Life after Stampede

Stampede may be Cowtown’s most famous festival but it’s not our only festival. In fact, now that we’ve packed away our celebrated cowboy image (until next July anyway), we can safely re-reveal the folksier, artsier and multicultural side of the city (yes, it does exist).

While it would be impossible for us to list all of Calgary’s summer festivals here, we have handpicked a few that we think your family will love.

Fiestaval!
What: Focused on Latin American culture in Calgary, Fiestaval! promises hot, hip, swinging tunes (free dance lessons included), delicious Latin cuisine and live on-stage performances. Kid-centric activities (including face painting) help kids get into the festival mood. Can’t get enough? Rip it up at La Super Fiesta del Ano. 
Cost: Free (unless you decide to buy something from one of the over eighty vendors)
You Might also Like: We also love the flavours of the charity-driven Kensington Sun and Salsa Festival.

Calgary Folk Music Festival
What: The Folk Fest has matured into one of Calgary’s premier summer events. We love mainstage performances by feature artists like Sarah Harmer, sidestage concerts by locals like Jay Crocker, the family-friendly (i.e. no course language) concerts and the volunteer-run children’s area (right beside one of the best playgrounds in the city). Oh, and we also love their green recycling and composting program.
Cost: Children (under 13) are free with a paid adult.
You Might also Like: The International Reggae Festival delivers a fresh, funky beat at Shaw Millenium Park.

Calgary Fringe Festival
What: The Fringe Festival is a growing theatrical phenomenon set in historic Inglewood. Boasting over 180 theatre shows from more than 30 local and international companies, there is something for everyone at this nine day festival. Your kids will love The Alexandra Centre Kids’ Theatre.
You Might also Like: Less of an alternative and more of an add-on, the Inglewood Sun Fest shuts-down 9th Avenue SE. Buskers, an outdoor food court and art market add to the Fringe buzz. 

Global Fest
What: Hot on the heels of the Fringe Festival, Global Fest is a true multicultural celebration comprised of several smaller events centered around the International Avenue (17th Avenue SE) BRZ. We particularly love the International Fireworks Festival. Cultural pavilions, ethnic food and explosive fireworks displays are some of the highlights of this five day festival designed to help us heighten our appreciation of Calgary’s multicultural scene.
You Might also Like: There is no alternative for the pyrotechnic show at Global Fest. However, if we could tack on just one more summer festival, we would hop in the car and head to the Banff National Park Dragon Boat Festival.

While we love cowboys, pancakes and deep fried Oreos (for the kids, of course), we like to expose our gang to a little more—from time to time. And there’s nothing more festive than a festival. 

Don’t forget to check our new GoSavvy Event Finder for events all across Canada, all year long.

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