Chinook Blast returns January 31 - February 17, 2025

Warm up your winter with Chinook Blast in Calgary. This winter festival features a dynamic mix of live music, outdoor sports, captivating art installations, and unique cultural experiences.

What is Chinook Blast?

Chinook Blast is an annual winter festival in Calgary, now in its fifth year. The heart of the festival is historic Stephen Avenue. From 1st Street SE to 3rd Street SW you can expect magical lights, mesmerizing art installations, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Other Chinook Blast events include markets at The Pioneer, a winter sports hub at The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), and a self-guided art walk in East Village. The best part - virtually all the programming is free!

When is Chinook Blast?

Chinook Blast takes place from January 31 - February 17, 2025, with festivities happening around the city. Most event programming is during the weekends. Check the Chinook Blast event calendar to plan your visit.

Where is Chinook Blast?

The core Chinook Blast events and activations are at two downtown locations - Stephen Avenue and The Confluence.

Stephen Avenue (1st Street SE to 3rd Street SW)

• February 7, 8, 14, & 15 - GLOWful Wanderings – Roaming Performance
• February 7, & 16 - Roaming live circus animations
• February 1 - Under $200 Art Show
• February 7 - Authentically Indigenous Winter Market
• February 14 - Asian Night Market
• Ongoing art installations, performances, and activities

The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary)

• February 8 & 9 - Horse-drawn wagon rides
• February 8 - Drag on Ice 3
• February 9 - Calgary Surge Outdoor Basketball Court Activation
• Ongoing skating and cross-country skiing

Taking the CTrain is a great way to access the Chinook Blast activities on Stephen Avenue with stops at 3rd Street SW, 1st Street SW, and Centre Street. The Confluence is a 15-minute walk from the City Hall CTrain station. It can also easily be accessed by car. There is a large paid parking lot right out front.

What Other Events Are Happening During Chinook Blast?

Chinook Blast is a festival of festivals, with many related events happening throughout the city, including three Festival Partners:

High Performance Rodeo

• What: Experience three exhilarating weeks featuring over 190 talented artists and a spectacular lineup with 28 productions and 10 free events at High Performance Rodeo.
• Where: The Big Secret Theatre inside Arts Commons
• When: January 14 - February 2

Block Heater

• What: Calgary’s dynamic winter music festival is back, with an eclectic mix of independent artists from the local scene, Canada, and the globe. The 2025 Block Heater headliners are Kathleen Edwards, Basia Bulat, Black Mountain, and TEKE::TEKE.
• Where: Various downtown locations
• When: February 14-15

Ethnik Festival

• What: Celebrate the rich traditions of Calgary's Afro-Canadian and Caribbean communities. Ethnik Festival will showcase an impressive array of talent from Calgary, across Canada, and around the world, spotlighting creativity and connection.
• When & Where:  February 21 at Carya Village Commons; February 22 at The Genesis Centre

Other Events During Chinook Blast

• January 25-26, February 1-2 – Chinese Lunar New Year Festival 2025
• February 8 - NMC Presents: Black History Month
• February 12 - Le Patin Libre: Murmuration
• February 21-22 - Snow Rodeo FIS Snowboard Slopestyle & Halfpipe World Cups
• February 13 – Calgary Marriott Downtown Concert Series
• February 15 – Fishtival
• February 15-16 – SkijorDue
• Until February 17 - Cabane à Curling
• Until February 17 - Taste the City
• Until February 17 - Celebrating Indigenous Arts in Kensington

For the full schedule of events check out the Chinook Blast event calendar.

Follow Chinook Blast on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest updates.