That’s right! You showed up so BIG in the first two years that we couldn’t leave you hanging in 2023.
After all, it is a celebration of Calgary’s amazing people, culture, and pride.
The Next Few Weeks Are Going to Be a Blast
From January 27 – February 12, 2023, Chinook Blast will take over Calgary with art installations, concerts, sporting events, cultural showcases, and so much more!
We got too excited and booked some events ahead of January 27–so if you want to get the “snowball” rolling early, browse this week’s events.
January 27
Chinook Blast Opening Night
6 – 9 pm
Olympic Plaza
Sunglaciers, K-Riz, and The Rondell Roberts Band all take the stage bringing you indie-rock/post-punk, rap/hip-hop/R&B, and soul/funk.
Proudly presented by BIG Winter Classic, Block Heater, and Ethnik Festivals.
The Four Winds Indigenous Showcase and Market
January 27 from 5 – 10 pm, January 28 from 10 am – 6 pm, and January 29 from 10 am – 3 pm
City Hall Atrium
The showcase and market blends vendors and artists from various treaties and regions. Find clothing, jewellery, beadwork, home decor, wellness products, food, and more while listening to musical artists throughout the day.
Speakerhead
January 27 from 5 – 10 pm, January 28 from 10 am – 6 pm, and January 29 from 10 am – 3 pm
City Hall Atrium
Remember MuchMusic’s Speaker’s Corner? Beakerhead has revived it with Speakerhead. Visit the video talk-back booth to sound off what matters most to you in 60 seconds.
An Evening with Alejandro Escovedo
7:30 pm
Flanagan Theatre
You might know Alejandro Escovedo from The Nuns, The True Believers, Rank & File, or his legendary solo career. See him in Calgary for one night only, where he’ll blend Rock ‘n’ Roll with bursts of 70s punk.
Music Mile – Blast on the Mile
12 – 2 pm
East City and Inglewood
Walk a mile on 9th Ave SE from the King Eddy in East Village to the Blue Can in Inglewood to see over 20 shows in venues, parks, patios, and pop-ups in between.
January 28 and 29
Sport Calgary at Olympic Plaza
January 28 and January 29 from 12 – 5 pm
Olympic Plaza
This ice festival is bursting with so many family-friendly activities! Try curling, public skating, and learn to skate or watch demos from the pros at Calgary Synchronized Skating Club and Olympic Skating’s adult figure skaters.
DJ Spice and Aaron the DJ
5 – 8 pm
Olympic Plaza
DJ Spice and Aaron the DJ are well-known in Calgary for getting the party going! Join them at Olympic Plaza, where you can sit, dance, or skate while you listen.
DJ SONIDEF
8 – 10 pm
Olympic Plaza
Keep the night going at Olympic Plaza with DJ SONIDEF, who seamlessly transitions between 90s Hip Hop, R&B, funk, soul, and house music.
Brahms x Radiohead
7:30 pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall
It sold out in 2019, so don’t miss it this year! Conductor Steve Hackman synthesizes Radiohead’s iconic OK Computer and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 with a full orchestra and three solo vocalists.
Meet Steve Hackman on January 29.
While She Sleeps
7:30 pm
Engineered Air Theater – Arts Commons
Listen to Kenna Burima’s brand new grand piano song cycle, only released in songbook form. If you want to hear it, this is your only chance!
Curious Yellow Cabaret
9:30 pm
Engineered Air Theater – Arts Commons
Join Guest Curator Christopher Duthie for a raucous soirée of theatre, music, dance, and comedy. Make it a full evening and see While She Sleeps first.
The Cycling Co. Fat Biking at Shaganappi
11 am – 2:30 pm
Shaganappi Point Golf Course
Bring a helmet and rent a free Norco bike provided by Bow Cycle to test out SNO’s brand-new 8-kilometres of fat bike trails. Visit for the day or come back each Saturday for station-based lessons and skills sessions.
Fireside Stories at Fort Calgary
1 – 2 pm
Fort Calgary
Join Indigenous storytellers around the fire from Treaty 7 who gather, reflect and share stories at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers.
Art and Light Installations
Day and night – Olympic Plaza
We’re lighting up the night sky for the duration of Chinook Blast at these locations. From the Array to Winter Castle to the beloved fire breathing dragon, you better have your camera ready! These installations will be around throughout the three weeks!
It’s Only the Beginning
Keep an eye out for more events throughout the next three weeks!