Calgary's Chinook Blast set to return for fifth year

Chinook Blast, Calgary's winter festival, will celebrate its fifth birthday when it returns at the end of the month.

Running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, the festival aims to provide a platform for new artists in venues across downtown Calgary, while boosting the city's economy.

Chinook Blast's 2025 lineup, which was released on Thursday, features a mix of new and returning acts, including music, dance, film, puppetry and live luminescent performances. The latest addition to the festival is a new hub for its daytime activities and sports programs at The Confluence.

From Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, Chinook Blast will set up two main hubs, with Stephen Ave from First Street S.E. to Third Street S.W., and the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland hosting the festival.

The festival features more than 190 artists in 28 productions and 10 free events this year, half a decade after it started during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Since then, we continue to grow, to adapt and to listen to feedback so we can create a festival that truly connects with Calgarians, and brings in visitors from around the world," festival executive Luke Azevedo said.

The city will also host 70 partners holding more than 120 events this year, including eight new art installations and three new markets.

"Chinook Blast plays a vital role within our downtown strategy, which is all about uplifting our economy, creating jobs and contributing to a vibrant future for the heart of our city," Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said.

Last year's festival attracted more than 433,000 people and generated $15.7 million in economic impact. 

Festival attractions  

Chinook Blast's 2025 music lineup includes diverse groups like the Bollywood music of Dhanak, the psychedelic funk duo Sargeant x Comrade, and the neo-soul act Zenon+.

The festival also includes markets like Seconds Vintage Market, performances from groups like the dance troupe aGoGo, screenings of films like Eddie the Eagle and Ice Age, and an outdoor basketball court activation with local Canadian Elite Basketball League team the Calgary Surge.

The new hub at The Confluence will also host events like Drag on Ice 3, which features special guest Kaos, who was a contestant on the third season of Canada's Drag Race.

Full details about the winter festival are available on Chinook Blast's website.