Cumbia City 2026 – International Urban Culture Festival is a multidisciplinary cultural event celebrating cumbia as a global urban movement. Hosted by SpanicArts in Calgary’s Downtown Core, the festival brings together musicians, DJs, dancers, and visual artists to explore the evolution of Cumbia from its Afro-Indigenous roots to contemporary urban culture. Through live performances, art exhibitions, workshops, and community gatherings, the festival highlights cultural exchange, diversity, and creative collaboration. Cumbia City creates a vibrant platform connecting Latin American cultural traditions with Calgary’s multicultural arts scene, engaging new audiences and strengthening the city’s dynamic creative ecosystem.
Friday, June 26 – Opening / Art & Film Night
5:00 PM – Doors Open Audience arrival, ambient music.
6:00 PM – Art Exhibition + Short film Opening Official opening of the art exhibition.
7:00 PM – Film Screening: Ya no estoy aquí Screening followed by a space for reflection and community gathering.
8:30 PM – DJ Set (DJ Escorpio 69) (TBC) Mexico Opening set with a curated selection.
10:00 PM – Closing / Networking Relaxed space for connection.
Saturday, June 27 – Main Event / Live Music & Dance
2:00 PM – Doors Open Start of the day with a family/community atmosphere.
2:30 PM – Cumbia Dance Workshop Open workshop for all levels.
3:30 PM – Percussion Rhythm Workshop (Cumbia) Exploration of foundational cumbia rhythms.
4:30 PM – Accordion Workshop Musical workshop focused on accordion. 6:00 PM – Cultural Dance Presentations Dance groups: Bolivia, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico.
7:30 PM – Opening Live Band: Local Band Live performance (warm-up for the main act).
9:00 PM – Main Band Performance (Lido Pimienta) (TBC) Colombia Headlining act of the night.
10:30 PM – Cumbia Sampusana Set (Coreanera) (TBC) L.A Open dance floor / high energy set.
12:30 AM – Closing
Sunday, June 28 – Community & Closing Day
12:00 PM – Doors Open Relaxed atmosphere, soft music.
1:00 PM – Open Jam / Community Session Open space for musicians dancer and participants.
3:00 PM – Dance Circle & Social Open dance and community gathering.
5:00 PM – Closing Circle Symbolic closing of the event.
6:00 PM – Event Ends