Spring in Calgary is a time of renewal, adventure, and celebration! As the snow melts and patio season begins, the city comes alive with vibrant festivals celebrating everything from pop culture and film to food, beer, and music. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or just looking for fun ways to enjoy the season, these must-attend spring festivals in Calgary will keep your weekends packed with excitement.
March 2025 Festivals
️ 1. YYC Food & Drink Experience
Date: March 14-30, 2025
Location: Various restaurants across Calgary
Admission: $25-$75 (varies by restaurant)
This two-week culinary event showcases Calgary’s top chefs, mixologists, and restaurants, offering prix-fixe menus, cocktail pairings, and chef-driven dining experiences. Whether you’re into fine dining or casual bites, this festival is a foodie’s dream.
Insider Tip: Book your reservations early—restaurants fill up fast for this exclusive dining event!
2. Grape Escape Wine Fest
Date: March 21-22, 2025
Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Admission: Starting at $70
Wine lovers won’t want to miss Calgary’s largest premium wine, spirits, and beer tasting event. With hundreds of tastings led by winemakers and master distillers, this is the ultimate festival for anyone looking to expand their palate.
3. Spring Fest (Qing Ming Festival)
Date: March 23, 2025
Location: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
Admission: Free
Celebrate Chinese culture at this vibrant family-friendly festival featuring traditional performances, food stalls, and the stunning Qing Ming Scroll Exhibition. It’s a beautiful way to experience Calgary’s rich multicultural community.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the lion dance performance—it’s a festival highlight!
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April 2025 Festivals
4. ADFA Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival
Date: April 3-5, 2025
Location: Pumphouse Theatre
Admission: Varies by performance
From drama to comedy, classic plays to brand-new works, this theatre festival celebrates Calgary’s rich performing arts scene. If you love live theatre, this is a great chance to experience unique productions from local talent.
5. The Electric Highway Festival
Date: April 4-6, 2025
Location: Dickens Pub
Admission: $40-$75
Fans of heavy metal and rock will love this high-energy festival, featuring some of the best stoner rock, doom metal, and sludge bands. Expect live performances, unique merch, and a one-of-a-kind rock culture experience.
6. Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF)
Date: April 17-27, 2025
Location: Globe Cinema
Admission: Varies by screening
For those who love edgy, independent, and boundary-pushing films, the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) is the city’s go-to event for alternative cinema. Showcasing an eclectic mix of indie films, horror, documentaries, and cult classics, CUFF is all about celebrating stories that break the mold. This year’s lineup includes exclusive Canadian premieres, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and late-night horror screenings.
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7. Calgary Expo (Comic & Entertainment Expo)
Date: April 24-27, 2025
Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Admission: Single-day tickets from $19, weekend passes available
If you’re a fan of pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming, Calgary Expo is THE event of the spring. This massive comic and entertainment convention brings together A-list celebrities, comic book artists, cosplay pros, and thousands of fans for an unforgettable weekend.
Insider Tip: Buy your tickets early—VIP passes sell out fast and give you front-row access to celebrity panels and exclusive meet-and-greets.
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May 2025 Festivals
8. Calgary International Beerfest
Date: May 2-3, 2025
Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
Admission: Starting at $19
Beer lovers, rejoice! Calgary International Beerfest is one of the largest craft beer festivals in Canada, featuring over 200 breweries from around the world.
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9. Jane’s Walk Calgary
Date: May 2-4, 2025
Location: Various locations across Calgary
Admission: Free
Join this free, community-led walking tour event that explores Calgary’s neighborhoods through storytelling and local perspectives. Each walk is unique and led by passionate locals eager to share hidden stories about the city.
Insider Tip: Find a niche tour that aligns with your interests, whether it’s urban history, public art, or secret green spaces.
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June 2025 Festivals
10. Lilac Festival
Date: June 1, 2025
Location: 4th Street SW, Mission District
Admission: Free
Spanning 17 blocks along 4th Street SW, this one-day event transforms the neighborhood into a pedestrian-friendly street fair featuring local vendors, live music, food trucks, and interactive activities.
Insider Tip: Get there early (around 10 AM) to avoid crowds and score the best handmade goods from local artisans.
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11. Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
Date: June 18-22, 2025
Location: Various venues across Calgary
Admission: Passes start at $225, individual show tickets available
Sled Island is Calgary’s premier indie music and arts festival, featuring 300+ bands, artists, comedians, and film screenings at venues across the city.
Insider Tip: Get a festival wristband for unlimited venue access and discover your new favorite band in Calgary’s buzzing music scene.
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Final Thoughts
Spring is one of the best times to explore Calgary, and these festivals offer something for everyone—whether you’re into craft beer, film, music, or local culture. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a season filled with adventure, food, and entertainment!
Which festival are you most excited about?