Calgary Festivals for September of 2012
And the Festivals Are…
Hidden Gems Film Festival
- August 23-25, 30, 31 and September 1
- Cardel Centre
- A line up of eight Indian films covering different genres including drama, documentary, war and romance.
Calgary Pride
- August 27 – September 3
- Various venues
- This festival symbolizes the fabric of our city: tolerance, support and celebration of diversity.
- Featuring films, dances, BBQ, a rooftop party and the infamous Pride Parade in the downtown area. 2012 marks the first time an Alberta premier will make an appearance.
X-Fest
- September 1
- Fort Calgary
- X marks the spot at Fort Calgary where you can rock on to Grammy-award winning Linkin Park and Incubus. If you prefer to steer clear of the mainstream route, check out L.P., a soulful songwriter from New York City or The Joy Formidable, the Welsh trio.
Gujarati Cultural Festival
- September 1 – 2
- Various venues
- This festival celebrates the state of Gujarat, India through food, dance, music and arts. Special events include the traditional dance competition, cultural exhibition, indoor cricket tournament, art displays and tantalizing Indian dishes.
BBQ on the Bow
- September 2
- Eau Claire Park
- Dubbed as Canada’s oldest BBQ competition, chefs from North America will go against each other to win the crown for best BBQ sauce and Chef’s Challenge. Plenty of booths selling the best BBQ sauce and spices and so much more. And for the kids, there is a Children’s Craft Tent filled with activities, crafts and entertainment.
Calgary Mini Maker Faire
- September 8
- East Village Riverwalk
- Calling all Makers!!! A Maker is a person or group who create, invent, design, build or install objects or information systems to encourage, educate and inspire others. There will be displays of creativity and innovation in areas of technology, arts, craft, science, fashion and food. This is a family-friendly festival so children and youth are encouraged to become a Maker.
Calgary Saudi Arabian Festival
- September 8
- Olympic Plaza
- 2012 marks the inaugural year of this festival organized by the Calgary Saudi Students Club. Learn more about the culture through music, dancing, fashion and food. There will be a cafe offering traditional coffee, tea and sweets. And don’t miss the cooking lessons on how to prepare some of their traditional treats.
Calgary Electronic Music Festival
- Shaw Millennium Park
- September 14 – 15
- Three stages, two days and one massive park. CEMF brings together music lovers to celebrate the electronic music movement. This event provides an opportunity for local DJs, producers and musicians to showcase their talent in front of an energetic and enthusiastic crowd. There are also workshops for hooping, yoga, belly dancing, multi-prop and beat-dropping.
Rotary Music and Motion
- September 15 – 16
- Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
- Three exciting events to check out: Beethoven on the Bow (outdoor concert), Grits for Glenbow (gala) and Run at the Ranch (5k, 10k or half-marathon). Brought to you by the Calgary Rotary Clubs and Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.
Calgary International Improv Festival
- September 17 – 23
- Various venues
- Check out improv sketches, skits and shows from local talents including Loose Moose, the Kinkonauts and Calgary Young People’s Theatre. Colin Mochrie – Canadian actor and comedian – mostly known for starring in Whose Line Is It Anyway? will once again make a special guest appearance.
Calgary International Film Festival
- September 20 – 30
- Various venues
- Celebrating 13 years of featuring multi-genre films from across the globe, this has become of one the largest film festivals in Canada. There are more than just films – be sure to check out the gala, awards ceremonies and special presentations.
Calgary International Flamenco Festival
- September 23 – 29
- Various venues
- The rising popularity of flamenco makes this one of the most sensual and passionate dance and music festivals in the world. The festival features performances, workshops and concerts. On the last day, local talents will come together in an electrifying collaborative performance.
Festa Italiana
- September 28 – 29
- Calgary Italian Club
- To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Calgary Italian Club, a festival will be held to mark this significant milestone. There will be plenty of delicious Italian dishes, pasta making demonstrations and lessons in cooking, language and Bocce.
Calgary Festivals are a great time to romance, relax and have fun. What better way to enjoy some local Calgary attractions and events than at one of these festivals, each with their own unique niche and charm.
For more local attractions, be sure to check out our Top Indoor Activities and Top Outdoor Activities in Calgary. And for those looking for some family-oriented fun, check out our Calgary Family Activities.
Please let us know what your favourite festivals are below!