Calgary’s International Avenue is about to turn into a full street takeover for one night only. Honestly, it’s a must-go for anyone who is into live music, food, and just wandering around a neighbourhood where something is happening on every corner.
On May 23, the East Town Get Down, an independent music and food festival, will take over 17th Avenue SE. Instead of being set up like a traditional festival, the whole street becomes the experience, with live performances popping up in restaurants that showcase diverse genres such as jazz-rap, post-punk, and folk music, all accompanied by international cuisine.
What the East Town Get Down is all about
According to the East Town Get Down, the festival is built around the idea of turning everyday spaces into live music venues. Over 40 local and national acts will be featured throughout the night, performing in intimate and unconventional settings such as restaurants and even a bowling alley! The experience is designed to feel more like a neighbourhood crawl rather than a fixed event.
International Avenue is also known as Calgary’s Culinary and Cultural Capital, and honestly, it really lives up to that name. The businesses along the street are all about serving up authentic food at reasonable prices, and that’s a big part of what the East Town Get Down is all about.
During the festival, every participating venue will offer $5 food plates, so you can try several different spots while you’re moving through the neighbourhood instead of just sticking to one place.
And if you’re in need of a little refreshment throughout the crawl, Annex Ales is the official festival beer, and it basically ties the whole thing together as you bounce through sets and food stops.
There is also plenty happening around the festival area before and throughout the night. Starting at 5 p.m. along 32nd St. SE, the Makers Market will feature local crafters, giving visitors a chance to browse handmade items before heading into the main festival space.
The event is also very family-friendly, with youth aged 12 and under able to enter all-ages venues for free when accompanied by a paid adult, making it an easy option for families to experience the event together.
East Town Get Down is one of those events that makes you realize how much is happening in Calgary, different food cultures, different artists, all coming together for one night in one place. It’s a simple idea, yet it really shows how much talent and diversity the city has.
When: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: 3223 17th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $50 + fees
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