After a winter that seemed like it would never end and a cold spring to boot, it’s finally time to look forward to the vibrant 4th Street Lilac Festival and its blooming lilac flowers.

Every year, this free event marks the start of Calgary’s rich festival season. It encourages the city to shake off the blues and dust of winter and get excited about spending time outdoors again. This year’s Lilac Festival will be taking place on Sunday, June 3rd from 10 am to 6 pm. As usual, it will run along 4th Street SW on the thirteen blocks between 13th Avenue and Elbow Drive in the Mission and Beltline neighbourhoods.

The Lilac Festival kicks off with a parade that begins at 25th Avenue SW, travels northward up 4th Street, and ends at 13th Avenue SW. It is a lively, family-friendly affair that you don’t want to miss. Once the parade has passed through, you’ll get the chance to check out over 500 different vendors that will be lining the street. You’ll find artisanal crafts, imported wares, and delicious food. Vendors also include community organizations and business stalls.

On top of all the vendors, the Lilac Festival also hosts a variety of talented musical acts. The 4th Street Festival Society is committed to providing a platform for emerging local musicians. There will more than 30 performances on six different stages throughout the day. A variety of children’s activities will also be available, so don’t hesitate to bring the little ones. Or, if you’d rather have an outing with friends, you can grab some drinks on a nearby patio as you sit back and people watch.

The 4th Street Lilac Festival began as a small community celebration hosted by the Cliff Bungalow/Mission Community Association and the 4th Street Business Revitalization Zone for the first time in 1989. The following year, about 10,000 people from all over Calgary came out to attend the festivities. Today, the festival has transformed into a huge annual event that regularly draws over 100,000 people from across the city, province, and country.

It can be difficult to find parking during the Lilac Festival, as any available street parking fills up quickly. Organizers recommend walking or cycling to the festival if you are close enough, or taking public transit if you are coming from further away. Taking the CTrain is a particularly convenient option, as Erlton/Stampede station and Victoria Park/Stampede station are both within walking distance of the festival.

Since 2015, the Lilac Festival has placed an emphasis on reducing the amount of waste created during the event. Styrofoam food containers have been prohibited since 2017 and vendors are encouraged to provide compostable alternatives. Festivalgoers are likewise encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, use Green Event Service Stations instead of garbage cans, and ask festival volunteers for help to properly dispose of their waste.

Keeping this outdoor festival clean and green will ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the activities and entertainment to their fullest. The 4th Street Lilac Festival may only last for one day, but the memories you make at this popular festival will easily set the tone for your whole summer.