These lilacs are in full bloom all across the city and add a splash of color to the summer scenery.
I had the pleasure of attending the lilac festival earlier this month. Every year as spring blossoms into full bloom, the city of Calgary comes alive with the vibrant colors and festive spirit of the Lilac Festival. This event encourages locals to shake off the winter blues and head into the summer months ahead. Held annually on the last Sunday in May, this much-anticipated event marks the unofficial start of summer in Calgary and offers a delightful day of entertainment, shopping, and community celebration. This year, it was held off until June as we had a very rainy May.
The number of people who attended this event was astounding. I was having a hard time getting through the crowd and finding parking.
A Tradition of Community and Culture
I was surprised with the bustle of a small single lane street turned into a busy avenue of activity. The Lilac Festival is named after the lilac bushes that bloom throughout the city in spring. It has been a Calgary tradition since 1989. The event has spanned more than three decades, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Despite not being completely comfortable in crowds of this size, I still enjoyed people watching and visiting the booths from local vendors.
One of the exhibits included antique and classic cars.
Location and Atmosphere
The festival takes place along 4th Street SW, from 13th Avenue to Elbow Drive. The area is an mature neighborhood with many local businesses. The street has also some of my favorite restaurants in the city with a trendy, understated vibe. However, the festival blocked off major traffic to the street and transformed this area into a pedestrian-friendly walkway. The stretch is lined with hundreds of small local vendors showcasing a wide array of products, from handmade crafts and artisanal goods to local foods and beverages. I particularly loved checking out the arts and crafts from local hobbyists and businesses. I also enjoyed sampling some of the unique cuisines and food trucks available.
Entertainment for All Ages
One of the highlights of the Lilac Festival is its diverse lineup of entertainment. Multiple stages set up along the route feature live performances from local musicians, dancers, and artists. Being a big fan of jazz, I was thrilled to watch local jazz music talents perform at the festival.
For families, the festival offers a dedicated children’s area with activities such as face painting, crafts, and games. There were also a variety of street performers that showcased their talents.
The festival kept me entertained for hours with their live performances.
This unique vendor had a variety of crocheted bees that were too adorable to miss.
Supporting Local Artisans and Businesses
The Lilac Festival is an important platform for local artisans and businesses to showcase their talents and products. From jewelry and clothing to home decor and fine art, the variety of unique, handcrafted items available for purchase is staggering. This focus on local entrepreneurship not only stimulates the city’s economy but also fosters a sense of community pride and support for homegrown talent.
