The 17th Calgary Intercultural Festival, organized by the BURC Intercultural Centre, was celebrated with great enthusiasm on August 15–16, 2026, at the Dalhousie Community Association.
After seven years, moving the festival back outdoors significantly increased the size of the festival crowd. Volunteers worked almost without taking a break to accommodate the large number of attendees. As always, the festival brought people from all cultures together to share in this excitement.
The event started at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and ended at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. At approximately 30 booths, delicious food from around the world, particularly Anatolian cuisine, live cultural performances, and a variety of art products were offered. For the first time this year, familiar names such as Costco and Canadian Blood Services were also among the vendors. The Calgary Fire Department also brought a fire truck for the children. There was also a bouncy castle for children.
The Honourable Michelle Rempel Garner, Member of Parliament for Calgary Nose Hill; the Honourable Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Multiculturalism; MLA Lizette Tejada, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Multiculturalism; Calgary Interfaith Council Executive Director Sarah Arthurs; and Intercultural Dialogue Institute Lead Organier Ayşe Sezgin also attended the event and delivered speeches emphasizing the value of intercultural connection and inclusion in Alberta.
The stage also hosted a wide variety of incredible performances, and the program began with Malik Muradov’s Land Acknowledgement and an opening speech by BURC President Sedat Cavdar. Here are the performances :
• Opening & Closing Singing Performance by All Kids – Yeni Bir Dünya (A New World)
• Marakame Dancers – Mexican Dance Group
• Nataneal Sasaki, Violin Performance – European Classical Music Tradition
• St. Andrew Caledonia Society – Bagpipe Performances, Scottish Cultural Performance
• Azeri Calgary Stars – Azerbaijani Dance Group
• YOSAKOI Dance Team – Japanese Dance Group
• Silya Merhi, Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese Culture
• Silk Silhouette Dance Team – Vietnamese Dance Group
• Kyrgyz Association in Canada – Kyrgyz Dance Group
• La Escuelita Folclórica – Mexican Dance Group
• Youth Group Vkids Connect – Vietnamese Kids Dance Group
• Angus & Dolina – Scottish Cultural Dance Performance
• Tugrul Ozer – Ney, Sufi Instrument Performance
• Emir Enes Deniz – Turkish Pop-Rock Guitar Performance
• BURC Community Kids – Erik Dali Turkish Cultural Dance Performance
• BURC Community Kids – Horon Turkish Cultural Dance Performance
• MFÖ Tribute – Kids Group Karaoke
• BURC Community Kids – Edalı, Modalı Yar Turkish Cultural Dance Performance
• BURC Community Kids – Bizim Köyün Şarkısı Song Performance
• BURC Turkish Community Kids – Semmamme Kurdish Cultural Dance Performance
]]>** See more photos and videos on our social media!
Join us on August 15–16, 2026, at the Dalhousie Community Association for the 17th Annual Calgary Intercultural Festival: A weekend dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity that makes our community unique. Experience an exciting lineup of live cultural performances, traditional music and dance, international cuisine, artisan displays, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
Whether you’re discovering new traditions or celebrating your own heritage, the festival offers something for everyone. Browse the program schedule below to explore the performances, activities, and cultural experiences planned throughout the weekend. Connect with friends, neighbours, and communities from around the world as we celebrate unity through culture, creativity, and shared experiences. The hourly schedule is also at the bottom
Social:
Program ScHedule
On May 10, 2026, Calgary’s Panorama Hills Community Centre hosted a vibrant Traditional Newrouz Celebration, marking the Kurdish and Persian New Year. Young performers in colourful traditional dress danced and sang to live music, while a packed hall of families and community members enjoyed the festive atmosphere decorated with floral centrepieces and paper flower arches. The event was a heartfelt display of cultural pride, with organizers and attendees alike celebrating with joy and happiness.
This celebration was made possible with the support of the Government of Alberta through the Ethnocultural Community Support Program.
We’re excited to represent Turkish culture as Burc Intercultural Centre at the Calgary Nowruz Celebration Hosted by the Kazakhstani Society of Calgary. Held on March 21, 2026, at the Triwood Community Association in Calgary, this special event brought together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Nowruz, a time of renewal, unity, and hope. It was a wonderful day filled with cultural exchange, meaningful conversations, and vibrant traditions. We were proud to share elements of Turkish heritage, connect with fellow community members, and experience the richness of different cultures all in one place.
A heartfelt thank you to the organizers and everyone who attended for creating such a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. Events like these remind us of the beauty of multiculturalism and the importance of building bridges between communities.
We look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate together!
