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Calgary, Canada

OVERVIEW

As a long-time business operator in the City of Calgary, Cowboys recognizes that we have a responsibility to manage our activities in the areas where we operate, and to create a positive impact on the community and our business. For nearly 30 years, Cowboys has always, and will continue to, maintain positive relationships with our Neighbours and Community Stakeholders.

MESSAGE BOARD

May 7, 2026

Hey Neighbour! 

With just 55 days to go until CMF 2026, we wanted to share a quick update on what’s happening as we get closer, particularly as it relates to Cowboys Park and our community. 

As shared previously, preparation work is currently underway at Cowboys Park as part of a city-led construction plan. This work is expected to continue through mid-June, with most park amenities remaining open to the public during this time. 

The City of Calgary will update their website with information as it changes. Check back here for more info leading up to CMF: https://www.calgary.ca/parks/cowboys-park.html  

More information on CMF-specific construction timelines, lane closures, access points, and mitigation plans will be shared once City approvals are finalized. All road and lane closures will be coordinated and facilitated by the city. 

We will be sharing updates regarding details for more CMF Community Events in the upcoming weeks! 

In the meantime, we’re excited to share a few early highlights: 

Our Hey Neighbour Block Party is returning on Thursday, July 2, with gates opening at 5 PM. Joining this year’s opening night lineup is Avery Anna, alongside Charles Wesley Godwin and Tucker Wetmore, kicking things off with a great night dedicated to our community. More details are coming soon, so be sure to save the date! 

Additionally, Zach John King will be performing at Cowboys Dance Hall on Monday, July 6. 

More announcements at both Cowboys Music Festival and Cowboys Dance Hall are coming soon, so keep an eye out on social media! 

CMF: https://www.instagram.com/cowboysmusicfestival/

CDH: https://www.instagram.com/cowboyscalgary/

We’ve also updated our Community Outreach page, where you can now find our latest Community Engagement Plan, a summary of our Impact Report, and our very first Hey Neighbour! Newsletter. These resources highlight how we’re responding to key priorities we’ve heard directly from our neighbours. These documents will be updated as information becomes available. 

If you have any questions, you can reach out through the Community Forum linked below. 

Be sure to check back regularly for updates and neighbour-focused information as we count down to CMF 2026. 

More to come! 

Cheers, 
Team Cowboys 

HEY NEIGHBOUR! PORTAL

This portal is for our Neighbours in Downtown West Community, and can be accessed here!

COMMUNITY PLANS & REPORTS

Click the buttons below to learn more about how we’re supporting our neighbours and our impact on the community. These documents are updated regularly as new information becomes available— please check back often to stay up to date!

 
HEY NEIGHBOUR! NEWSLETTER
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

COMMITMENTS

CMF is dedicated to fulfilling these 15 specific commitments to our community through responsible leadership, open communication, careful planning, and consistent follow-through. Our goals will be achieved by actively engaging and upholding these core principles. Additional information can be found in our Plans & Reports section.

  • Maintain an active communication channel with prompt replies between CMF and the Community through our Community Forum, accessible 24/7 during the set-up, operation, and teardown of Cowboys Music Festival.

  • Continuously review and update our policies and plans based on feedback from patrons, neighbours, local authorities, businesses in the area, and responses from the City’s Public Engagement activities.

  • Strictly implement our extensive Operational Plan, including top-of-the-line sound dispersal and mitigation, crowd management, and egress plans.

  • Continue our history of cooperating with all authorities (CPS, CFD, AGLC, etc.) and the City of Calgary, strictly abiding by all rules and permits to ensure a safe experience.

  • Keep the site and the surrounding area of Cowboys Park clean, safe, and free of garbage and debris during the setup, operation, and teardown of CMF, with the support of third-party services from Waste Management.

  • Encourage Patrons to use safe transportation (public transit, taxis, ride-share) through social media, on-site signage, and way-finding signage outside the CMF gates. Dedicated Taxi and Rideshare pick-up and drop-off locations will be determined with the City.

  • Align the location of our exit gates with easy, direct access to safe transportation, supported by detailed signage and directions from CMF’s BlockWatch team.

  • Provide accessible, equitable customer service and legendary experiences for people with visible and invisible disabilities that respects their independence and integration with the Festival as a whole.

  • Be an active Community member of the Downtown West community year-round, working toward common goals of safety, beautification, and new experiences and programs that highlight our corner of the City.

