Calgary’s signature winter event is back this winter, in a brand-new location.
Eau Claire Plaza was unveiled to the public this summer, and it’ll be the home of 2026’s Chinook Blast, a celebration with dazzling lights, live music, markets, and more.
For more than a few years now, Chinook Blast has made winter in Calgary feel a whole lot warmer. The festival will debut at the newly renovated Eau Claire Plaza with an artful winter wonderland experience. You can expect light installations, live music, sports, and an absolutely magical series of events.
It’ll all take place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2026, so grab your mittens, lace up your boots and get ready to beat the cold.
A winter tradition
Chinook Blast blows into town from Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2026, bringing unbeatable performances, impressive art installations and seasonal activities to the heart of the city. Dazzling lights, music and markets will bring some much-needed warmth to some of Calgary’s chilliest days.
The new location at Eau Claire Plaza is just the tip of the iceberg. Chinook Blast has also announced guest curators Paul Magnuson, Victoria Bucholtz (aka Karla Marx), and Kayla Bigras (aka Smokey Waters/B.Sassidy), who will lend their creativity and experience to the festival hub.
One of those will be Drag on Ice on Jan. 31, a Chinook Blast favourite that’s returning even bigger and better with a Frozen Disco Extravaganza at Prince’s Island Lagoon. Joey Jay from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Calgary’s Karla Marx will light up the ice with big wigs, bold looks, and a show that proves drag on skates is the only way to start a festival.
Art, live performance, and more
The energy keeps building on Feb. 7 with MOVE, an open-air electronic music showcase with deep beats and standout regional talent. In collaboration with VERSIONS, ILTYYC, and B!G ART, this vibrant night will blend music, art and spectacle, offering a space where friends and family can dance the evening away.
Then on Feb. 14, the Blue Jay Sessions will bring a special Valentine’s Day event full of live music to the park. The lineup is packed with local Calgary singer-songwriters, including Tea Fannie and Alex Hughes, who will perform love songs and heartbreak anthems.
“What began as a way to brighten the coldest months has become a winter tradition that celebrates the artists, performers, and community builders who make Calgary what it is,” said Patti Pon, chair of the Chinook Blast executive committee, in a press release. “This year, we’re welcoming a handful of international creators to join our amazing local talent for a festival that is sure to excite, inspire and delight.”
The markets will also be back in a brand-new home. You’ll enjoy the fresh mix of artists and businesses after you take a second to sip and warm up at a new beer garden from Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, just steps away from Eau Claire Plaza, will also welcome the return of Authentically Indigenous and Seconds Collective, Calgary’s coolest vintage and secondhand pop-up market.
It’ll be three weekends packed with free entertainment celebrating the very best of Calgary. This is only a sneak peek; stay tuned for when the full lineup is released in January 2026!
When: Friday, Jan. 30 to Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: Varies by date
Where: Eau Claire Plaza — 101 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
Tickets: Free
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