Global Fest

Every time I’ve been to Global Fest, about five times, it’s always been a good experience. The vibe has always been carefree, relaxed, positive. Global Fest explodes our way each mid-​August in north east Calgary.
Bring a couple of blankets to sit on, some snacks (blueberries, nuts, chips, etc.!) and some water or maybe even hot chocolate if you are organized enough. Some people bring lawn chairs but for those of you inside the grounds of Ellison Park, blankets are better since there are people behind you. Wear comfortable shoes and layers. Smile and be kind to your neighbour. Pick up all of your own garbage and keep the grounds clean! These are the rules to ensure great future Global Fests, I think.
If you get there early enough you can buy fun snack foods to enjoy like popcorn, corn on a stick (or is it corn dog?), donuts, etc. The food stalls have long lines, but delicious food. There’s not a lot of space to sit and eat it, but there are some pre-​show entertainment stages, where you can sit on the grass and eat. It’s fun to explore. There are also markets that sell fun and nice wares like jewelry, blankets, soap, etc.
Since the fireworks happen at night and Calgary weather is 100% variable, be prepared for it to be chilly.
The firework show is beautiful every time, beautiful music, and if you can’t afford tickets just sit on a hill outside and watch the residual show. I love the celebratory happy vibe that Global Fest brings to Calgary every year.

I like Globalfest — while my first experience wasn’t awesome, I’m getting better at the whole thing.
The fireworks are always awesome. We saw the finale this year and it was amazing. I love the new fireworks they come out with, along with the old standbys. Always a winner with me.
I wish Globalfest would have better speakers towards the 17 Ave SE side — we couldn’t hear any of the speeches and the music was pretty quiet.
Also, the beer selection was a little weak. Would recommend some great Alberta microbrews for next year — we have a tonne!
My tips:
1. Bring something to sit on — I didn’t the first year, and it was cold. Luckily, one of the volunteers with a cart let me sit on that when the fireworks started, but don’t forget a blanket or chair!
2. Bring something warm — see my cold comment above. Once the sun sets, it gets cold. It’s Calgary — I know this. But yet I wasn’t prepared!
3. Bring friends — it’s more fun with people. This year I was with my family and boyfriend. Last year just the two of us.
4. Bring cash — the ATM line-​up is by far the longest one. Take out cash before you get here.
5. Take the shuttle from Marlborough — parking is a mess. Even if you can find a spot that isn’t going to get you ticketed, getting out afterward, and having to walk all the way to your car, is a disaster. The shuttles from Marlborough cost $ 6 round-​trip and are really fast. Totally worth avoiding the hassle.

What an amazing festival and I’m so proud it takes place in East Calgary. It’s great to see marquee events that can bring the city together in this area of the city, and it’s amazing to see just how much the festival has grown in the last 10 years. I especially like it because I can actually see the fireworks from my house in NE Calgary.
There’s a wide variety of foods to sample here, from typical fair food to various cultural offerings. If you plan to partake, it’s best to get there early so that you can beat the line ups or at least budget time for them.
I typically take the shuttle bus from Marbourough Mall, which is a $ 6 round-​trip ticket.
My advice is that if you can afford it, get a VIP ticket to watch the fireworks. The VIP location in the park is the prime location to watch the fireworks. After sampling it this year, I can’t see myself watching them from anywhere else.
Anyways, I’m a big fan and try to make it down at least once every year.

I have gone to Globalfest once before and it was terrible weather, and was worried with the crazy Calgary weather it was going to be the same way. We got lucky and the winds had died down, the rain stopped and was actually pretty nice. There was a couple of us that went. We got a good spot on the hill, and being early decided to check out the night market. Lots of neat local artists for jewelry, clothes and accessories.
The fireworks were sub-​par, it was the USA night. I don’t like top40 so for us the music wasn’t good and I didn’t find the fireworks to be that technical, considering what I heard about some other ones.
I’ll come back for sure, but definitely pick another night.

I attend Globalfest every year, sometimes on multiple nights. Its a great evening to enjoy the end of the summer and a spectacular fireworks show. This year, I was invited to attend the finale with my boyfriends family. As we have done previous years, my bf and I decided to take the shuttle bus from Marlborough Mall. I personally find this to be the easiest way to get to Elliston Park, for $ 6 round trip you are dropped off & picked up in front of the park entrance. Last year, we drove and had to park quite far away (in a Safeway parking lot, no less) and with this being the finale, I didn’t want to risk it. It was PACKED, and it probably didn’t help that we arrived later than anticipated. The setup was pretty good, as usual… bathrooms were clean and well managed, great food selections, although we didn’t make it over to the cultural pavilions this time which was a bummer. We found a spot on the far end near the stage and set up our blankets. We also had somewhat of a picnic as we brought a cooler of food. Before the show started, I wanted to get a hot chocolate so we ended up having to wait in quite a long line for it. The show was wonderful! Especially as it was the finale, where they have the freedom to do whatever they please. Absolutely stunning fireworks, and I got some great pictures. Afterwards was the long trek back to the other side, where the bus was to pick us up. The exit was a mess, completely bottlenecked with women pushing strollers up and down the hills just to pass people on the sidewalk. We ended up waiting for the buses for almost 20 minutes, as the police weren’t allowing them on 17^th Ave due to the uncontrollable crowd. We finally boarded and were back at the mall in no time. I thoroughly enjoy and will absolutely be attending Globalfest again next year!

3.5*
An annual fireworks competition here in Calgary that takes place at Elliston park. where different countries put on a fireworks show choreographed to music. On the grounds there are cultural tents, and food tents showcasing each country. I was happy to find Guarana at the Brazil food tent and my new discovery is a bag of dingdong from the Philippines tent! haha. Away from the food tents there are snack stands that sell mini donuts, corn dogs, lemonade, popcorn, ice cream, etc…
$ 15 for admission at the door but there are also intervals for pre-​sale tickets starting from $ 7.50 and the close to the date, the closer to $ 15 it gets (check their website)!
Bring your lawn chairs, bug spray, and blanket and set up a place for yourself on the grass. They allow you to bring your own water, food, & snacks. On the grounds, water is $ 3 /​bottle, and the food ranges in price from $ 4+, avg being $ 10 /​plate.
I usually go with my friend and her family. We walk around the grounds, eat some dinner/​snacks, and just chill and wait for the fireworks show. Basically we spend a whole evening from 6pm until maybe ¹⁰³⁰⁄₁₁ ish. The show is usually around 30 – 40 mins long and begins when it gets dark (between 9−10pm).
Yeah it’s in the sketchier side of town but there are cops everywhere who stop traffic for pedestrians, and close the roads after the show for people to walk back to their cars. We usually park in the surrounding neighborhood and walk.
It started off small potatoes and it keeps growing! :)