Though the weather outside is frightful, Calgarians will be able to beat the winter blues by checking out the city’s first-ever Chinook Blast festival this weekend.
The free, family-friendly and walkable outdoor experience was slated to start on Thursday, Feb. 11, however, the extreme cold meant the start date was pushed back until Saturday, Feb. 13.
The festival features a series of art and light displays in the downtown core at Municipal Plaza, Olympic Plaza, Stephen Avenue and Barclay Mall.
“We really wanted to give Calgary a winter boost for its arts and culture, sports and hospitality industries – as well as our neighbourhoods – by having a winter initiative annually,” Tourism Calgary spokesperson Jeff Hessel told Global News Morning Calgary on Thursday.
“So what it looks like this year, is a winter art and light park experience in the downtown. And that provides Calgarians a safe opportunity to get out and celebrate the best of their city in winter with a variety of art and light and cultural displays from local artists and vendors.”
According to Tourism Calgary, the event will feature an interactive outdoor art park — called the Chinook Blast hub — with pieces from local artists, including photo-worthy light installations.
Chinook Blast will also include pop-up art displays throughout the city and virtual events and activities.
In years to come, organizers say the event will centre around three anchoring events: One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo, the Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater and the Glow Festival.
Though the Chinook Blast is outside, anyone attending will be required to wear masks, according to the event’s website.
Chinook Blast runs from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. for the remaining Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in February 2021.
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