Mexifest
When: July 4 to 7
Mexifest brings a little taste of Mexican food, culture and hospitality to Calgarians each year. At this four-day festival, visit the grounds to snack on tacos or tamales, as well as drinks like micheladas and margaritas. To complete the experience, all this tasty food is complemented by music, Mexican luchadore wrestling and more.
311 8 St S.W., mexifest.ca
Fiestaval
When: July 19 to 21
During some of the hottest days of summer, Fiestaval transforms downtown Calgary into a celebration of all things Latin American. Over three days, enjoy more than 30 food vendors serving authentic dishes from Central and South America, alongside an artisan market and hundreds of performers participating in the cultural festivities. Admission is free.
Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. S.E., fiestaval.ca
YYC Ice Cream Fest
When: July 19 to August 5
Organized by Calgary Meals on Wheels, YYC Ice Cream Fest launched in 2022 to great success. Now in its third year, Calgarians are invited to visit their favourite participating restaurants and ice cream shops to try some unique ice cream creations, with a portion of the proceeds going towards Meals on Wheels. Then, vote for your favourites (anyone who has experienced YYC Hot Chocolate Fest can expect the same format). Participating restaurants haven’t been announced yet, but last year’s winners included Milk Ice Cream Club with the most scoops sold, D’Served with the highest rated treat and Apprentice Café with the best non-dairy option.
Afro Caribbean Food Festival
When: July 20 and 21
Celebrate the sunny summer weather with some Caribbean cuisine and culture. While full details haven’t been released for this year yet, patrons can expect to find some delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken, fried plantains and more, all while taking in the fun vibes with music, art and performances.
Celebration Square (C-Square), 508 7 Ave. S.E., acfoodfestival.com
Taste of Calgary
When: August 1 to 5
One of the most anticipated food festivals in the city, Taste of Calgary is a huge draw for food-loving crowds. Taste global dishes and drinks from Calgary’s wide range of restaurants and beverage makers — all you need is a pocket full of sample tickets ($1 each) and a hearty appetite.
Calgary Japanese Festival “Omatsuri”
When: August 9 and 10
While this festival isn’t strictly a food festival, food is definitely one of the best reasons to attend, according to the festival creators. Japanese restaurants from around the city will be serving the best-of-the-best — items from previous years include takoyaki, yakitori, gyoza and more, as well as beverages like teas, sake and Japanese beers. This year’s festival will be a two-day affair, with Friday featuring more modern/contemporary events and Saturday consisting of traditional music, dance and performances.
Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Tr. S.E., calgaryjapanesefestival.com
Alberta on the Plate
When: August 9 to 18
Alberta on the Plate brings together some of the best Alberta restaurants to celebrate the incredible bounty of ingredients found in our province. Head to participating restaurants and beverage makers around Alberta for a multi-course, prix-fixe meal made in concert with local fruit, vegetable and product makers for an unforgettable local dining experience. Participating Calgary restaurants include Rouge, Eighty Eight Brewing Co. and Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar. The full list of participating venues will be released on July 5.
GlobalFest
When: August 15, 17, 20, 22 and 24
While many Calgarians know GlobalFest for its fireworks competitions, the event grounds are also home to a gigantic number of food stalls, each serving different cultural foods from countries around the world. Start off with arepas, grab some Vietnamese food and maybe finish with some shawarma. Whatever your heart desires, the world is at your fingertips at GlobalFest.
Elliston Park, globalfest.ca
Halal Ribfest
When: August 23 to 25
While Southern barbecue is often a pork-heavy experience, this festival flips that idea on its head by creating an inclusive event that revolves around Halal meats. Head to the festival’s Calgary stop to indulge in dishes like brisket, beef ribs and smoked chicken while taking in live performances, a pop-up market and more.
Deerfoot City, 901 64 Ave. N.E., halalribfest.com
Brewery & the Beast
When: August 25
This one-of-a-kind food festival is all about celebrating good food and drink, particularly when it comes to meat and beer. Come to this festival to experience everything smoked, barbecued and fire kissed. This festival is unique in that there are no sample tickets, only an entrance fee, so patrons are free to fill up on whatever their favourite dish is or try a bit of everything. Plus, there are plenty of craft beers, ciders, cocktails and wine to wash it all down.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E., breweryandthebeast.com
Western Canada Rib Fest Tour
When: September 6 to 8
Catch the Calgary leg of this rib-centric grill festival, which brings four barbecue experts across Canada for a rib cook-off that you won’t want to miss. In addition to delicious barbecue, expect live music, family-friendly activities and more.
McMahon Stadium, 1817 Crowchild Tr. N.W., wcrft.ca