Why You Should Go to Calgary’s GlobalFest Fireworks Festival

Why Take a Trip to Elliston Park for YYC’s GlobalFest?

If a kaleidoscope of fireworks exploding overtop and reflecting off Elliston Park’s pond doesn’t do it for you, then I don’t know what will. Hey, fireworks don’t interest everybody and that’s totally okay! But if you do like fireworks, then GlobalFest is where it’s at.

GlobalFest is Calgary’s biggest annual fireworks festival and without a doubt puts on the most extravagant show of its kind all year. The Calgary Stampede, Calgary Zoo and Canada Day fireworks don’t even compare when it comes to the variety of explosions, colours and patterns you see at GlobalFest.

But wait…. fireworks aren’t for everyone remember? Then the question remains; why go to GlobalFest with your friends, family or loved ones in the first place? The answer lay within the engaging community and cultural activities happening before the nightly firework shows.

*Photo above by J&J Lawrence Photography

Food Concessionaries

One of the things we love about GlobalFest are the food concessionaries found around the festival grounds. These pop-up tents showcase cuisines form different countries of the world – like the Caribbean, for example – and sometimes will have informative displays with cool cultural facts inside.

It’s always fun trying out new cuisines made fresh and to order by people who in some cases have had these recipes handed down to them over generations. Discovering a new favourite meal is likely to happen at the food concessionaries; it happened to us at once we tried Caribbean spicy jerk chicken thighs at one of them – absolutely delicious!

With food in hand (and mouth), learning the history and other neat facts about these diverse cultures is an immersing and fun experience no matter your age.

Night Market

Another thing we love at about GlobalFest are the artisan shops found at the Night Market. These shops are just as diverse as the cultures and foods in the cultural pavilions; you never know what neat keepsakes and gifts you’ll find inside.

Some of the things we’ve found at the GlobalFest Night Market:

• Nepalese, Thai and Indian cotton and wool jackets

• Colourful Indian, Indonesian and Thai tapestries, bandanas, jewellery and ornaments

• Cotton, satin and rayon summer dresses, pants, shorts and tops

• Unique phone cases and other mobile accessories

• Custom lamp shades made from recycled materials

• Wirework pendants, lockets, pocket watch necklaces, silk wrist raps with nature-inspired designs

• Animal pet supplies and toys

A Little Something for Everyone

What kind of festival doesn’t have alcoholic beverages and an adults-only section to enjoy them in? GlobalFest’s OneWorld Bar and Beer Garden provides the opportunity to crack a cold one or sip on your favourite alcoholic drink.

At every all-aged festival, there’s going to be tons of kids too! Not to worry as they even have their own section called the Children’s Village featuring slides, bouncy houses, puzzles and arts and crafts.

Throw in the food concessions and night market shops and you have an all-round festival experience at GlobalFest. Heck, not everyone likes fireworks, but there’s more than enough to keep even those who don’t like them at Elliston Park!

I Love Calgary

What do you like or not like about GlobalFest? Leave us a comment below and let us know! For more of the best Calgary activities, events and everything else to do with YYC, be sure to give us a like at Calgaryism on Facebook and Instagram – stay updated via your live social media feed today! We hope to see you there!