Chinook Blast is Calgary’s annual winter festival that brings together events and activities from the art, music, and sport communities. It’s an inclusive event that highlights the best of the city. Enjoy some of the best free things to do throughout Chinook Blast - January 31-February 17, 2024.

Free Events 

Chinook Blast Opener 

Defrost your winter blues as the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater and One Yellow Rabbit take the stage with a scorching collaboration for the official kick-off to Chinook Blast at Olympic Plaza. 

Where: Olympic Plaza 

When: February 2, 2024, 6:00pm – 10:00pm 

aGoGo Fire & Flow 

Head down to Stephen Avenue to feel the heat as aGoGo artists bring their FIRE dancing to Chinook Blast in downtown Calgary. See the mesmerizing FIRE performances beautifully displayed with grace and ease in remarkable patterns and flow. 

Where: Stephen Avenue 

When: February 2, 2024, 7:00pm – 8:00pm 

The Chinook Slide 

Experience an exhilarating afternoon of curling, featuring a star-studded, athlete celebrity match from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. and an interactive learn-to-curl event for the public from 1:00 p.m. –  4:00 p.m. with instruction from the pros at Curling Alberta, Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association, and the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

Where: Olympic Plaza 

When: February 4, 2024, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

2024 Fis Freeski Halfpipe Snow Rodeo World Cup 

The Snow Rodeo FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup returns to WinSport’s Olympic Park this winter! Join in on the excitement at this free family-friendly event and watch some of the best freestyle skiers hit the hill and compete in the stunt ditch. 

Where: WinSport 

When: February 15-17, 2024 

Bowness Family Day Free Skate 

Strap on your skates for a day of free skating at Bowness Community Association arena at no cost while warming up with hot chocolate and snacks. Bring your own skates and helmet. 

Where: Bowness Community Association Arena 

When: February 19, 2024, 9:00am – 3:00pm 

Cabane à Curling and daily Curling on St. Patrick’s Island 

Hurry hard to the curling rink on St. Patrick’s Island, East Village’s 31-acre backyard, for your chance to make some winter memories that rock! For a little Canadian competitive twist, be sure to check out one of four pop-up events that will be happening at the synthetic rink fully decked out for winter fun with a bonfire, maple taffy, and a scoreboard. 

Where: St. Patrick’s Island 

When: January 26, 2024 – February 24, 2024 

Free Activities 

SweetLights by ActivateYYC 

Watch ActivateYYC turn SPACE into PLACE! SweetLights by ActivateYYC and the Federation of Calgary Communities, are bright, interactive, and revolving lanterns welcomed to the downtown core to light up the landscape. Experience the bright colours, shapes that tell stories, human scale interaction, and all-around joyful design of this fun activity that is sure to brighten your winter. 

Where: Olympic Plaza 

When: February 2-19, 2024 

Exposure Fence: People & Place 

The Exposure Photography Festival presents Exposure Fence: People & Place at Calgary’s Olympic Plaza. Explore the work and perspectives of a dynamic group of exhibiting artists and discover both celebratory and critical visual insights regarding the intertwined relationships between People & Place within the traditional territories of Southern Alberta. 

Where: Olympic Plaza 

When: February 2-19, 2024 

Free Skate Rentals at Olympic Plaza 

Don’t have your own skating equipment? Not to worry! Chinook Blast will be providing free skate equipment rentals on select dates at The Skate Hut while supplies last. 

Where: Olympic Plaza 

When: February 2, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2024, 4:00pm – 9:00pm 

Hygge Hut Presented by East Village 

Cozy is back in the East Village with the return of the outdoor Hygge Hut! Located just off RiverWalk Plaza, Hygge Hut is a big warm East Village hug. The outdoor Scandinavian-style hut features a fire pit, benches, and shop filled with cozy local goods. 

Where: East Village 

When: February 2-19, 2024 – Fridays 2:00pm - 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm 

The Alcove Drop-In Art Space 

Check out The Alcove’s free drop-in art space in the heart of downtown Calgary! The space is available for anyone to come in and get creative through music, visual arts, multimedia, and more! Drop by to make some art as well as to warm up and bundle up while checking out other Chinook Blast activities and installations nearby! 

Where: The Alcove Centre for the Arts (located across the street from 3rd Street Station) 

When: February 2-19, 2024, Wednesday-Friday 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm – 6:00pm (Closed Monday & Tuesday) 

View the full calendar of events at chinookblast.ca.