High Performance Rodeo
Calgary's International Festival of the Arts
Every January, the High Performance Rodeo brings Calgary to life with three weeks of bold artistic experiences, unexpected discoveries and unforgettable performances.
Presented by One Yellow Rabbit, the festival showcases theatre, dance, music, comedy, multidisciplinary performance and immersive experiences from Calgary, across Canada and around the world. The Rodeo invites audiences to encounter new ideas, celebrate creativity and experience the city in surprising ways.
For more than four decades, the High Performance Rodeo has been a vital part of Calgary's cultural landscape. What began as an experimental gathering of artists has grown into Western Canada's largest international festival of contemporary performance, attracting acclaimed artists, adventurous audiences and cultural visitors from across the globe.
Community, joy, and exuberance! We need these things so much in today’s world.
Built on Curiosity
The High Performance Rodeo is a place for artistic exploration, creative risk-taking and meaningful connection. Alongside internationally celebrated productions, the festival provides a platform for local artists, emerging voices and innovative new work.
From intimate performances to large-scale spectacles, free community events to late-night celebrations, the Rodeo creates opportunities for people to come together, share experiences and discover something unexpected.
Going up?
The first festival took place in 1987 as the One Yellow Rabbit Secret Elevator Experimental Performance Festival. Audiences received directions by phone, gathered at mystery locations and discovered performances in unconventional spaces throughout the city.
That spirit of curiosity, experimentation and adventure continues to shape the festival today. While the Rodeo has grown significantly over the past four decades, it remains dedicated to championing artistic innovation, supporting creative voices and making Calgary a destination for extraordinary cultural experiences.
The festival today
The High Performance Rodeo continues to connect Calgary audiences with exceptional artists from around the world while creating opportunities for local artists to develop, collaborate and share their work. Each January, the festival transforms the city into a gathering place for creativity, conversation and community.
Report to the Community
Find out how we did and what the community thinks of the last High Performance Rodeo.