We aren’t going to let some cold weather stop us from having a good time, with plenty of great winter festivals in Calgary to enjoy.
We rounded up some winter festivals happening to help us embrace the chillier weather and even enjoy it.
From sweet drinks to live music to rock out to, here are five of the “coolest” winter festivals and events to hit up in Calgary over the next few months.
Neil Zeller/Chinook Blast
Chinook Blast returns for another year, celebrating the best of Calgary’s winter in the heart of the city with live music, light and art installations, theatrical performances, outdoor sports, cultural experiences, night markets, and more.
Calgarians can experience the Chinook Blast Art Hub in downtown Calgary, sprawling from the East Village through Olympic Village and Stephen Avenue during the three weeks.
When: January 31 to February 17, 2025
Time: Varies by programming
Where: In and around downtown Calgary, with the 2025 Chinook Blast Hub along Stephen Avenue (between 1st SE and 3rd Street SW), then along 3rd Street SW (between Stephen Avenue and 4th Avenue).
Cost: FREE public programming at the Chinook Blast Hub, other costs vary by event
What: Ethnik is part of the celebration of Black History (Excellence) Month during the last week of February. Members of the Afro-Canadian and Caribbean communities come together to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and to share their vibrant cultural traditions with other communities from across Canada. The 2025 edition will be a display of creative genius from artists in Calgary, other parts of Canada, and around the world to the viewing pleasure of audiences online across the globe. A vendor market and food experiences will also be around for a festival that surely won’t disappoint.
When: February 21 and 22, 2025
Where: Telus Convention Centre (136 8th Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: TBD, tickets will be available soon
What: While details for the upcoming Block Heater event are scarce, last year’s event was a total hoot featuring 32 artists and 13 separate events, letting you choose your own adventure at diverse Inglewood and downtown venues. We love to see it!
When: February 2025
Where: Various locations around the city
Cost: TBD
For three wild weeks in early 2025, One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, gives local audiences a chance to watch touring performances from across Canada, acclaimed international shows, and new and experimental work from artists right here in YYC.
When: January 14 to February 2, 2025
Time: Varies by performance
Where: Various venues in Calgary
Cost: Ticket prices vary by performance
Every February, participating cafés, restaurants, and chocolatiers compete for the coveted awards of YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate, Cup That Runneth Over (most sold), and the Most Creative Hot Chocolate. For 29 days, Calgarians can sip varieties of hot cocoas and vote to determine the blend that roasts them all!
When: February 1 to 28, 2025
Where: Various locations in Calgary
Cost: Prices vary