Francophone cultures come to life

Franco Festival Calgary returns to Calgary next weekend with a two-day event designed to promote francophone cultures through music and art.

The celebration, now into its third year, kicks off July 26 at the Scandinavian Centre (729 20th Ave) N.W. from 7-10 p.m. with youth dance performances, a fashion show, African traditional dance, swing dance and more.

Tickets are $30. For more information, call 403-668-0299.

The festival switches the next day to Eau Claire Plaza, which will host live performances and entertainment, a children’s village, arts and crafts and workshops.

Among the artists scheduled to perform will be Banda Brava, Jessica Holtby, Raphael Freynet, Danielle French, David J. David and Rhythm Method.

The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit francofestcalgary.com