Calgary’s 4 Street SW is transforming into a massive party from 12 Avenue down to Elbow Drive for the Lilac Festival on Sunday.
Considered the start of the festival season, the event includes over 500 vendor stalls featuring artisan crafts, local businesses, and international food trucks.
Over 70 local musical acts and 45 different dance groups are scheduled to perform across multiple live stages throughout the day, including Jessie Dans, who kicks off the show on the main stage.
Lilac Festival is entirely free and open to all ages.
However, it won’t be a hot one this year. So far, Environment Canada’s forecast says there’s a 60 per cent of showers with a risk of a thunderstorm, with a high of 13 C.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO LIVE WEATHER COVERAGE!Organizers have expanded the traditional footprint this year as well. Stretching down 4 Street from 12 Avenue all the way to Elbow Drive, there are major extensions down 17 Avenue and a dedicated late-night tent at Central Memorial Park.
You’ll also find extended restaurant patios and a massive kids activity zone packed with bouncy castles on 18 Avenue.
Because of the massive scale of the street fair, city crews are reminding drivers that several major corridors will be fully closed to vehicles starting early Sunday morning.
The Calgary Parking Authority says visitors should use nearby lots and parkades to park their vehicles, arrive early and plan ahead, use the MyParking App to pay right away, and watch for signs and respect residential parking zones.
It also says to expect heavy demand, temporary traffic and parking changes in the area, and more walking once parked. The authority says there will be a better experience for those who choose off-street parking and have a plan.
Calgary Transit is also advising everyone to skip the parking headache and take the CTrain instead, as there is easy walking access available from both Victoria Park and Erlton stations.
The gates open at 10 a.m. and run until 6 p.m.
Listen to 660 NewsRadio every 10 minutes on the ones for traffic and weather updates.