Incredible live music in Calgary
ReggaeFest 2026
Family-Friendly, all-ages, live music event!
Date:
August 28 - 29, 2026
Location:
The Rise, St. Patrick's Island (East Village)
Calgary Alberta
Along with incredible music, the space will be filled with food vendors, a beer stand and a dance floor, all carefully chosen to enhance your experience!
Schedule:
Friday, August 28:
Gates 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Show 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
~ 4:00pm - DJ - Nutek International
~ TBA - Oral Fuentes Reggae Band
~ TBA - Sonic Alley
~ TBA - Calgary Showcase Featuring*: Music 2 Di Soul,
Mr Progress, Gyal Ediot, Tamoy Powell
~ TBA - Louie Culture*
* Music 2 Di Soul (House Backing Band)
Saturday, August 29:
Gates 2:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Show 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
~ 2:00pm- DJ - Nutek International
~ TBA - Souls in Rhythm
~ TBA - Peligroso Bonsai
~ TBA - Nana McLean*
~ TBA - Jermere Morgan*
~ TBA - Leroy Sibbles
* Music 2 Di Soul (House Backing Band)
(times & lineup may be subject to change)
Ticket Pricing:
General Admission (13 years +):
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2 day pass - $70 advance / $80 gate
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Friday - $45 advance / $50 gate
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Saturday - $45 advance / $50 gate
Child (12 & Under) - FREE
(Child tickets are only valid with a General Admission ticket purchase. Each child must have a ticket to enter.)
All Tickets + GST & Fees
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Pets are not permitted on site
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Open Air Event / Rain or Shine / No Refunds
Travelling to ReggaeFest?
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Our friends at the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village are offering festival rates from Aug 28-30, 2026.
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Flair Airlines is offering 15% off base fare, flights to/from Calgary Aug 26-31. Book by Aug 1. Use promo code REGGAE26, book on flyflair.com
Performance Schedule + Event info:
The Venue:
The Rise, St. Patrick's Island (East Village)
How to Fest: Your Ultimate Calgary ReggaeFest Guide
Whether you’re a first-time ReggaeFester or a seasoned rhythm-seeker, here’s your insider scoop on how to make the most of the weekend.
🚍 How to Travel
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Take the C-Train, then stroll to the festival grounds. Bonus: No parking stress = more time to dance. (nearest station: Bridgeland/Memorial or City Hall/Bow Valley College)
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Bike, Walk or Scooter along the majestic Bow River Pathway and cruise in style all the way to the Island.
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Prefer the car? With limited parking nearby in East Village this is your chance to carpool with your crew for extra good vibes (and gas savings).
🎒 What to Bring
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Sun protection including a hat, shades and sunscreen, because the reggae beat shines brighter when you’re not sunburned.
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Or... with Calgary weather you need to be prepared so check the weather and be ready to grab a rain poncho, umbrella and sweater.
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Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, the Caribbean-style heat in Calgary is 100% real.
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Blanket or folding chair for those chill moments between sets.
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Cash or card to get the goods like food, merch and spontaneous crafts you didn’t know you needed. Calgary ReggaeFest is a “cash light” event so grab your card or set-up your e-wallet before arrival.
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Don't be a buzz-kill, bug spray is a festival necessity. Your friends will thank you for remembering!
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Your dancing shoes, Yes they will get a workout!
🌟 Insider Tips
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Arrive early to snag the best spot on The Rise (or the dance zone).
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Follow the festival on Instagram for real-time updates.
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The festival is an all ages event and is family friendly where everyone is welcome.
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To breeze through the gate, add your tickets to your device before you arrive.
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Stay late as the nighttime is usually when the crowd energy peaks
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Let's keep The Rise beautiful and make this a green initiative; help us excel by putting waste in its place
✅ ReggaeFest Checklist
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Tickets ready
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Crew assembled
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Water bottle filled
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Phone charged
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Spirit set to “irie”
Now that you're up to speed on all the details, you're sure to have a weekend to remember.
Mr Progress (AB)
Mr Progress is an emerging voice in the Canadian reggae and dancehall community, bringing conscious lyrics, authentic storytelling, and positive energy to every performance. His music reflects the spirit of perseverance and growth, blending Caribbean influences with contemporary sounds that resonate with audiences across generations.
Whether delivering roots-inspired messages or high-energy dancehall rhythms, Mr Progress represents the next generation of artists carrying reggae's tradition of empowerment and social awareness forward. His showcase appearance promises a vibrant set filled with passion, purpose, and undeniable stage presence.
Nana McLean (ON)
A true reggae music veteran and ambassador, Nana McLean has earned international recognition for her soulful voice and lasting contributions to reggae. Her distinguished career has been celebrated with numerous awards and honours, including a JUNO Award for Best Reggae Recording for her 1997 album *Nana McLean – Collector’s Series*.
Best known for her hit rendition of “Forever Together,” Nana blends reggae, soul, and R&B influences with elegance and warmth. Her powerful vocals, timeless songs, and enduring stage presence have established her as one of the most respected female artists in Canadian reggae music.
ReggaeFest Alumni (2016)
Music 2 Di Soul (AB)
Music 2 Di Soul is a Calgary-based reggae collective dedicated to creating music that uplifts, inspires, and brings people together. Drawing influence from roots reggae, lovers rock, and contemporary Caribbean sounds, the group delivers performances filled with positive energy, rich harmonies, and infectious rhythms.
