SLED ISLAND MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
It’s time again to get weird and have fun because Sled Island is back. This indie music and arts bash brings a massive lineup with over 150 local and international artists taking to the stage, plus art and comedy shows over five days. This year’s curator, Otoboke Beaver, brings frantic Japanese punk rock to the Blue Sky City, joined by The Mummies, Tropical Fuck Storm, and so much more.
June 18 to 22, multiple venues, sledisland.com
JAZZ YYC SUMMER FESTIVAL
Whether you like your jazz smooth or with funk and groove to make you move, Jazz YYC provides. With jaw-drop- ping headliners like ARTEMIS and Mike Stern and plenty of local and international surprises, this week of jazz will be something to remember.
June 23 to 29, multiple venues, jazzyyc.com
SOUND ATLAS FESTIVAL
Back for its third edition, Sound Atlas is taking over Contemporary Calgary with three days of experimental noise, original compositions, and chamber music. This year’s theme is “Sonic Playground” and promises tons of whimsy for those with curious ears.
June 27 to 29, Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St. S.W., soundatlasfest.com
COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Top 40 powerhouses are taking to the stage once more for the legendary Cowboys Music Festival. Beyond the bumpin’ tunes, the mayor of Flavourtown himself, Guy Fieri hosts the 6th annual Cowboys Cook-Off on the 8th day of the festival.
July 3 to 13, Cowboys Park, 1220 9 Ave. S.W., cowboysmusicfestival.com
BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Get ready to party at the Badlands Music Festival. These 10 days are packed with EDM, hip-hop and pop hits to throw it back to. Radio heavy-hitter Zedd takes to the stage this year, which will be a night you won’t want to miss.
July 3 to 13, 725 9 Ave. S.W., badlandsmusicfest.com
CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Summer classic Folk Fest is back for its 46th year. Whether you’re a fan of the artists performing or just looking for a way to enjoy the sun, Folk Fest always brings a great vibe.
July 24 to 27, Prince’s Island Park, calgaryfolkfest.com
TERMINUS FESTIVAL
Experience the darker side of Calgary’s music festival offerings with Terminus. This year’s edition is entitled “Modulation” and brings in Twin Tribes and Front Line Assembly as headliners.
July 24 to 27, Dickens Pub, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BLUESFEST
Experience The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary) in a way you never have before with Calgary Bluesfest. Enjoy both blues legends and rising stars against the historic backdrop, and hit up the arts market for some one-of-a-kind finds.
July 31 to August 3, The Confluence Historic Park, 750 9 Ave. S.E., calgarybluesfest.com
CALGARY FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Don your boots and cap and hike down to Camp Fringe. This year’s week of indie theatre embraces a camping theme, with volunteer “rangers” taking guests on a walking tour of the festival’s venues.
August 1 to 9, multiple venues, calgaryfringe.ca
EASTERN SLOPES MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Eastern Slopes enters its second year in the music festival game, introducing an arts and market element this year. With a variety of musical genres and located right next to the playground, it’s a day out everyone will love.
August 23, Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Ave. S.W., easternslopesfest.com
REGGAEFEST
Calgary ReggaeFest makes its triumphant return to St.Patrick’s Island for two days packed with reggae, hip hop and R&B.
August 29 to 30, The Rise on St. Patrick’s Island, reggaefest.ca
