Known as Calgary’s longest-running street festival, Marda Loop is celebrating the 36th year of the Marda Gras Festival on Sunday, August 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The action will take place along 33rd Avenue between 19th and 22nd Streets SW. This highly anticipated street festival promises a day of fun, entertainment and celebration for all ages while transforming the streets of Marda Loop into a unique family-friendly extravaganza

“We’re thrilled to bring the community of Marda Loop together once again for the 2023 edition of Marda Gras,” says Shannon McNally, Marda Gras Festival Manager “This year’s festival promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever before. Marda Gras is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for our community to get together, enjoy a great day on an iconic Calgary main street, visit with our neighbours and make lasting memories. We invite Calgarians to join us in the joy, laughter, and magic of Marda Gras to celebrate the spirit that makes Marda Loop truly special.”

The festival will showcase over 200 local vendors along 33rd Avenue, featuring a mix of Marda Loop Businesses with local artisans, makers, and small businesses hailing from around the city. Eventgoers will also enjoy over 20 live performances scheduled all day long on two live entertainment stages and one dance stage, along with a variety of extended patios, food trucks, and an exciting Kids Quarter.

As a special treat for all ages, the 2023 Marda Gras Pet Pageant will feature over 30 pets of all shapes, sizes, species, and breeds strutting their stuff on the pet runway, showcasing their unique personalities, talents and sheer cuteness accompanied by their proud owners. A panel of esteemed judges, including business owners and pet experts, will be grading each contestant on their costume, trick and irresistible charm appointing a winner for first, second and third place of “Best of the Show” winning bragging rights for the year, along with an exciting prize pack filled with goodies from local sponsors. This pageant promises heartwarming moments that will leave everyone smiling.

Marda Gras, a pedestrian-friendly street festival, is a great opportunity to visit this vibrant neighbourhood and the businesses that live and operate there while enjoying a fun afternoon out with the entire family.

When: Sunday, August 13, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 33rd Avenue between 19th Street and 22nd Street SW
Admission: Free for all ages
Registration for Pet Pageant: $25 dollars
Website: Marda Gras Street Festival
Facebook: @MardaGrasCalgary
Twitter: @mardagrasyyc
Instagram: @mardagrascalgary
TikTok: @MardaGras