GlobalFest
In August, the sky above Calgary is going to be bright, bold and brilliant for five mind-blowing nights of celebration and you’re invited.
Photo credit: Travel Alberta
Note: These events and activities are no longer up to date. Check out What to Do in Calgary This Week for more great things to see and do in Calgary.
GlobalFest - Momentary Pause
Subscribe to our newsletter for more ways to explore
Celebrate a World of Difference at GlobalFest - Alberta’s can’t-miss summer festival experience. Every year, thousands of people gather to celebrate the multicultural city of Calgary through song, dance, food, and five nights of mind-blowing firework displays. Come down and check out this amazing event that keeps getting better every year.
Elliston Park (Credit: Heather Dunbar)
What is GlobalFest and why is it a big deal?
GlobalFest is celebrating its 23rd anniversary in 2025 with close to 20 cultural pavilions, community activation spaces, children’s programming, Passport Pursuit, and Night Market vendors all returning to Elliston Park this summer. This multicultural celebration of Calgary’s diversity brings people together from all over the world.
Starting August 14, Calgary’s Elliston Park hosts five incredible nights of music and artistic performances. Calgary is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, and GlobalFest shows this off in a lively and fun way that allows you to meet new people, taste new food, and learn about all the things that make this place an international city with so much to offer.
When the sun sets and the lights go down, dazzling fireworks displays light up the night sky - something festival goers look forward to each year. This year’s celebration event will showcase presentations produced by world-class pyro musical artists hailing from USA, Malaysia, Philippines, and China, plus a Canadian-produced finale.
What does the event involve?
Even if you have been coming to GlobalFest since it began in 2003, you can still find something fresh and exciting each night. GlobalFest is much more than just fireworks. Every night, Elliston Park opens at 6:00 p.m. to kick-off a party that includes the TD Main Stage and Air Canada Village Stage, featuring live cultural performances from when the gates open until the fireworks light up the sky. Be sure to check out the cultural pavilions , where you can take a trip around the world in five nights by soaking up music, traditional dress, and curated wares from over 15 different cultural communities in Calgary. Don’t miss the night market, international food booths and children’s programming.
As you travel from one cultural pavilion to the next, you’ll gain knowledge about these cultures that you can use to answer trivia in GlobalFest’s Passport Pursuit game . Offered digitally with the ClueSolvers app as well as the traditional passport booklet, patrons will answer region-specific trivia questions and be entered to win huge prizes.
In the true spirit of celebrating Calgary’s multiculturalism, GlobalFest holds a citizenship ceremony at Elliston Park where newcomers to this city will be welcomed as Canadians. This embodiment of GlobalFest is a special moment at the festival and a sight to see.
What are the fireworks like?
You don’t get dubbed, “the most explosive festival in Alberta” without putting on a one-of-a-kind firework show. Each night of GlobalFest features a unique performance by world-class pyro-musical artists from around the globe. This year performances will include Austria, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
For the best view of the fireworks, snag a spot in the south bowl overlooking the lake, set up some lawn chairs or blankets, and get comfortable as you gaze up at dazzling displays of light across the night sky - and reflected in the still water below. Every team creates a show tailored for the Elliston Park location to ensure you are experiencing a unique event.
Who should go?
GlobalFest is the perfect way to spend a summer evening and create long-lasting memories and annual traditions. With so many different activities and sights to see, kids love GlobalFest. Spend some time in the playground with programming tailored for children. Activities include story time with Calgary Reads and the Little Red Reading Van along with performances on a small stage for and by other youngsters, and arts and crafts with the Girl Guides of Canada!
Foodies, this one's for you! The international food trucks and booths dotted around the park will tempt you with their delicious smells and tastes! A night market and community activities round out the outdoor festival vibe for a great way to spend time with friends or in a group and the warm summer air creates a nice environment for a romantic night out.
Truly anyone who enjoys a lively atmosphere, fantastic music, and culture will love GlobalFest. And of course, anyone who loves spectacular fireworks displays!
How can I go to GlobalFest?
GlobalFest takes places on August 14-23, 2025.
The venue, Elliston Park , is located at 17 Ave SE and 60 St SE. The park opens each day at 6:00 p.m. and the event runs until 11:30 p.m. There is no parking available at Elliston Park, so our friends at Southland Transportation will provide shuttle services from Sunridge Mall. Parking at the mall is free and the shuttle costs $7.00 per person (round trip). Calgary Transit is also a great option and the 45, 305, and 440 bus routes bring you right to the entrance of the festival.
Get your tickets here to be part of the beautiful showcase of culture that is GlobalFest!
Elliston Park (Credit: Mitra Samavaki)
