Calgary festival-goers should prepare for an epic celebration right downtown, complete with seasonal fun!
Chinook Blast is returning for the 2025 season (and its fifth annual installment) and it’s promising to be bigger and better than ever.
That means that every weekend between January 31 to February 17, you’ll be able to catch Chinook Blast programming that showcases all the vibrant, winter fun happening in the city.
A mashup of arts, community, and culture, Chinook Blast brings brilliant light features, live music, art showcases, sports, and activities set against the downtown skyline, with daytime programming happening at The Confluence and evening programming taking up a four-block stretch along Stephen Avenue.
This is your chance to embrace the best that Calgary’s winters have to offer with exciting lineups taking place every weekend during the festival.
Winterrrific
What’s in store? How about the fan-favourite Ten Minute Play Festival, where local talent craft a 10-minute play in 24 hours, based on a single prop and line of dialogue? Or the Authentically Indigenous Winter Market, a showcase of traditional and contemporary crafts from over 50 local First Nations artisans!
You’ll be able to roam eight new immersive art and light installations and listen to live music from some of the best local talent in Calgary on the RISE UP Calgary stage on Stephen Avenue.
Meet life-sized elk puppets as they walk around the festival, popping up with live, award-winning puppeteers to give you a show from a different angle.
More arts & recreation
Locals and guests can check out unique weekend markets happening at The Pioneer on Stephen Avenue, including the Under $200 Art Show Mini Showcase, the Authentically Indigenous Winter Market, and Imaginasian: Asian Night Market.
Feeling sporty? Explore sports hub programming, like the free skating rink, Calgary Surge outdoor basketball court, Drag on Ice, Wagon Rides, and way more.
For those attending the festival for the first time, gear up and jump into Calgary’s bustling downtown scene, complete with world-class events, markets, food experiences, and unique local talent.
Ideal for a fun night out with friends, a cozy winter date, or a good ‘ole family hang, Chinook Blast is the place for it all!
Visit Chinook Blast online to check out the schedule and get ready for a winterrrrific winter wonderland!
Chinook Blast 2025
When: January 31 – February 17
Where:
- Evening activations along Stephen Avenue
- Sports and daytime programming at The Confluence
Cost: Free!