday, July 24, 2026. Luciano Frattolin charged with 2nd-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
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Police officers open the back of a recovered truck during a press conference regarding Project 24K, a joint investigation into the theft of gold from Pearson International Airport, in Brampton, Ont., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
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The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.
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This composite image shows, left to right, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby in Vancouver, on April 13, 2026; B.C. Conservative interim Leader Lorne Doerkson, in Vancouver, on Sept. 22, 2026; B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan in Victoria, on Sept. 23, 2026.
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B.C. Premier David Eby, back, and outgoing premier John Horgan embrace during a swearing in ceremony where Eby became the province's 37th premier at the Musqueam Nation, in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
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