If you’re the type of person who orders three appetizers just so you can try more things, you’ll probably want to block off an afternoon for Taste of Calgary.
The annual food festival is back from July 30 to August 3, and this year it’s moving into a new home at Cowboys Park. That means more space, more vendors and five days to eat your way through more than 90 local restaurants, food trucks, breweries and beverage vendors.
It’s one of those events where the hardest decision isn’t whether to go. It’s deciding what to eat first.
One afternoon, dozens of restaurants
Rather than committing to one restaurant, Taste of Calgary lets you sample your way around the city.
You’ll find everything from handmade pasta and Caribbean comfort food to sushi, Filipino favourites and local craft drinks, all served in sample-sized portions.
A few dishes we’re already eyeing include Meraki’s handrolled potato gnocchi, Mumbai Bites’ BBQ chicken tikka cooked in a traditional clay oven, Kachi Kachi’s Volcano Crunch Inari Sushi and Nativpott’s Jollof Alfredo.
If you’re going with friends, this is definitely the kind of event where sharing pays off.
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It’s not just about the food
Once you’ve eaten your way through a few vendors, stick around.
The festival also features live entertainment throughout the day, plus a new Foodie Marketplace where local businesses will be selling everything from specialty spices and sauces to cookware and handmade products.
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, an afternoon downtown or an easy date idea, it’s the kind of event you can easily spend a few hours exploring.
A few things to know before you go
Admission is free, so you only pay for what you want to eat.
One of the biggest changes this year is payment. Vendors will accept debit and credit cards directly, while anyone paying with cash can purchase a preloaded payment card on site.
Taste of Calgary 2026
Where: Cowboys Park, 1220 9 Avenue SW
When: July 30 to August 3
Hours:
- Thursday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Monday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free