Calgary's signature winter celebration, Chinook Blast, is set to return with a brand-new location and an ambitious vision to transform the city's core into a vibrant winter village. The sixth annual festival will run from January 30 to February 16, 2026, making its debut at the newly renovated Eau Claire Plaza.
A New Home and a Bold Vision
Organizers have promised an "art-full" winter wonderland that is completely free to the public. The shift to Eau Claire Plaza marks a significant new chapter for the festival, which aims to inject energy into downtown Calgary during the coldest months. Festival curator Victoria Bucholtz expressed excitement about the new format, stating it will create a captivating hub in the city's heart.
"The format this year is really going to wow people," said Bucholtz. "It's going to really build a winter village at the heart of our city, and I think that's so cool."
Art, Performance, and Community Building
The 2026 lineup, unveiled at a press conference on Monday, January 19, features an impressive array of attractions designed for all ages. Attendees can expect:
- 14 larger-than-life art installations from local and international artists, including works from Calgary, California, Edmonton, and Louisiana.
- Dozens of live music performances across multiple genres.
- The popular return of Drag on Ice.
- Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences.
Paul Magnuson, another festival curator, emphasized the diverse artistic lineup. "We're bringing installations from Calgary to California, Edmonton to Louisiana, and as many global touring installations as we possibly can," Magnuson said. "There really isn't just one thing."
More Than Entertainment: A Strategy for Winter Vitality
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas highlighted the festival's critical role in the city's broader strategies for downtown and winter activation. He framed Chinook Blast as an essential tool for city building, not merely a series of events.
"This festival is not just entertainment, it's city building," Mayor Farkas stated. "A great city doesn't go quiet just because the temperature drops. A great city stays active. It stays welcoming, it stays vibrant 12 months in every year."
Farkas noted the festival's power to draw people together and bring much-needed foot traffic to the city centre during a season when indoor retreats are common. Patti Pon, Chair of the Chinook Blast Executive Committee and President of Calgary Arts Development, reflected on the festival's evolution into a cherished winter tradition that showcases local talent and community spirit.
With its new central location at Eau Claire Plaza, expanded programming, and continued free admission, Chinook Blast 2026 is poised to become a cornerstone of Calgary's winter identity, offering warmth, inspiration, and pride to all who attend.