  • Maintain an active presence in the Community through our BlockWatch program, partnerships with local organizations and community associations, and with support from the Calgary Police Service.

  • Support the non-profits, charities, sports teams, and community groups that make Calgary the legendary city it is, with fundraising opportunities, donations, and partnerships.

  • Host a range of events beyond our music festival, including 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, Skate demos, and hosting and promoting a diverse range of community-minded events.

  • Foster our relationship with local artists through competitions like The Opener, where musicians have the opportunity to open for CMF headliners, and work with professional artists to create art installations that enhance the CMF experience and highlight the creativity of our local legends.

  • Secure the site through a strong combination of internal security personnel, contracted security services, and the Calgary Police Service. Staff and contractors will conduct regular patrols of the site throughout the set-up, operation, and teardown of our Festival. 

  • Issue post-event surveys to CMF attendees and our neighbours to capture feedback from their experience, in addition to debrief meetings with key community stakeholders.

COWBOYS PARK

Formally known as Shaw Millenium Park, Cowboys Park is located in the vibrant Downtown West community.

As part of a 10-year sponsorship agreement with the City of Calgary, upgrades will be made to utilities, electrical infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and new hardened surfaces. These upgrades will support the transformation of Cowboys Park into a modern and multi-functional event space, attracting more events, business, visitors and increased public use of the park year-round. Event organizers will be able to efficiently set up, tear down and clean after events. The hardened space will better accommodate Calgarians with mobility considerations and better facilitates activities like farmer’s and holiday markets, food trucks, sport and other recreational events, food festivals, and more.

Cowboys Park is owned by and controlled by City operations and City Parks. All programming follows the City’s event approval process.

City of Calgary Website

Following this link will lead you to the Cowboys Park section of the City of Calgary website; this page has plenty of helpful information about Cowboys Park and the upcoming improvements. Full details on what is open and closed at Cowboys Park is available at Calgary.ca/cowboyspark and on signage distributed around the park when applicable.

Upcoming Events

As a City-owned park, Cowboys Park will be activated throughout the year by organizers hosting special events, festivals, and activities. Below is a list of some of those events; make sure to follow the links to learn more!

CONCRETE RODEO COMMUNITY DAY

June 6th, 2026

Join us at Cowboys Park on Saturday June 6 from 10am-3pm for a day dedicated to Calgary’s skate community!

Free entry - no ticket required. Open to all ages & abilities.

Learn more here.

TASTE OF CALGARY

July 30th - August 3rd, 2026

Taste of Calgary is the city's most appetizing festival, giving visitors the chance to sample the city's food, beverages, music and other cool things. Get a taste of Calgary's great musicians and visit a variety of artisans, entrepreneurs, and interactive activities to add to the fun of the festival!

Learn more here.

CARIFEST

August 14th - 16th, 2026

Get ready for the ultimate celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and vibes! Carifest Calgary returns, promising an unforgettable weekend of vibrant festivities!

Learn more here.

FRIENDS OF COWBOYS - 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

August 21st, 2026

This tournament is an all-ages daytime basketball event bringing fast-paced games, friendly competition, and community energy to Cowboys Park. It’s designed as an accessible, outdoor tournament where players and spectators can gather around the courts for a fun weekend of sport!

More info coming soon!

FRANCO FESTIVAL CALGARY (FFC)

September 11th - 12th, 2026

Franco Festival Calgary celebrates the richness and diversity of Francophone cultures through music, dance, food, crafts, and cultural programming from communities across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Canada.

Learn more here.

2026 CALGARY POLICE CLASSIC

September 19th, 2026

Calgary’s fall road race tradition, offering a half marathon, 8 km race, and kids race that starts and finishes at Cowboys Park.

Learn more here.

FRIENDS OF COWBOYS - RUN CLUB

First Thursday of every month from May-September

Friends of Cowboys Run Club is a monthly community run starting and ending at Cowboys Park, giving neighbours and Cowboys fans a way to get active together. 

Learn more here.

 

NOTE: This list is non-exhaustive; other events may be taking place at Cowboys Park that aren't on our radar

COMMUNITY FORUM

This online Forum has been set up for residents and business owners to communicate directly with Cowboys Music Festival Management regarding any questions, community concerns, or feedback you want to share regarding our Festival. All inquiries will be responded to within 24 hours.