Things to Do and Attractions in Calgary

Winefest - Sample more than 200 local and international wines, port, sparkling and dessert wines from twelve of the world's most celebrated wine regions at this February event.

When: February
Where: BMO Centre

Calgary International Auto Show - The best-possible location to get a jump on discovering what's new in the auto industry. It is a great place to compare vehicle features, examine new model lines and to see what's coming in the future. The Auto Show is a terrific place to compare and shop with "Auto Show Specials". Whether you are a "gearhead" or a "Sunday driver", this show is for you.

When: March
Where: BMO

Pet Industry Tradeshow - Features over 60 exhibitors showcasing pet foods, products, and fashion. Visitors and exhibitors are afforded an unique opportunity to network with others in the Canadian pet industry.

Where: Stempede Park

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo - The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo started in 2006 and has been dedicated not only to comics, but to the entire entertainment industry. We feature all elements of pop culture including sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, animation, and the horror genres.

When: April
Where: Stampede Park

Calgary Stampede - Immerse yourself in western heritage at this fun, 100-year-old western event that includes rodeos, live concerts and parades at Stampede Park over ten days in July.

When: July
Where: Stampede Park

Calgary Fringe Festival - If main stream theatre is not your cup of tea, check out the Calgary Fringe Festival. The Fringe Festival is an uncensored, non-juried theatre event which originated in Edinburgh Scotland in 1947.

When: July/August
Where: 17th Avenue

Sun & Salsa Festival - Let your taste buds catch on fire during Kensington's 18th annual Sun and Salsa Festival.  Purchase a bag of chips from local charities and taste test your way through over 40 different salsa recipes served up by teams of Kensington businesses.

When: July
Where: Kenisngton Village

Sled Island Music Festival - Sled Island is an annual four-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary that brings together over 200 artists and bands in more than 25 venues throughout the city. Sled Island is one of Canada's top ten music festivals. With fresh and innovative programming, this festival has something for everyone

When: June
Where: Various Venues

FunnyFest Comedy Festival - Get a good laugh at this year's FunnyFest Comedy Festival. With 6 to 10 performers at each show, you're bound to tickle your funny bone.

When: May/June
Where: Various Venues

Calgary International BeerFest - The Calgary International BeerFest is a celebration of beer! Increase your beer knowledge, take part in beer seminars, vote for the People's Choice awards, and most importantly, sample over 200 different types of brew. Each guest receives an official Calgary International BeerFest mug to use throughout the event and then to take home as a souvenir.

When: May
Where: Big Four Building

Calgary International Children's Festival -  The 2011 Calgary International Children's Festival presented by Qualico Communities is a great place to take your kids and see a myriad of different live performers on stage.

When: May
Where: Epcor Centre for Performing Arts

Lilac Festival - Known as Calgary's restaurant row, 4th Street boasts over 35 restaurants from countries all over in the world. These 13 short blocks  feature shopping, dining, entertainment, and art, and  attract a young hip crowd

When: May
Where: 4th Avenue

Gas & Oil Expo - Over 500 hundred companies showcase their emerging technologies, products and services.  Speakers will explore the challenges facing the industry and address current topics including renewable energy policy, oil, natural gas, and the environment.

When: June
Where: Stampede Park

Global Petroleum Show & Conference - Since 1968, the Global Petroleum Show (GPS) has been the premier meeting place for the global oil and gas industry. GPS brings together global producers, EPC's, service companies and suppliers. The event hosts 95 countries, 60,000 attendees, and 2,000 exhibiting companies.

When: June
Where: Stampede Park

Calgary International Film Festival - This 10-day visual arts and cinema festival features more than 200 screenings of international films and documentaries and also includes gala events, lectures, presentations, and awards ceremonies.

When: September and October
Where: Various Venues

GlobalFest - Global Fest is a cultural festival that celebrates and showcases cultural diversity and artistic excellence within local and global communities.  Combined with Global Fest is Calgary's very own international Fireworks Festival.

When: August
Where: Elliston Park

Calgary International Blues Festival - Featuring Blues icons to the up and coming stars of tomorrow,  the Calgary International Blues Festival Main Stage and Twilight Blues Series feature the best.

When: August
Where: Shaw Millennium Park

Calgary Dragon Boat Festival - Steeped by a 2000-year-old Chinese legend, experience traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Racing at this fun August festival that features over 750 competitors racing, all which take place in North Glenmore Park.

When: August
Where: North Glenmore Park

Marda Gras Street Festival - The family friendly New Orleans-style street fest attracts more than 35,000 visitors each year. It has something for everyone including two music entertainment stages, hundreds of vendors, a Kids' Quarter,  and even a Dog Contest.

When: August
Where: Marda Loop

Chinatown Street Festival - The Chinatown Street Festival is Chinatown's Premiere Summer Multi-Cultural Festival. It provides a combination of food and merchant tents and entertainment on the Main Stage. The event is located in the heart of Chinatown.

When: August
Where: Chinatown

Calgary International Reggae Festival - Calgary ReggaeFest's Main Stage event isn't just for Reggae fans  - it's a full day family event that embraces the Reggae lifestyle. The festival features live performances from Canadian and international Reggae artists.  A beer garden and a separate youth area, and plenty of arts and crafts.

When: August
Where: Shaw Millennium Park

X-Fest -  Sponsored by radio station X92.0 and The Union, X-Fest is an outdoor alternative rock concert that takes places at Fort Calgary.  Headliners in the past featured groups Social Distortion and Weezer.

When: August

Where: Fort Calgary

Calgary Highland Games - You don't have to be Scottish to enjoy the Highland Games. Experience traditional bagpipes, highland dancing and a mass band of pipers. Partake in the legendary Beer Tent.  If you are feeling adventurous, sign up with friends for the Team Tug-O-War!

When: September
Where: Springbank Park

Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival - See and experience firsthand the Tattoo culture at the Annual Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival. The Alberta Bound Tattoo & Arts Festival in Calgary Alberta has been around for almost a decade.

When: October
Where: BMO Centre

National Championship Festival - Come watch teams from around the nation compete for Canada's National Rugby Championships in Calgary. Experience sport at its finest.

When: August
Where: Calgary Rugby Fields

Bridal Expo - Bridal Expo has everything that soon-to-be-brides need for their special day. Come see what it takes to put on the perfect wedding. Even if you are not getting married soon, it is not too early to start planning.

When: September
Where: Stampede Park

Calgary Home & Interior Design Show - Over 350 exhibitors will be waiting to help you with your design dilemmas!  Find innovative products, new ideas and get help from the top industry experts.

When: September
Where: Stampede Park

Calgary Women's Show - Indulge yourself at one of Canada's leading women's shows. Experience the latest in fashion and design. Learn make up tips from the experts. See if you have what it takes to be a top fashion model and walk the runway for a chance to be discovered. The Women's Show is where you can find everything for the modern woman.

When: October
Where: Stampede Park