PARTY IN THE PARK 2025: A Perfect Day in the Beltline

This year’s Party in the Park was one for the books. On Sunday, September 7th, more than 900 attendees filled the gardens of Lougheed House for a day of live music, food, and connection. The weather couldn’t have been better, and it was a joy to see families, friends, and neighbours -- whether from nearby Beltline residences or traveling in from the suburbs, come together to celebrate community.

Photo Credits: Erin Prout | @eye_detic_

Families spread out on picnic blankets, kids ran between lawn games and balloon animals, and friends gathered around food trucks and the vendor market. Everywhere you looked, people were discovering local makers, chatting with artists, or enjoying live music on the grass. It felt like the kind of festival we hoped for: one where all ages could feel welcome, relaxed, and connected.

Photo Credits: Erin Prout | @eye_detic_

Music that Moved Us

The stage came alive throughout the afternoon with four incredible acts:

Liz Stevens (Elle Celeste) captivated the crowd with her soulful vocals and acoustic sound, weaving emotion, storytelling and energy into every track.
Sea of Lettuce brought bright, feel-good indie rock perfect for dancing on a sunny afternoon in the park.
Jacquie Daniels & the Blank Slates lit up the stage with raw energy, blending country roots with rebellious flair.
Headliner Terra Lightfoot closed out the evening with her signature powerhouse performance, a reminder of why she remains one of Canada’s most celebrated singer-songwriters.

Each artist gave their own flavour to the day, creating a musical journey that carried the crowd from reflective moments to dance-worthy highs.

A Market Full of Local Talent

For the first time, Party in the Park featured a vendor market, and it was an undeniable hit. From permanent jewellery and artisanal teas to handmade ceramics, paintings, vintage clothing, and hot sauce, our vendors represented the creativity and passion of local entrepreneurs. Attendees browsed booths, met makers face-to-face, and left with unique finds that carried the spirit of the day home with them. Vendors included: Gems Vintage & Oddities, Evercharm, T.Sand, Fitzspace, YanuCrafts, Papúul, Jukaland, Thingamabob Collective, Asa Komono, Soap Works, Tatak Tayo, Kerry’s Thrifts, and Knox Your Socks Off.

Food, Fun, and Family

No festival is complete without food, and this year’s lineup didn’t disappoint. Istanbul Bites served up fresh Turkish wraps and rice dishes, Bastion Burgers brought their OG smash burgers and poutine, Señor Ice Cream kept everyone cool with sweet treats, and ReGrub delivered their iconic hotdogs and over-the-top milkshakes. Families picnicked on blankets under the trees, while others gathered at community tables to share a meal and conversation.

Lawn games kept kids (and plenty of adults) busy throughout the day. Free offerings added even more fun— Fancy Faces created balloon animals, artist Tyler Lemermyer sketched quirky derpy portraits, Olena Reshetnichenko offered face painting, and podcaster Jeff Turner set up a booth capturing conversations. Children’s laughter mixed with the music, while adults found their own enjoyment at the licensed bar hosted by BLOX Arts Centre and our partners at Last Best Brewing, Metrovino, Darkhearts Brewing, and Jasper Brewing.

Photo Credits: Erin Prout | @eye_detic_

A Special Place

Hosting Party in the Park at the Lougheed House gardens made the day even more meaningful. Visitors were surrounded by seasonal blooms lovingly cared for by Calgary volunteers. Some attendees took the opportunity to explore the Lougheed House itself, a historic site and museum that reflects the deep history of our city. This unique setting gave the festival an extra layer of beauty and significance, reminding us that community is not just about the present, but about honouring the spaces and stories that brought us here.

Looking Ahead

As the BLOX BIA, we are beyond grateful to every attendee, artist, vendor, sponsor, and volunteer who helped make this year’s Party in the Park such a success. What began as a small community gathering has grown into a signature event that keeps getting bigger and better each year. With the addition of the vendor market, we’re excited to see the festival evolve into a platform that not only entertains but also uplifts local businesses and creators.

Our vision is to continue building on this momentum, ensuring that the Beltline remains a place where families, friends, and visitors can create cherished memories while rediscovering the joy of downtown Calgary.