Calgary’s comedy fans are in for a double treat this summer as The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival not only brings top-tier laughs but an impressive culinary lineup to match. After covering countless city events over my years at LCN, I’ve noticed that food offerings can make or break the festival experience – and this year’s comedy fest seems determined to leave no taste bud unsatisfied.
I stopped by Prince’s Island Park yesterday to chat with organizers about their food vendor strategy. “We wanted to create a complete experience,” explained Sarah Mitchell, the festival’s operations director. “Calgary has such a vibrant food scene, and we’re showcasing local vendors who bring that same creativity to their menus.”
The vendor lineup reads like a who’s who of Calgary’s food scene favorites. Jane’s Fried Chicken – a staple at community events since 2017 – brings their signature buttermilk-brined sandwiches. Their owner, Marcus Wong, told me they’re creating a festival-exclusive “Laugh So Hard You Cry” hot chicken sandwich with a spice blend that’s both fiery and flavorful.
For those seeking something more health-conscious, Green Earth Bowls will offer their popular plant-based power bowls. “Comedy and comfort food go hand-in-hand,” said their chef Ana Perez. “But we wanted options for everyone, including those looking for something nutritious while enjoying the shows.”
The sweet tooth crowd hasn’t been forgotten. Calgary’s own Mountain Maple Creamery will debut a festival-exclusive flavor called “Stand-Up Swirl” – a maple-based ice cream with chocolate-covered potato chip pieces. Having sampled their ice cream at several community events last summer, I can attest to their mastery of unique flavor combinations.
What’s particularly refreshing about this lineup is the festival’s commitment to local businesses. According to data from the Calgary Economic Development office, local food vendors experienced a 23% revenue drop during pandemic years. Events like this provide crucial recovery opportunities for these small businesses.
The festival runs from August 23-25 at Prince’s Island Park, with performances by Kevin Hart, Bert Kreischer, and Whitney Cummings headlining each night. City officials expect approximately 30,000 attendees across the weekend, creating significant economic impact beyond just ticket sales.
Festival-goers should note that unlike previous years, outside food won’t be permitted, though water bottles are allowed. This policy shift raised some eyebrows at city council meetings last month, but organizers defended it as necessary to support participating vendors who pay substantial fees to be part of the event.
Having covered Calgary’s festival circuit since moving here in 2011, I’ve witnessed the evolution of our city’s outdoor events. What started as basic concessions has transformed into curated culinary experiences that reflect Calgary’s growing food reputation. This shift mirrors broader trends across North America’s festival landscape, where food has become nearly as important as the main entertainment.
If you’re planning to attend, my veteran festival advice: arrive hungry, pace yourself through the day, and bring cash as backup – though all vendors will accept major credit cards and mobile payments. Based on previous years’ patterns, lines tend to be shortest during the opening acts, so consider that your prime food-acquisition window.
For residents concerned about accessibility, the festival has expanded its offerings of allergen-friendly options. Three vendors, including Conscious Bites, will feature clearly marked gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options – a welcome improvement after last year’s limited choices.
Whether you’re going for the comedy, the cuisine, or the complete experience, this year’s Great Outdoors Comedy Festival seems poised to satisfy Calgary’s appetite for both laughter and local flavors. And that’s something we can all digest with a smile.
