GlobalFest 2023
We are thrilled to announce the return of GlobalFest to Elliston Park in the summer of 2022.
The presenting pyrotechnic teams for the International Fireworks are:
Austria
Thursday, 17 August
FIREevent GmbH
Italy
Saturday, 19 August
Portugal
Tuesday, 22 August
Spain
Thursday, 24 August
Finale
Saturday, 26 August
Archangel Fireworks
FESTIVAL FAQ
Both OneWorld and the International Fireworks are part of the annual GlobalFest celebrations that take place at Elliston Park in East Calgary (main gate at the corner of 17th [International] Avenue and 60th Street SE).
Elliston Park is open from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm on the following evenings (please note: there is no entry after 9:15pm).
From gates open until the last fireworks fade from the sky, GlobalFest is a celebration of Calgary’s multi-cultural communities. Attendees enjoy a wide selection of international foods, live entertainment on two stages, cultural pavilions and market, children’s activities, and more. Have a look at the OneWorld page for details.
Year-round, GlobalFest is active throughout Calgary and beyond, with pop-up performances, forums, youth art programming and more. Click here for our events calendar.
The nightly firework displays typically begin between 930pm and 10pm – dependent on sunset, prevailing weather and other factors as determined by the Production Team. Fireworks may even start earlier if weather or other factors require it, which is why last admission to the park is 915pm.
The sky must be dark before the show can begin so that the full effect of the pyrotechnics can been seen and enjoyed.
Please note: There is NO parking available at Elliston Park. The International Avenue limited public paid parking is available on a nightly basis through the International Avenue Arts and Cultural Community Society. For more information and to pre-purchase parking space, visit http://iaacc.ca/funding/parking-fundraiser/. Parking in neighbourhood streets is not advised, as it disrupts local residents and may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed by the City of Calgary or blocked in due to road closures.
Both General Admission ticket holders and VIP Pass holders have a return shuttle service from their respective parking lots to GlobalFest. Please see “Do you have a shuttle bus service” in the FAQ for full details.
Shuttle buses are not accessible. If you have significant mobility restrictions, we recommend using Access Calgary or parking in the Accessible Parking lot if you hold a valid Accessible Parking pass. Please see FAQ tabs “Where does Access Calgary drop off” or “Is there Accessible Parking” for full details.
Local residents with queries about parking or road closures please contact the City of Calgary on 311 for access information.
Please be advised: After each evening’s fireworks display, ALL vehicular traffic (including shuttles) will be held until it is deemed safe to move vehicles. For the safety of all our patrons, we ask that you please be patient as you exit the festival site.
No, however, fireworks could be postponed due to any conditions that organizers feel may jeopardize public safety. The alternate postponement date is the day after regularly scheduled performances – this is one of the reasons why the festival shows are programmed every second night.
High wind and electrical storms are the biggest concerns. The GlobalFest fireworks crew receive up-to-the-minute radar reports to monitor wind speed and direction, weather fronts and any chance of lightning strike.
Rain does not interfere with the fireworks shells at all – in fact, water droplets reflect the light and make the display appear brighter and even more spectacular.
GlobalFest is an outdoor festival experience – pack your sunglass, a poncho, and a warm jacket to be ready for all weather conditions.
During the festival, Lost and Found is located at the First Aid/Information tent, near the VIP Gate and Village Stage.
The GlobalFest green team sweeps the grounds of Elliston Park after the audience has departed every night, and returns all found items to the Production Site, located between the Corner Gate and Shuttle Gate.
Items not collected by the end of the festival are held at the GlobalFest Offices until Christmas.
The drop off point is located on the west side of the park outside of the RONA gate, across 60th street at the north side of the loading dock driveway into the Lowes Distribution Center, alongside the Accessible Parking Lot.
Please check with Access Calgary for bookings and service times. GlobalFest does not set these times.
Yes! Free Accessible Parking is available for those with a valid Accessible Parking Placard at RONA (2015 – 60 Street SE). The parking lot can be accessed at the intersection of 23 Avenue and 52 Street SE on a first-come, first-served basis.
This provides close access to Elliston Park via the RONA Gate on 60 Street SE. Golf carts are available, by request, to assist with transportation to viewing areas and back to the parking lot after the fireworks end.
Please be advised: After each evening’s fireworks display, ALL vehicular traffic (including golf carts) will be held until it is deemed safe to move vehicles. For the safety of all our patrons, we ask that you please be patient as you exit the festival site.
Yes! Portable Accessible Washrooms are located close to the Accessible Seating area, directly toward the water from the VIP Entrance Gate.
Directly toward the water from the VIP Entrance Gate, there is a fully paved pathway and level paved area that is reserved for individuals with mobility devices.
