YYC Food & Drink Experience is back this March, turning the city into one big dining reservation list.
Running March 13 to 29, the annual festival brings together more than 100 Calgary restaurants for multi-course prix fixe menus alongside a lineup of chef-led events and pop-ups.
Across brunch, lunch and dinner, participating spots will offer set menus designed to highlight signature dishes, seasonal ingredients and new concepts. It’s one of the easiest ways to try restaurants that normally sit on the “save for a special occasion” list.
Menus typically start around $30 to $40, with higher-end tasting experiences available at select restaurants.
Signature events return
Alongside the prix fixe program, YYC EXP’s collaborative dinners are back. These one-night events pair local chefs with visiting talent for themed menus, drink pairings and more experimental formats.
Some highlights this year include:
• A Vietnamese-French cocktail-driven collaboration at Francine’s featuring a Michelin-recognized Vancouver team
• A River Café anniversary dinner bringing together multiple Calgary restaurants
• A New York-inspired guest chef event at Penny Crown
• A closing seafood-focused finale at Teatro featuring a Top Chef Canada winner
These events tend to sell faster than standard reservations and often become the most talked-about moments of the festival.
More than just dinner
The festival also brings back Stay & Dine hotel packages, offering preferred downtown hotel rates paired with dining incentives, making it easier to turn a reservation into a full weekend plan.
Whether you’re revisiting favourites or booking somewhere new, YYC EXP remains one of Calgary’s biggest food moments of the year.
Details
March 13 to 29
Restaurants across Calgary
Prix fixe menus starting around $30
Reservations and event tickets now available
Browse participating restaurants and events at the YYC EXP website.