Hey Wanderers!
Get ready to bundle up and embrace the magic of winter because Chinook Blast is taking over Calgary until February 17 with a brand-new festival footprint! With Olympic Plaza under construction, the festival is reimagined to bring fresh energy and new experiences, all packed into Stephen Avenue and The Confluence.
Whether you're here for live music, immersive light installations, winter sports, or family-friendly activities, this is your ultimate guide to making the most of Chinook Blast 2025!
Where to Experience Chinook Blast
🌟 Stephen Avenue (Evenings & Nightlife Fun)
📍 1st St SE to 3rd St SW
Stephen Ave will be glowing with vibrant light installations, roaming performers, live music, and festival energy like never before. Enjoy the magic of winter in a concentrated 4-block space, making it easy to explore all the action!
🗓 Live Music & Roaming Performances:
Feb 7 - 8: 6:45 PM - 10 PM
Feb 14 - 16: 6:45 PM - 10 PM
Feb 17 (Family Day): 2 PM - 5 PM
🔥 The Confluence (Winter Sport Hub & Daytime Fun)
📍 Outdoor space near Fort Calgary
This is where you’ll find all the winter sports action, sleigh rides, ice carving, food trucks, and more! If you love outdoor fun, this is the place to be.
🗓 Daytime Activities:
Feb 1, 2, 8 & 9: 1 PM - 5 PM
Feb 15 & 16: Skijordue (Winter sports & fondue event!)
🚶♂️ Bonus: There’s a convenient and sheltered walking path through the City Hall Atrium to help you get from The Confluence to Stephen Ave without freezing!
What to See & Do at Chinook Blast
Light Up the Night – Stunning Art & Light Installations
This year, Chinook Blast is unveiling eight brand-new light installations that will transform downtown Calgary into a glowing winter wonderland. Some highlights include:
Echo of Snow – Walk between mirrored 6-foot snowflakes reflecting thousands of lights.
INFRA – See glowing thermal wolves come to life at night.
Journey Through the Stars – A breathtaking starry light display inspired by folklore and history.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t miss any of them! Plan your visit and try to see them all.
Move to the Beat – Free Concerts & Performances
The RISE UP Calgary Community Outdoor Stage is back, featuring incredible live performances from local musicians. Grab a hot drink and enjoy the tunes!
Roaming street performances will also take over Stephen Ave, including:
Glowful Wanderings – Performers on stilts bringing light and energy to the streets.
Puppet Stuff Canada – Meet Creatures of the Deep and Bird is the Word!
📌 Pro Tip: If it's too cold, concerts on Feb 1 & 2 will move inside to THE CORE (324 8 Ave SW) from 3 PM - 6 PM.
Get Active – Winter Sports & Family Fun
Head over to The Confluence for outdoor winter activities, including:
Free Skating Rink (bring your skates or rent them on-site)
Live Ice Carving
Sleigh Rides
Calgary Surge Outdoor Basketball Court
Drag on Ice Show
📌 Pro Tip: Feb 15 & 16 is Skijordue, where you can watch skijoring (skiing while being pulled by a horse) AND eat delicious fondue!
Explore the Winter Markets
Looking for a unique shopping experience? Chinook Blast is hosting three weekend markets at The Pioneer on Stephen Ave featuring local artists and vendors.
Under $200 Art Show - Mini Showcase (One weekend only!)
Authentically Indigenous Winter Market
Imaginasian: Asian Night Market
📌 Pro Tip: These markets are great for discovering one-of-a-kind art, handmade crafts, and delicious food!
SuperDogs – A Must-See Show for Families
The SuperDogs are performing jaw-dropping stunts and tricks at Chinook Blast! A perfect show for families with kids.
🗓 Showtimes:
📌 Feb 1 & 2: 4:30 PM, 5:45 PM, 7:00 PM
📌 Feb 7 - 9: 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM
📌 Feb 14 - 16: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM
📌 Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot for the show!
Win Big – Chinook Blast Augmented Reality Contest
Want to win a $100 gift card to The CORE? Chinook Blast is running an Augmented Reality (AR) contest all festival long!
💡 How to enter:
1️⃣ Find a Chinook Blast mascot QR code around the festival (hint: they’re at The Confluence & Stephen Ave).
2️⃣ Scan the QR code with your phone.
3️⃣ Take a photo with the AR mascot.
4️⃣ Share it on Instagram stories and tag @ChinookBlast to enter.
📌 Pro Tip: There are 5 mascots to find—each one gives you an extra entry!
Plan Your Visit to Chinook Blast
📅 Dates: January 31 - February 17, 2025
📍 Locations:
Daytime Activities: The Confluence (1 PM - 5 PM on select days)
Evening Activities: Stephen Avenue (6:45 PM - 10 PM)
🎟️ Admission: FREE!
🔗 Visit www.chinookblast.ca to check out the full schedule and plan your winter adventure!
Final Thoughts – Why You Can’t Miss Chinook Blast
Whether you're watching the SuperDogs, exploring the glowing light installations, shopping at a winter market, or dancing to live music, Chinook Blast is the ultimate way to experience winter in Calgary.
So grab your warmest coat, your besties, and a cup of hot chocolate and make the most of this winterrrrific festival!
📌 Tag a friend who NEEDS to check this out!
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