Your ultimate guide to a sensational summer in Calgary

The West gets wild in the summer months, with a slew of rip-roarin’ events that keep the city hopping (and running, two-stepping, and barrel-racing). From the world-famous Calgary Stampede — where cowboy culture and urban excitement meet head-on — to music festivals with lineups that keep crowds buzzing, sports events that get adrenaline pumping, and family-friendly outdoor festivals that celebrate the best of the city’s culture.

So, grab your cowboy hat and saddle up for an incredible summer in Calgary!

Sled Island Music & Arts Festival I June 19-23: The eclectic and exhilarating convergence of music, art, film, comedy, and community spirit returns for its seventeenth year, establishing itself as a cultural landmark in Calgary. This year’s festivities will feature more than 150 bands, comedic acts, films, art, special events, and conference panels, as well as all-ages and family-friendly events, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A packed line-up including Abrupt Decay, Bad Bodies, Bulme, Closetalkers, Evan Hardy, EKKSTACY, Hip Hip Thursday, Juana Molina, LOOK ALIVE, Mick Jenkins, Pony Girl, Sea of Lettuce, Thunder Queens, The Wesleys, and many more will have music goers moving and grooving. JUNO-nominated stand-up comedian, television writer and Canada's Got Talent finalist Courtney Gilmour, whose comedic work focuses on her unique experiences as a congenital triple amputee, will headline the festival’s comedy acts. The five-day extravaganza, which takes place at multiple venues across the city, also features food trucks, Punk Rock Bingo, a pig roast, and the famous Sled Alley, presented in partnership with the Calgary Downtown Association.

Calgary Stampede l July 5-14: The greatest outdoor show on earth gallops back into town this summer with a jam-packed slate of rodeo, music festivals, professional wrestling, a feast of food, and so much more! This year, the daily rodeo features six rugged events, including barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, and bareback. Calgary’s signature event also offers visitors its biggest musical experience yet, with four stages that span multiple genres. The Big Four Roadhouse shows offer an amazing lineup, with performances from Chromeo, Dinosaur Jr., Jewel, Killer Mike, Melissa Ethridge, and many more. Nashville North stage brings the beating heart of the South to the Stampede with a variety of country icons and emerging artists, including Ashley McBride and Jackson Dean. Over at the Coca Cola stage, music lovers can take in performances from a variety of rock, hip hop, pop, and EDM artists for free with park admission. And it’s all topped off by a thrilling lineup of performances at the Saddledome — including two AEW tapings, and music from Motley Crue, Miranda Lambert, Nickleback, and the Jonas Brothers.

Taste of Calgary I August 1-5: Discover Calgary’s culinary scene at Taste of Calgary, offering attendees a chance to taste from a unique mix of the city’s best restaurants and brewers. Plus, be entertained by some of Calgary’s great musicians and shop while you eat at a variety of local artisans. Admission to the festival is free and you can purchase sample tickets starting at $1.00.

Globalfest l August 15-25: Calgary’s annual cultural and fireworks festival, Globalfest, returns to Elliston Park with a celebration of the city’s multi-cultural communities, featuring pavilions, performances, international food, a night market, children’s programming, and fireworks. Illuminating the sky with a colliding orchestra of light and sound, this year’s celebration event will showcase presentations produced by world-class pyro musical artists hailing from Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and USA, plus a Canadian-produced finale.