Only Service Guide Dogs are permitted in Elliston Park during GlobalFest. These Qualified Service Guide Dogs must:
- Come from one of Alberta’s Qualified Service Dog Organizations
- Pass an Assessment administered by a qualified organization
- Come from a school certified by Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
Owners will be asked to produce Government of Alberta Service ID Card and ADI School ID Card.
Once a service animal has been verified at the gate, we may ask to add a colored Band to the animal’s collar or mobility device to provide a visual to other guests and Security through out the park that this animal is permitted on site.
Emotional support or comfort dogs and therapy dogs are not considered service dogs under Alberta’s Service Dogs Act and Service Dogs Qualification Regulations. Emotional support dogs provide comfort and companionship to the dog owner but are not trained to do specific tasks that assist a disability. A therapy dog is brought by the owner on visits to people in institutions or in their homes, providing others with an opportunity to interact with a dog.
For the safety of all guest’s attending GlobalFest, emotional, comfort or therapy animals will not be permitted in Elliston Park during the festival.
All Service Animal Handlers must carry an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card.
For more information or questions please contact:
Service Dog Assessment Team
780-427-9136 (Edmonton)
310-0000, then 780-427-9136 (toll-free)
servicedogs@gov.ab.ca
No chairs are provided, we recommend bringing your picnic blanket, folding or camping chairs. Please note that large sections of the seating area are on sloped ground that provides excellent viewing but may be unsuitable for some chairs.
For the safety of all our guests who enter Elliston Park via the northern gates, either on foot or arriving via shuttle bus, road closures are in effect during the following times:
17 Avenue at 52 Street NE all the way through to 17 Avenue NE at 68 Street NE.
7:30PM until 11:00 PM
23 Avenue NE at 52 Street NE through to 60 Street NE at 17 Avenue NE
6:00 PM until approximately 10:30 PM
Those with a valid Accessible Parking Placard are permitted to enter via the intersection of 23 Avenue SE and 52 Street SE for the Accessible Parking Lot.
Residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods can contact the City of Calgary for access and parking permits. Dial 311.
Registered carers accompanying individuals with special needs who have a valid ticket are welcome to attend GlobalFest for free.
Elliston Park is fully licenced from 6:00PM – 1100PM on each of the presentation nights. There are bars located near the Village Stage, at the North side of Elliston Park and in the VIP Village for VIP ticket holders, with beer carts stationed around the grounds. Valid ID is required for individuals 18+ who are purchasing liquor.
No alcoholic beverages purchased outside the festival grounds are permitted on site.
Yes! You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to GlobalFest.
On site concessionaires offer a variety of festival food. A delicious selection of international fare is available through our International Food Booths and Trucks – something to tempt every tastebud. Click here for a complete listing.
In support of our Green Program presented by GDI Integrated Facilities Services, GlobalFest provides green bins for composting, blue bins for beverage container, for paper, cardboard and plastic items.
Elliston Park is a non-smoking, non-vaping area from 6pm to 11pm each evening of GlobalFest. This includes all tobacco, nicotine-free vapes and marijuana products. Smokers can step outside the grounds via the VIP Gate on 60 Ave SE and are given re-entry stamps.
Yes! Both General Admission ticket holders and VIP Pass holders have a return shuttle service from their respective parking lots to GlobalFest.
FIRST SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE STARTS AT 5:30 PM.
LAST SHUTTLE BUS DEPARTS FOR ELLISTON PARK AT 9:00 PM
Return buses to Sunridge Mall run from the end of the fireworks until 11 pm, or the park is empty.
Shuttle buses are not accessible. If you have significant mobility restrictions, we recommend using Access Calgary or parking in the Accessible Parking lot if you hold a valid Accessible Parking pass. Please see FAQ tabs “Is there Accessible Parking” or “Where does Access Calgary drop off” for full details.
GENERAL ADMISSION: Southland Transportation offers a return shuttle bus service from Sunridge Mall at $7.00 per person, per night (See map for parking and pick up location).
- The shuttle service is free for children 5 and under when accompanied by an adult.
- Shuttle tickets are sold at the pick up point, debit or credit only.
VIP PASSES: Shuttle service is included with VIP tickets, vehicle tags including parking lot location are available from 18 July onwards. We recommend collecting your vehicle tags in advance.
VIP Weekly Tickets get P2 Parking Passes
VIP Nightly Tickets get P3 Parking Passes
VIP buses begin departure approximately 20 minutes after the fireworks conclude, when determined it is safe to do so.
Southland Transportation –Bus Policy
Southland is going Cashless. Wristbands can be purchased by Debit or Credit Card on site day of, or the link will be available after August 2 to purchase ahead of time. All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Any shuttle passes that have already provided service cannot be redeemed a second time. Should you have any questions in this regard please contact Southland Transportation – Charters.
Please be advised: After each evening’s fireworks display, ALL vehicular traffic (including shuttles) will be held until it is deemed safe to move vehicles. For the safety of all our patrons, we ask that you please be patient as you exit the festival site.
