Chinook Blast in Back! January 30 - February 16

Calgary’s annual winter festival, Chinook Blast, returns to downtown for eight days of free, all-ages programming across three weekends, January 30 to February 16. The festival hub will once again be at the newly renovated Eau Claire Plaza (101 Barclay Parade SW), transforming winter into a season of music, art, sport, and community connection.

This year’s festival features dozens of live performances, roaming entertainment, interactive activities, and 14 large-scale art installations on display daily. Programming spans live music, electronic showcases, drag on ice, cultural performances, artist markets, family activities, and winter sports experiences. Prince’s Island Lagoon will be open for public skating throughout the festival, with skate rentals available on site and select free rental days.

Weekend Highlights

• Weekend 1: January 30 – 31 Opening weekend performances at Eau Claire Plaza, Block Heater programming, Drag on Ice at Prince’s Island Lagoon, roving performers, the Seconds Collective Market (Jan. 30–Feb. 1), and drytooling demonstrations.

  
  

• Weekend 2: February 6 – 7  Local music showcases, electronic music events, snow-based circus performances, the Winter Frost Indigenous Market (Feb. 6–8), and immersive art and fire spectacles.

  
  

• Weekend 3: February 13 – 16  Family-focused programming, cultural showcases, Lunar New Year celebrations, live ice carving at Eau Claire Plaza (Feb. 12–13), live music, freestyle soccer, puppetry, and the festival finale on Family Day.

  
  

Chinook Blast continues to support local artists, performers, makers, and businesses while bringing energy to Calgary’s downtown during the winter months. As a free, community-driven festival, it plays a key role in activating public spaces and strengthening Calgary’s winter city culture.

Location + Know Before You Go

Chinook Blast is located in Eau Claire Plaza (101 Barclay Parade SW) in the heart of downtown Calgary, which means there are plenty of ways to get there. With lots of nearby transit options, parking, and even racks for those who snowbike, there’s an option for everyone.

For full programming details and updates, visit ChinookBlast.ca.