Calgary Festivals – August 2012

Calgary Festivals in August 2012

Festivals are the perfect epitome of a community coming together to celebrate and learn about anything and everything from ethnic backgrounds, food, music and sports. It’s also the time when our city shines through with the army of citizens who generously volunteer their time and skills.

Calgary has become a hub of festivals attracting local citizens and tourists. No wonder our great city was chosen as the Cultural Capital of Canada 2012. Check out the Calgary festivals happening for the month of August in 2012:

Inglewood Sunfest (August 4)

Inglewood

Spend an exciting afternoon of revelry in the sun either as a spectator or participant in a pie eating contest, get your antique appraised or work those hips in the belly dancing class.

Calgary International Blues Festival (July 30 – August 5)

Shaw Millennium Park

Be sure to check out guitar legend Matt “Guitar” Murphy along with other Canadian iconic blues artists. The Kerby Centre is also hosting a late-night Twilight Blue Series so you can dance into the late night.

Calgary International Fringe Festival (August 3 – 11)

Inglewood

For nine days watch a wide variety of independent theatre productions, comedies, drama, dance and improv shows. Revenue from the festival goes back to support emerging or established artists. I am most excited to check out Truth or Dare, a live improvised performance of the classic game.

Afrikadey! (August 5 – 11)

Various locations in downtown Calgary

Come celebrate the African culture through its music, film, dance, fashion and food. This event invites iconic and new Afro-centric musicians from all over the city and world.

Taste of Calgary (August 11 – 14)

Eau Claire

Travel around the world in a few hours by tasting sample sizes of sticky rice, pork sliders, Jamaican patties, samosa, Spanakopita and so much more. Wash it down with a cold alcoholic beverage like blueberry ale or vanilla flavoured wine. Bring a bib to wipe away the drool.

Chinatown Street Festival (August 11)

Chinatown

Highlights include martial arts demonstration, lion dance, flea market, 3 on 3 soccer and the mouth-watering food fair. For the first time, there will be the Longest Putt Challenge with the grand prize of a $50,000 gift certificate towards purchasing a Mercedes Benz.

Marda Gras (August 12)

Marda Loop

This trendy neighbourhood transforms into the infamous Mardi Gras Street Festival attracting around 30,000 people. Take in the sight, taste and sounds of New Orleans. The colorful exhibition and lively vibe will certainly put a smile on everyone’s face.

Calgary International Reggae Festival (August 15 – 18)

Shaw Millennium Park

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Jamaica becoming an independent nation. Anticipate the biggest and boldest celebration with artists spanning locally, nationally and internationally. Remember, Calgary ReggaeFest lasts only a few days. Being Rastagarian can last a lifetime.

GlobalFest (August 16 – 26)

Elliston Park

Celebrating ten years of educating Calgary about cultural diversity, Globalfest hosts a variety of activities and events including the human rights forum, musical performances, night market and ethnic food booths. Be in awe with the breathtaking fireworks competition that light up our sky.

The People’s Poetry Festival (August 17 – 19)

Kensington

Are you a poet and you want to show it? Express yourself with local poets and visual artists as Kensington becomes a collaborative and interactive space for an open mic session, do-it-yourself poetry and poetic graffiti.

Calgary Japanese Festival (August 18)

Bridgeland Riverside Community Centre and Park

This is the second annual “Omatsuri” – Japanese term for traditional festival. Discover the Japanese culture by indulging in the food and snacks. Be entertained by the traditional music, dance, martial arts demonstration and re-enactment of classic Japanese fairy tales.

Expo Latino (August 24 – 26)

Prince’s Island Park

Dubbed as Western Canada’s largest Latin festival, this is where you will find people dancing and singing in the park with world-renowned music artists and dancers performing on stage. Of course, there will be tons of scrumptious bites at the food fair.

Choose Yer Own Festival (August 31 – September 2)

Various locations

A unique festival of its own – the organizers invite Calgarians to create and implement their own interactive event in abandoned, alternative and public spaces across the city. Feel free to submit your idea on their website.

Festivals are a time to relax, enjoy and be entertained. For more things to do in Calgary, be sure to check out the best outdoor activities for some time in the sun or the best indoor activities if it’s just too hot for your liking.