Calgary is getting a two-day celebration of Japanese culture with music, markets, and more

A piece of Japanese culture is returning to Calgary this summer as Omatsuri celebrates its 15th anniversary. The annual festival, hosted by the Calgary Japanese Community Association, will return to the city for two days of performances and cultural programming at the Max Bell Centre. And according to organizers, this year’s event will be the biggest one yet!

Now, let’s take a look at what’s going down at the festival this year.

What to expect at Omatsuri 2026

For the past 15 years, Omatsuri has given locals the chance to experience Japanese culture through performances, food, art, and traditions. According to the Calgary Japanese Community Association, this year’s festival will feature a variety of activities throughout the Max Bell Centre, with programming taking place both indoors and outdoors.

The festival will kick off with performances on the Main Stage, where you can watch taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance, and live music. There will also be martial arts demonstrations featuring Kendo, Karate, and Judo, giving visitors a closer look at some of Japan’s traditional practices.

Alongside the performances and demonstrations, there will also be plenty to explore inside the Max Bell Centre, including the Cultural Galleries and Market, where you can browse traditional art, anime merchandise, and items that have been imported straight from Japan.

And no festival would be complete without something delicious to snack on, and Omatsuri’s Japanese Food Zone will offer traditional Japanese snacks for guests to enjoy throughout their visit. Guests can also unwind at the Sake and Beer Garden, which will feature a wide selection of Japanese sakes, local craft brews, and food pairings.

Plan your visit

Omatsuri will take place at the Max Bell Centre on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. General Admission tickets are $17.50, and children under 12 can attend for free. And while many of the food stalls and vendors accept debit and credit cards, organizers encourage visitors to bring some cash for select vendors and activities.

So if a trip to Japan isn’t in the cards for you just yet, Omaturi is a great way to experience a piece of its culture without buying a plane ticket. As the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, it continues to give Calgarians a way to connect with Japanese traditions right in their own backyard.

When: Friday, July 17 to Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Max Bell Centre – 1001 Barlow Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $17.50

Recent posts:
This ‘underrated’ Albertan hamlet is known as the ‘gateway to Kananaskis’
The surprising history behind one of Calgary’s most peaceful parks

Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

Read articles