Calgary Festivals in September 2012

August 31, 2012
By Cody Battershill

Calgary Festivals for September of 2012

As the days get shorter and the nights get dark faster, we are reminded summer is ending. Labour Day weekend signifies back to school and end of summer vacations but there is definitely no shortage of events in our city. Here is your comprehensive September festivals guidebook for 2012.

And the Festivals Are...

Hidden Gems Film Festival

August 23-25, 30, 31 and September 1

Cardel Centre

A line up of eight Indian films covering different genres including drama, documentary, war and romance.

Calgary Pride

August 27 – September 3
Various venues
This festival symbolizes the fabric of our city: tolerance, support and celebration of diversity.
Featuring films, dances, BBQ, a rooftop party and the infamous Pride Parade in the downtown area. 2012 marks the first time an Alberta premier will make an appearance.

X-Fest

September 1

Fort Calgary

X marks the spot at Fort Calgary where you can rock on to Grammy-award winning Linkin Park and Incubus. If you prefer to steer clear of the mainstream route, check out L.P., a soulful songwriter from New York City or The Joy Formidable, the Welsh trio.

Gujarati Cultural Festival

September 1 – 2
Various venues
This festival celebrates the state of Gujarat, India through food, dance, music and arts. Special events include the traditional dance competition, cultural exhibition, indoor cricket tournament, art displays and tantalizing Indian dishes.

BBQ on the Bow

September 2

Eau Claire Park

Dubbed as Canada’s oldest BBQ competition, chefs from North America will go against each other to win the crown for best BBQ sauce and Chef’s Challenge. Plenty of booths selling the best BBQ sauce and spices and so much more. And for the kids, there is a Children’s Craft Tent filled with activities, crafts and entertainment.

Calgary Mini Maker Faire

September 8
East Village Riverwalk
Calling all Makers!!! A Maker is a person or group who create, invent, design, build or install objects or information systems to encourage, educate and inspire others. There will be displays of creativity and innovation in areas of technology, arts, craft, science, fashion and food. This is a family-friendly festival so children and youth are encouraged to become a Maker.

Calgary Saudi Arabian Festival

September 8

Olympic Plaza

2012 marks the inaugural year of this festival organized by the Calgary Saudi Students Club. Learn more about the culture through music, dancing, fashion and food. There will be a cafe offering traditional coffee, tea and sweets. And don’t miss the cooking lessons on how to prepare some of their traditional treats.

Calgary Electronic Music Festival

Shaw Millennium Park
September 14 – 15
Three stages, two days and one massive park. CEMF brings together music lovers to celebrate the electronic music movement. This event provides an opportunity for local DJs, producers and musicians to showcase their talent in front of an energetic and enthusiastic crowd. There are also workshops for hooping, yoga, belly dancing, multi-prop and beat-dropping.

Rotary Music and Motion

September 15 – 16

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

Three exciting events to check out: Beethoven on the Bow (outdoor concert), Grits for Glenbow (gala) and Run at the Ranch (5k, 10k or half-marathon). Brought to you by the Calgary Rotary Clubs and Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.

Calgary International Improv Festival

September 17 – 23
Various venues
Check out improv sketches, skits and shows from local talents including Loose Moose, the Kinkonauts and Calgary Young People’s Theatre. Colin Mochrie – Canadian actor and comedian – mostly known for starring in Whose Line Is It Anyway? will once again make a special guest appearance.

Calgary International Film Festival

September 20 – 30

Various venues

Celebrating 13 years of featuring multi-genre films from across the globe, this has become of one the largest film festivals in Canada. There are more than just films – be sure to check out the gala, awards ceremonies and special presentations.

Calgary International Flamenco Festival

September 23 – 29
Various venues
The rising popularity of flamenco makes this one of the most sensual and passionate dance and music festivals in the world. The festival features performances, workshops and concerts. On the last day, local talents will come together in an electrifying collaborative performance.

Festa Italiana

September 28 – 29

Calgary Italian Club

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Calgary Italian Club, a festival will be held to mark this significant milestone. There will be plenty of delicious Italian dishes, pasta making demonstrations and lessons in cooking, language and Bocce.

Calgary Festivals are a great time to romance, relax and have fun. What better way to enjoy some local Calgary attractions and events than at one of these festivals, each with their own unique niche and charm.

For more local attractions, be sure to check out our Top Indoor Activities and Top Outdoor Activities in Calgary. And for those looking for some family-oriented fun, check out our Calgary Family Activities.