With a focus on community, culture, and authentic musical expression, Music 2 Di Soul continues to build a strong presence within Alberta's reggae scene. Their live shows celebrate the enduring spirit of reggae music while encouraging audiences to dance, connect, and embrace the message of unity.
Nutek International (AB)
Serving as ReggaeFest's house DJ.
Contact us to reach this group
Event Partners
Please help us in thanking these incredible partners!
Oral Fuentes Reggae Band (SK)
Originally from Belize and now based in Saskatchewan, Oral Fuentes has spent decades bringing his distinctive blend of reggae, Afro-Latin rhythms, and Caribbean influences to audiences across Canada. Backed by a multicultural ensemble of musicians from around the world, the Oral Fuentes Reggae Band delivers an energetic and uplifting sound built on original compositions, infectious grooves, and positive vibrations.
The band has appeared at major festivals across Canada and has shared stages with acclaimed artists such as Maceo Parker, Arrested Development, and African Guitar Summit. Their live performances are known for audience interaction, powerful musicianship, and a celebration of cultural unity through music.
ReggaeFest Alumni (2008, 2017)
Peligroso Bonsai
(Mexico/Canada)
Peligroso Bonsai is a unique musical project featuring members associated with the acclaimed Mexican reggae group Antidoping. Fusing reggae with Latin rhythms, ska and dub influences, and alternative sounds, the project explores new creative directions while remaining rooted in the vibrant spirit of reggae culture.
Known for their adventurous musicianship and dynamic live performances, Peligroso Bonsai offers audiences an exciting blend of groove, experimentation, and cultural exchange. Their appearance at ReggaeFest brings an international flavour to the festival and highlights the global reach of reggae music.
ReggaeFest Alumni (2017)
Sonic Alley (AB/BC)
Sonic Alley is a dynamic collective of musicians whose roots span the Caribbean, Latin America, and Canada. Drawing inspiration from reggae, soul, gospel, R&B, and Latin fusion, the group creates a genre-blending sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in traditions of rhythm and community. Their performances combine exceptional musicianship with a message of connection, healing, and joy.
With members located across Western Canada, Sonic Alley has earned a reputation for delivering remarkably tight and engaging live shows. Their diverse influences and collaborative spirit make every performance a unique musical journey, bringing audiences together through uplifting melodies and infectious grooves.
Souls in Rhythm (CaAB)
Souls in Rhythm is a Calgary-based funk and soul collective known for their tight musicianship, polished vocals, and high-energy live performances that seamlessly blend funk, soul, R&B, and reggae influences. Formed in 1998, the group has built a strong reputation across Canada through extensive touring, award recognition, and dynamic stage shows that turn any room into a dance floor.
With a catalogue of original music and a history of sharing stages with major international acts, Souls in Rhythm continues to evolve while staying rooted in groove-driven songwriting and classic soul tradition. Their ReggaeFest set promises smooth melodies, deep rhythm, and an undeniably infectious live experience.
Tamoy Powell (AB)
Blending reggae rhythms with soulful melodies and conscious songwriting, Tamoy creates music rooted in positivity, healing, and connection. Influenced by her cultural heritage and a lifelong passion for singing, she brings an authentic voice to the growing reggae-soul landscape.
Through uplifting lyrics and heartfelt performances, she uses music as a vehicle for inspiration and community. Her warm vocal style and message of unity invite audiences to reflect, connect and celebrate the shared power of music.
Contact us to reach this performer
MORE EVENTS
Event Vendors
Food Vendors:
Other Vendors:
ReggaeFest and Performer Merch
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)
Canadian Blood Services
Jemere Morgan (USA/Jamaica)
Jemere Morgan represents the newest generation of one of reggae's most celebrated musical families. As the grandson of reggae legend Denroy Morgan and the current lead vocalist of the renowned Morgan Heritage dynasty, Jemere carries forward a rich legacy while forging his own artistic identity.
Blending roots reggae, contemporary Caribbean sounds, and modern production, Jemere has developed a style that honours tradition while speaking to today's audiences. His powerful vocals, engaging performances, and commitment to reggae's positive message have established him as one of the genre's rising international stars.
Louie Culture (Jamaica)
A veteran of Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall scene, Louie Culture rose to prominence in the 1990s with conscious, uplifting music that blended powerful messages with infectious rhythms. Best known for his breakout hit “Gangalee,” he earned the nickname “Mr. Gangalee,” a title that reflects both his signature song and the positive philosophy that has guided his career.
With a catalogue of respected hits and a reputation for lyrical intelligence, cultural pride, and spiritual awareness, Louie Culture remains one of Jamaica’s most influential dancehall artists. His energetic performances and unmistakable vocal style continue to inspire audiences around the world.
ReggaeFest Alumni (2017)
Leroy Sibbles (Jamaica/Canada)
Few names carry as much weight in reggae history as Leroy Sibbles. A founding member, lead vocalist, and principal songwriter of the legendary Jamaican trio The Heptones, Sibbles helped shape the sound of reggae through classic recordings and baselines that remain influential decades later.
In addition to his celebrated work as a performer, Sibbles has enjoyed a distinguished career as a producer, arranger, and bass player, contributing to countless reggae recordings. His enduring catalogue, remarkable musicianship, and profound impact on Jamaican music have earned him recognition as one of reggae's true pioneers and living legends.
ReggaeFest Alumni (2013)
