Warm up your winter with Chinook Blast in Calgary. This winter festival is a celebration of the best of winter in Calgary with fun and unique ways to warm up your schedule. Local artists will illuminate winter nights with photo-worthy installations along with events and activities from iconic winter events, including High Performance Rodeo, BIG Winter Classic, Nitro Rallycross, Snow Rodeo, Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater, and Ethnik Festival. Discover everything you need to know about Chinook Blast from January 27 to February 12, 2023.

NEW this year, Tourism Calgary and Chinook Blast have partnered up to launch a free mobile Check-In Challenge! ‘Check-In’ on your device at participating events and art installations throughout Chinook Blast to earn points and entries into weekly prize draws! Reach and redeem 500 points for a free pair of cozy chinook blast mittens (while quantities last!). Every Check-In earns an entry into the Grand Prize Giveaway: The Ultimate Winter Calgary Staycation Package! Learn More & Sign Up.

What is Chinook Blast?

Chinook Blast is a winter festival in Calgary and the perfect chance to celebrate the season. Free and fun festivities for the whole family will be available with art installations, activities, buskers, pop-up performances, a community stage, and an artist pavilion. This year you can participate in a variety of world-class festivals, free outdoor programming, artistic light displays, and cultural experiences. From Sport Calgary skating events and DIY Crafting Workshops to Musical Matinees, and Hackathons, there truly is something for everyone.

When is Chinook Blast?

Chinook Blast takes place from January 27 to February 12, 2023, with festivities happening around the city before and after to warm you up to the festival and keep the party going after. Bundle up and enjoy the outdoor and indoor fun this winter in Calgary with free activities that will take place throughout the festival.

What activities are part of Chinook Blast?

From live music and sporting events to art installations and night markets, Chinook Blast has something for everyone to enjoy. A collection of free activities and community pop-ups will also light up Calgary neighborhoods to create unique Chinook Blast experiences. Tickets are not required to visit the free festivities and installations.

Five iconic events will take place during Chinook Blast, including High Performance Rodeo (January 16 – February 5), BIG Winter Classic (January 25-29), Nitro Rally Cross (February 5-6), Snow Rodeo (February 6-12), and Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater (February 9-12) with the Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture wrapping up the month (February 24-25).Tickets and festival passes to these events will be available from individual event organizers.

Check out the complete Chinook Blast event schedule for a detailed list of all events.

Where is Chinook Blast?

Chinook Blast includes a series of outdoor displays throughout the downtown core of Calgary. You can find all the action throughout Stephen Avenue, Olympic Plaza, East Village and Eau Claire. The entire festival is a walkable experience everyone can enjoy. Keep a lookout for other displays throughout downtown Calgary during the festival.

Getting to Chinook Blast is easy with Calgary Transit routes throughout the city making stops in the downtown core. Taking the C-Train is a great way to access the Chinook Blast activations with stops at 3rd Street SW, 1st Street SW, Centre Street, or City Hall. Street parking and Calgary Parking Authority parking lots are easy to access throughout the downtown core. Park near Olympic Plaza for the best experience.

Festival partners will host events at various locations throughout the city.

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