Calgary’s dining festival is back and bigger than ever

YYC Food & Drink Experience Returns This March with More Than 115 Local Restaurants Participating

A record-breaking number of Calgary restaurants to showcase prix fixe menus, exclusive chef events, and hotel packages from March 13–29, 2026

Calgary’s most anticipated annual dining festival, YYC Food & Drink Experience (YYC EXP), returns March 13–29, 2026, celebrating the city’s dynamic and diverse culinary scene with its largest lineup to date. More than 115 restaurants across Calgary have signed on to participate, the highest number in the festival’s history, inviting diners to explore bold flavours, creative menus, and exceptional value at every turn.

For 17 days this March, participating restaurants will present specially curated, value-priced prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Most three-course menus average $50 per person, while select gourmet experiences feature five or more courses averaging $75 per person. It’s the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to discover new favourites and revisit beloved spots across the city.

Reservations for YYC EXP prix-fixe experiences and signature events can be made directly through each participating restaurant’s booking platform. Calgarians are encouraged to secure their tables early, as reservations fill quickly throughout the festival.

In addition to set menus, YYC EXP will present 12 exclusive, chef-led culinary events hosted at some of Calgary’s most exciting restaurants. These intimate dining experiences will showcase thoughtfully crafted dishes from Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience world-class culinary talent right here at home.

Returning to this year’s lineup of signature events is the fan favourite “Clos de la Oyster Barre” series at Teatro, a playful concept featuring seafood, premium wine and hip hop music, and a special Guest Chef this year, Top Chef Canada Winner Coulson Armstrong. 

The festival is produced by Culinary Marketing Strategies and proudly sponsored by Calgary Downtown Association. Together, they continue to champion Calgary’s hospitality community and spotlight the creativity, innovation, and excellence that define the city’s food culture.

Building on its commitment to supporting downtown vibrancy, YYC EXP is once again partnering with eight downtown hotels to encourage stays and out-of-town visits. Guests who book participating hotel packages will receive a $100 Downtown Calgary Gift Card to enjoy at downtown restaurants during the festival. This initiative is sponsored by the Calgary Downtown Association and designed to accelerate traffic and economic impact in the city’s core.

For more information, participating restaurant listings, and event details, visit YYCEXP.com.