There are three gates into Elliston Park along the Northern and North-Western sides of the park.
– Co-op Corner gate at 17 Ave SE and 60 Ave SE
– Southland Shuttle gate at 17 Ave SE and 61 Street SE.
– RONA Gate on 60 Ave SE
Yes! Elliston Park is serviced by the 68, 87, 307 and 440.
Please check the Calgary Transit site for bus times and to plan your trip.
Bicycle racks are provided free of charge at Elliston Park on a first-come, first-served basis. Racks can be found by the Southland Gate (17 Avenue SE and 61 Street SE)
GlobalFest tickets are available online at any time or at the GlobalFest Offices Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Click here to buy now.
The Box Office is open at the Co-op Corner Gate and Southland Shuttle Gate at Elliston Park from 5pm to 9pm on event nights (18, 20, 23, 25, 27 August)
Calgary Co-op Customer Service and Marlborough Mall Information Desk offers tickets from early May until the last day of GlobalFest, and then from mid November until December 31 for the following year’s event.
VIP Passes are only available online and parking passes must be picked up from the GlobalFest office in advance.
Limited time offers are available on tickets periodically throughout the year, with discount codes published online.
Hint! Check our website and social media around special dates (Mother’s Day for example) or find us on location at Lilac Fest, Marda Gras and Sunfest for summer time deals.
Yes! Children 5 and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult.
Individuals over the age of 5 fall under current ticket price at time of purchase. Click here for ticket information.
On presentation days only, the GlobalFest on-site Box Offices are open from 5pm-9pm and are located at the Co-Op Corner gate and Southland Shuttle gate. Cash and credit card accepted. No personal cheques.
Term of sale: ALL DATES TENTATIVE. Fireworks will be postponed due to any conditions that organizers feel may jeopardize public safety. NO EXCHANGES OR REFUNDS. Upon postponement of an event or presentation, the event or presentation will be rescheduled. Ticket or pass holder assumes any and all liabilities as to risk and danger resulting from attending an event or presentation. Ticket or pass holder waives any claims for loss of personal effects or personal injury whether incurred before, after or during the event or presentation. Rules enforced and/or displayed on-site apply to the holder of said ticket or pass. Management reserves the right to deny entry to a ticket or pass holder whose behaviour is deemed inappropriate.
GlobalFest does not offer refunds or exchanges on tickets if you choose not to attend or depart before the fireworks presentation commences.
Ensure that you have selected the correct date that you wish to attend prior to purchase, as we cannot offer transfers to different dates.
The final exchange process is now closed.
For the safety and comfort of all our guests, the following items are not permitted within Elliston Park for the duration of GlobalFest:
– Glass / glass bottles.
– Drugs and outside alcohol.
– Wheeled vehicles including bicycles, scooters, skateboards, mopeds and similar – whether human powered or electric. Bike racks are available.
*Mobility devices, strollers and small pull wagons are permitted.
– Drones. Elliston Park is a no-fly zone.
– Pets of any species unless they are Qualified Service Guide Dog. More information here.
– Shade structures, large beach umbrellas, tents or canopies, as they can obstruct other attendees view and are a hazard in windy conditions when not secured correctly. Rain umbrellas are permitted.
Management reserves the right to refuse entry and/or restrict any other items from being brought into the event at their discretion or should a risk to public safety be identified.
GlobalFest is an outdoor festival experience – pack your sunglass, a poncho, and a warm jacket to be ready for all weather. As this event takes place in late summer in Calgary, weather can change quickly and temperatures typically cool down after sunset. Please plan ahead – check the forecast and dress accordingly. Feel free to bring tarps, blankets or chairs to sit on and keep warm!
There are some paved areas, but much of the park is grass and pathways are fine gravel, so wear appropriate footwear.
There are absolutely no drones allowed in, over or around Elliston Park during GlobalFest. This is a strict policy enforced by the City of Calgary for the safety of all our guests.
For more information please visit:
City of Calgary
Calgary Police Service
Transport Canada
Enjoy the best view of the fireworks, with a view of the launch site directly across the lake, plus roving entertainment before the sun goes down.
*NEW!* Enjoy white glove service with light snacks upon arrival in the VIP Village (first come, first served) plus there is a fully licensed area with private cash bar and extended beverage menu.
Reserved VIP Parking is located off-site with free shuttle bus taking you directly to the Lowes VIP Gate (there is no on-site parking at Elliston Park). VIP Parking passes are mailed out if tickets are purchased by Friday prior to the August long weekend (to ensure timely delivery) or can be picked up from the GlobalFest Office during regular business hours.
VIP Parking Passes are granted on a 4-to-1 ratio. For every four VIP Tickets that are purchased, one parking pass is given to the purchaser.
The VIP Village area opens at 7pm and is available to VIP ticket holders only. Bring your own picnic blanket or lawn chairs.