The 16th edition of the Calgary Intercultural Festival was a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity. Held at the Dalhousie Community Center, the festival brought together people from all cultures to share in the excitement. The event started at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, and finished at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Nearly 20 booths offered a diverse selection of delicious food from around the world, vibrant cultural displays, and a variety of art products. Associate Minister of Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen also attended the event and delivered a speech, emphasizing the value of intercultural connection and inclusion in Alberta.
The stage also featured a wide range of incredible performances. Here are just a few highlights:
• Melody Dance Group – Iranian cultural dance
• Silk Silhouette Dance Team – Vietnamese traditional dance
• Silk Silhouette Dance Team’s Youth Group Vkids Connect – Vietnamese traditional dance
• Maherlika Dance Group – Filipino folk dancers
• Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta – Filipino folk dancers
• Azeri Calgary Stars – Azerbaijani folk dance
• Anna Pompeeva – Ukrainian solo vocalist
• Silya Mehri – Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture
• Asiya Iskander – Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture
• Horon Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
• Zeybek Dance – Aegean regional folk performance
• Reyhani Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
• Emir Enes Deniz– Turkish pop-rock guitar performance
• MFÖ Tribute – Kids group karaoke
• Sıra Gecesi – Traditional Turkish night re-enactment
• Closing singing Performance by all kids- Yeni bir dünya (A new world)
Mark your calendars for August 30–31, 2025, as the Calgary Intercultural Festival returns to the Dalhousie Community Association for a weekend of vibrant cultural celebration! Now in its 16th year, this beloved event brings together communities from across Calgary and beyond to share music, dance, food, art, and traditions from around the world. Explore our program flow below and see what’s in store for this unforgettable weekend of connection, culture, and community.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
2025-08-30, SATURDAY
| PERFORMER | PERFORMANCE | TIME |
| Malik Muradov | Opening Speech – 1 | 11:00 – 11:15 |
| MFO Kids Group | Dance Performance-1 | 11:30 – 11:45 |
| Anatolian Turkish “Sira Gecesi” Performance | Dance Performance-2 | 11:45 – 12:00 |
| Adrian Wolfleg – Indigenous Elder | Opening Speech – 2 | 12:00 – 12.15 |
| Melody Dance Group | Iranian Dance Group | 12:15 – 12.30 |
| Emir Enes Deniz | Singing & Guitar Performance | 12:45 – 13:00 |
| Numan Cakir | Solo Performance (Singing) | 13:00 – 13:15 |
| Silk Silhouette Dance Team | Vietnamese Dance Group | 13:15 – 13:30 |
| Emir Enes Deniz | Singing & Guitar Performance | 13:45 – 14:00 |
| Spirit of Land of Fire | Azerbaijani Dance Group | 14:00 – 14:15 |
| Zeybek Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-3 | 14:30 – 14:45 |
| Emir Enes Deniz | Singing & Guitar Performance | 15:00 – 15:15 |
| Ender Saglam | Solo Performance (Singing) | 15:15 – 15:30 |
| Sena Şahin | Solo Performance (Singing) | 15:30 – 15:45 |
| Asiya Iskander: Inspire Dance Studio | Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture | 16:00 – 16:15 |
| Sena Şahin | Solo Performance (Singing) | 16:30 – 16:45 |
| Maherlika Dance Group | Philippine Dance Group | 17: 00 – 17:15 |
| Silya Merhi | Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture | 17: 15 – 17:30 |
| Reyhani Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-4 | 17: 45 – 18:00 |
| Tusher Samin | Singing & Guitar Performance | 18:00 – 18:15 |
| Horon Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-5 | 18:30 – 18:45 |
| Mustafa Kabay | Bağlama Performance & Singing | 18:45 – 19:00 |
| Silya Merhi | Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture | 19:00 – 19:15 |
| Asiya Iskander: Inspire Dance Studio | Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture | 19:30 – 19:45 |
2025-08-31, SUNDAY
| PERFORMER | PERFORMANCE | TIME |
| Malik Muradov | Opening Speech | 14:00 – 14:15 |
| Horon Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-1 | 14:15 – 14:30 |
| Emir Enes Deniz | Singing & Guitar Performance | 14:45 – 15:00 |
| Anna Pompeeva | Solo Performance (Singing) | 15:00 – 15:15 |
| Reyhani Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-2 | 15:30 – 15:45 |
| MFO Kids Group | Dance Performance-3 | 16:00 – 16:15 |
| Emir Enes Deniz | Singing & Guitar Performance | 16:30 – 16:45 |
| Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta | Philippine Dance Group | 17: 00 – 17:15 |
| Silya Merhi | Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture | 17: 30 – 17:45 |
| Sena Şahin | Solo Performance (Singing) | 18:00 – 18:15 |
| Silk Silhouette Kid’s Team- Vkids Connect | Vietnamese Dance Group | 18:30 – 18:45 |
| Mustafa Kabay | Bağlama Performance & Singing | 18:45 – 19:00 |
| Zeybek Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-4 | 19:00 – 19:15 |
| Emir Enes Deniz | Singing & Guitar Performance | 19:15 – 19:30 |
| Horon Dance Performance – Kids Group | Dance Performance-5 | 19:30 – 19:45 |
| Closing Singing Performance by Kids | Yeni Bir Dunya (A New World) | 19:45 – 20:00 |
Dalhousie Community Association, Calgary
August 30–31, 2025 (Free Entry)
Get ready, Calgary! The 16th Intercultural Festival is just around the corner — a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and unity. Hosted by local communities from across the globe, this year’s festival brings together music, dance, art, and storytelling in one unforgettable weekend.
