Calgary's Chinook Blast Festival returns for fifth year
2025 festival lineup includes new venue at The Confluence.
Chinook Blast
Calgarians have enjoyed the lights in downtown during previous Chinook Blast celebrations.
Chinook Blast, Calgary's winter festival, will celebrate its fifth anniversary when it returns later this month.
From January 31 to February 17, the festival aims to provide a platform for emerging artists in downtown Calgary, boosting the city's economy.
The Chinook Blast 2025 lineup, unveiled Thursday, features a mix of new and returning performers, including music, dance, film, puppetry and live light shows. The latest addition to the festival is a new center for its daily activities and sports programs in The Confluence.
From January 31 to February 17, Chinook Blast will create two main hubs, with Stephen Ave from First Street S.E to Third Street S.W. Explosion Chinook
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek poses for a photo with Chinook Blast performers and Calgary Surge mascot Surgio.
The festival features more than 190 artists in 28 productions and 10 free events this year, half a decade after it launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since then, we've continued to grow, adapt and listen to feedback so we can create a festival that truly connects with Calgarians and attracts visitors from around the world," said festival director Luke Azevedo.
The city is also hosting 70 partners who will host more than 120 events this year, including eight new art installations and three new markets.
Calgary's Chinook Blast Festival returns with parades, sports tournaments and live entertainment
"Chinook Blast plays a vital role in our downtown strategy, which aims to stimulate our economy, create jobs and contribute to a vibrant future for the heart of our city," said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Last year, the festival attracted more than 433,000 people and generated $15.7 million in economic impact.
Festival Highlights
Chinook Blast's 2025 lineup includes acts as diverse as Bollywood's Dhanak, psychedelic funk duo Sargeant x Comrade, and neo-soul group Zenon+.
The festival also features markets like the Seconds Vintage Market, performances by groups like the aGoGo dance troupe, screenings of films like Eddie the Eagle and Ice Age, and an outdoor basketball court activation with the local Canadian Basketball League team the Calgary Surge.