Although Stampede festivities have come to an end, festival season in Calgary is still going strong. From cultural and artistic celebrations, to boat races, to the continuation of country and EDM music events, you can keep summertime celebrations rolling at these festivals in August.
When: July 31 and August 1 to 4, 2025
Dubbed Calgary’s “most appetizing festival,” Taste of Calgary gives guests a chance to experience some of the city’s best foods, beverages, music and more. Sampling tickets are $1 each (items require two to seven tickets). Admission to the festival (live performances included) is free.
CPA Lot 6, 311 8 St. S.W., tasteofcalgary.com
When: August 1 to 9, 2025
Kick off August with the unexpected and unforgettable performances of this year’s Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival as emerging and established artists take to the stage to tell their stories. With shows that are sure to entertain, fill your belly with laughter or even move you emotionally, Calgary Fringe has something for everyone.
Various locations, calgaryfringe.ca
When: August 1 to 18, 2025
Calgary’s public art scene is as diverse and wonderful as its people. That’s all the more reason to explore murals around the city, attend artist talks and more at the annual BUMP Festival this August. Check out the festival’s online calendar to see what’s happening each day of the festival.
Various locations, yycbump.ca
When: August 2 and 3, 2025
Chasing Summer brings some of the biggest names in electronic dance music (EDM) to the city this month. Artists like Deadmau5, Alan Walker, Levity and more are coming for two full days of live music.
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Tr. S.E., chasingsummerfestival.com
When: August 4, 2025
The Incredible India Fest, which honours India’s rich cultural heritage, returns to the Westin Calgary Airport for its fourth year. Cultural performances, live music, traditional singing and dancing, vendors, a variety of kid-friendly activities and authentic Indian cuisine will all be present at the one-day event. The festival is free to attend.
Westin Calgary Airport, 671 Aero Dr. N.E., sparqproductions.com
When: August 8 to 10, 2025
The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival is an annual spectacle that draws over 4,000 spectators and 1,850 competitors to North Glenmore Park. Entering its 33rd year, the Calgary Dragon Boat Society-hosted event highlights the thrilling sport of dragon boat racing as teams — made up of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steer person — vie for the win. Admission for spectators is free, and there are food trucks, beer gardens, live music, cultural performances and a kids’ zone on-site.
North Glenmore Park, calgarydragonboatsociety.com
When: August 10, 2025
The Marda Gras Street Festival brings live music, entertainment and an endless line of local vendors to the Marda Loop area for one exciting day. The pet pageant is a highlight, with participants dressing up their pets in creative costumes in support of an animal charity. Admission is free.
33rd Avenue S.W. between 19th and 22nd Street, visitmardaloop.com
When: August 14 to 23, 2025
Featuring awe-inspiring “pyromusicals” and cultural pavilions, GlobalFest is known as Alberta’s most explosive festival. The event is a display of cultural diversity and artistry that’s capped with a fantastic fireworks show each night. This year’s celebration features pyro-musical performances by artists from the United States, Malaysia, China and the Philippines. There’s also a night market, international food vendors and plenty of live music.
Elliston Park, 1827 68 St. S.E., globalfest.ca
When: August 15 to 17, 2025
Carifest is a celebration of Caribbean music, culture, tradition, costumes and more. Carifest grows each year and is now one of Calgary’s most popular festivals. The three-day event features live music, vendors, a parade and more.
Cowboys Park, (previously known as Millennium Park), 1220 9 Ave. S.W., carifestcalgary.com
When: August 15 to 17, 2025
This three-day event showcases up-and-coming artists alongside some of the biggest names in country music. This year’s headliners include Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman and Old Dominion.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E., countrythunder.com/ab