Save the Date:
August 30–31, 2025
Dalhousie Community Association
5432 Dalhart Rd NW, Calgary, AB
Here’s a first look at some of the incredible performers joining us:
Performers
Melody Dance Group – Iranian cultural dance
Silk Silhouette Dance Team – Vietnamese traditional dance
Maherlika Dance Group – Filipino folk dancers
Filipino Arts and Culture Society of Alberta – Filipino folk dancers
Azeri Calgary Stars – Azerbaijani folk dance
Anna Pompeeva – Ukrainian solo vocalist
Tusher Samin – Bengali acoustic singer-songwriter
Silya Mehri – Solo Violin Performance – Lebanese culture
Asiya Iskander – Solo Dance Performance- Kazakh Culture
Adrian Wolfleg – Indigenous elder (opening talk)
Horon Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
Reyhani Dance – Turkish children’s folk dance
Emir Enes – Turkish pop-rock guitar performance
Sena Sahin– Youth karaoke performance
Mustafa Kabay– Turkish folk music with saz
MFÖ Tribute – Kids group karaoke
Sıra Gecesi – Traditional Turkish night reenactment
Zeybek Dance – Aegean regional folk performance
Ebru Marbling Art – Live Turkish water painting demo
Community Art Booths – Henna, face painting, photo & painting exhibits
Don’t miss this celebration of community, heritage, and creativity.
There will be performances, cultural showcases, family activities, and delicious international food.
Let’s celebrate diversity, unity, and joy — together in Calgary!
Follow us for full schedule updates:
Burc Intercultural Centre proudly hosted a vibrant Nowruz celebration at the Dalhousie Community Centre on May 11.
The event featured a rich and diverse program, including traditional dance performances, folk songs, poetry recitations, engaging competitions, and gift presentations. Attendees enjoyed a lively and culturally immersive experience that brought together community members of all ages to celebrate the spirit of Nowruz.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Alberta for its generous support, which made this meaningful event possible.
The Program Flow was:
1- Adrian Wolfleg – Opening Speech – He is a member of the Siksika Nation, part of the Calgary Public Library’s Elders’ Guidance Circle, and Cultural Knowledge Keeper of the Alberta Men’s Network
2 – Melody Dance Group – Persian Origin Dance performances
3 – First Gift raffle
4 – Muradiye S. – Speech about togetherness
5 – Azeri Calgary Stars Dance Group – Azerbaijani Origin Dance performances
6 – Azra and Sumeyye – Guitar Performance
7 – Mahtab Sayed Nabian – Iranian singer
8 – Arife – Reading an emotional letter
9 – Second Gift raffle
10 – Tusher Samin – Guitar Performance
11- Group Game – Guessing your daughter
12 – Drama – theatre performance by community girls
13- Piano Performance by community girls
14 – Third Gift raffle
15- Closing
On May 3–4, IDI celebrated Volunteer Week with great enthusiasm, bringing together both new and longtime volunteers. The events featured presentations highlighting the vital role of volunteerism in building stronger communities.
In recognition of their dedication, returning volunteers received certificates of appreciation, while new volunteers were warmly welcomed with a special celebration. Participants also enjoyed a variety of delicious food throughout the events.
The atmosphere was full of motivation and inspiration, culminating in the decision to establish volunteer clubs at universities. Some of the young female volunteers stepped forward to support the formation and development of these clubs.
We thank Alberta Volunteer for their generous support.
Join us for a vibrant evening of music, dance, and cultural sharing! Experience rich traditions from various ethnocultural and Indigenous communities through:
Live performances
Cultural workshops & food tastings
Intercultural dialogue
Youth cultural exchange
Let’s come together to celebrate unity in diversity!
** Alberta Ethnocultural Grant Program
#NowruzCelebration #CulturalConnections #YYCEvents #CelebrateDiversity
