Your Guide to Chinook Blast in East Village

It’s that time of year again…Calgary’s beloved winter festival, Chinook Blast, returns for its third year and we are more than ready for the eye-popping, show-stopping winter fun that awaits us.

Over the next three weeks, experience electrifying art installations, live music, theatrical performances, sporting activities and more throughout East Village and downtown.

Explore, discover, and celebrate winter from January 27 - February 12 with this curated list of experiences you don’t want to miss.

Photo credit: Breeze Photography

Artists Pavilion at Central Library
Take in weekly pop-up performances by local artists in celebration of Indigenous culture and Black History Month. Check out a new group of artists every Thursday and Friday in the library’s Welcome Gallery.

When: January 26 & 27, February 2, 3, 9 & 10 | 11:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Central Library

Fireside Stories at Fort Calgary
On January 28 and February 4 gather around the fire to hear captivating tales from Indigenous storytellers from Treaty 7.

When: January 28, 1 – 2pm | February 4, 4 – 5pm
Where: Fort Calgary

MakeFashion x Indi City Wearable Tech Fashion Show
Technology meets tradition in a fashion show like no other. A collaboration between wearable tech fashion group, MakeFashion, and Indigenous design duo, Indi City, see what they have dreamed up on the runway February 3rd.

When: February 3, 5 – 6pm
Where: Central Library

YYC Hacks Hackathon
Coders come together February 3 – 5 at this special winter edition hackathon to create innovative software to showcase Calgary’s winter tourism industry.

When: February 3 – 5
Where: Platform Innovation Centre

Nordic at Night
For one night only, the East Village Nordic Loop will be transformed into an all-ages cross-country ski glow party. Glow and glide on Saturday, February 4th as we light up the loop!

East Village Nordic Loop, a groomed 1km cross-country ski loop on the Fort Calgary lands, is open daily from 7am to 10pm.

When: February 4, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Fort Calgary

Rock the Nation
Take a journey through five decades of Canadian music with weekend performances of the musical revue show, Rock the Nation. Running from January 28 to March 5, discover how our nation, and our music were influenced by the changing world

When: Every Saturday & Sunday from January 28 – March 5
Where: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

Sundays in C-Square
Shake off the winter blues every weekend with a rotating schedule of activities, live music, and other special events are enhanced with cozy firepits, giant games, and balmy winter vibes.

When: Sundays, 12 – 4pm
Where: Celebration Square

Curling on the Island
Hurry hard to the mini pop-up curling rink in Confluence Plaza at the east end of St. Patrick’s Island. EAST Team will be popping up January 27, February 3 and 10 with fun activities for all.

When: Daily from 8am – 6pm | Pop-ups – January 27, February 3 & 10, 3 – 6pm
Where: St. Patrick’s Island, Confluence Plaza

Hygge Hut
The firepits are lit and ready for snuggle season at Hygge Hut. This contemporary, Scandinavian-style space is inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge – a coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable. Follow the smell of campfire and discover Hygge Hut on RiverWalk.

When: Fridays, 3 – 6pm, Saturdays & Sundays, 12 – 6pm
Where: East Village RiverWalk (East of Simmons Building)

The Warm Fuzzy Challenge by CRATE Art Therapy
Engage the five senses and improve mental health with this warm-hearted scavenger hunt.

When: January 27 – February 12
Where: Hygge Hut

Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture – Calgary Food War
Join celebrity Chef Roger Mooking on February 24 for a cooking competition featuring four notable Calgarians

When: February 24, 12 – 2:30pm
Where: Village Commons


Experience East Village to the fullest by visiting one of the many restaurants, retailers, and attractions in the area. View the map and business directory here.

Share your East Village Chinook Blast stories by tagging #eastvillageyyc and #chinookblast. Visit Chinook Blast to view the full event schedule and attractions.

Alison Robertson