Join us in Calgary on
September 14th as we transform
Waterfront Park into 3 lush garden dance floors


lineup

CLASSIC MUSIC COMPANY

Few artists have the legacy and track record of Derrick Carter, who is widely acknowledged as one of the best DJs in the world. With innovative productions, flawless technical skills and an effortlessly joyful attitude of rocking a crowd, his influence has infiltrated the entire spectrum of dance music. Having earned critical acclaim as a producer on a number of genre-defining recording projects, this Chicago legend is marked as one of the most influential players in the underground house music scene…past, present, and future.

DIRTYBIRD RECORDS

As the co-label boss of the iconic American label Dirtybird, Justin Martin has established himself as one of the most popular and talented DJ/Producers on the planet. Having developed his unique sound through a catalogue of incredible solo EPs, Justin’s booty-shaking releases have earned industry-wide respect from peers and tastemakers from across the globe. Known for throwing down can’t miss DJ sets from Space in Ibiza to Shambhala deep in the heart of the Kootenays—expect lots of bass thumpin’ beats paired with melodic rhythms as Justin headlines our Azalea stage at Zen Garden 2024.

H IS FOR HUSTLE

Internationally acclaimed DJ Heather hails from Brooklyn NY and has made a name for herself shaping the Chicago underground house music scene for 3+ decades. Her ability to seamlessly blend different genres while creating a unique and engaging experience for her audience has made her a favourite among house music lovers around the world. Her reputation as one of the premier selectors in the nation has led Heather to be showcased at festivals that include Movement in Detroit, WMC in Miami, and the Dirtybird Campout in SoCal.

FOOL'S GOLD | DIRTYBIRD

Fresh off their Juno nomination for Underground Dance Single of the Year for “Concorde Groove”, Smalltown serves up bass-heavy house music that combines the spirit of Canada’s outdoor electronic music festivals such as Shambhala & Bass Coast-with the sound they cultivated at the legendary Hifi Club in Calgary. The boys have released highly acclaimed tracks on labels that include Dirtybird, Fool’s Gold, Box of Cats, and Sweat It Out!…and they ALWAYS leave you with sore feet after grooving to their sets.

MIDNIGHT | WESTWOOD

Fun and eclectic, Jessu & Pyka’s sound is reminiscent of your Dad’s catalogue mixed with booty shaking dance music and house smashers. Embracing all flavours of house music, the pair have become known for high energy sets that get you MOVIN. Already fostering an online community most could only dream of, they have a rep for delivering a feel good blend of infectious music that brings BIG smiles to the dance floor….we dare you to listen their Westwood Radio mix below without getting up and shakin it.

DIRTYBIRD | FARRIS WHEEL

Joanna Magik’s been fusing her signature style with an energetic stage presence to capture the hearts of dance floors across North America. Her sets cover all genres of house music, and as a producer her resume includes releases on some of today’s most influential house labels, including Box of Cats, Glasgow Underground and Gene Farris’ Farris Wheel Recordings, and is a 2023 winner of the Pete Tong x Apple Music DJ Mix series…and we CAN’T WAIT to hear how she’ll follow-up her epic 2023 set!

DEADBEATS

MYTHM’s the truth of the Van City bass music scene, fortifying the explosive growth happening all along on the west coast. Having released highly acclaimed singles from his “Mind of Madness” album, he’s received support from the likes of world renowned producers such as J:Kenzo, Truth, Zed’s Dead, Liquid Stranger, & Peekaboo. Riding this momentum, MYTHM leaves no room for stagnancy as he lives for the endless possibilities. 

SUB CHAKRA

Bass Music/Dubstep OG and founder of Calgary’s Sub Chakra crew in 2011-Metafloor has been relentlessly hustling proper sound system music ever since. Over the years, Metafloor’s productions have appeared on labels far and wide including Greazus’s Aufect Platinum, Black Tuna, and Mat the Alien’s Really Good Recordings. Additionally, his skills as a selector have carried him to the stages of Bass Coast, Shambhala, Astral Harvest, and more.

PARADISCO | PLEASURE PRINCIPLE

 A Canadian DMC & ITF Champion, DJ Pump is a true party DJ that kills dance floors on the regular. Whilst mixing, scratching, creating or blending beats from hip-hop to funk, soul, disco, house and everything in between, Pump focuses on the overall musical composition and the sound of the end result. His Paradisco, Pleasure Principle, Jazzanova, Melting Pot, and Word Up parties set the standard for how to properly rock a joint in YYC.

VERSIONS PATIO PARTIES

Calgary’s reigning queen of house, Esette’s 20+ years of delivering mesmerizing sets has made her a household name in Western Canada. She (Isis Graham) is one of the guiding forces of cultural phenomena such as The Alberta Electronic Music Conference, Girls on Decks, and the founder of our favourite summer weekly in YYC, Versions Patio Parties. We’re STOKED to see what her and Miss Hazard dream up for their B2B set on our Lotus stage. 

GIRLS ON DECKS

Always pushing boundaries in the name of creativity, Miss Hazard’s soundscape is an infusion of spacey textures and ethnic rhythms that mystically blend into a style of house that resists being classified into any specific genre. Her energy is electric and translates through the thick of a festival dance floor and the intimacy of a packed club. The performance she gives is not one to be missed… she’ll be going B2B w/Esette at our Lotus stage.

NORDIC TRAX

Jon Delerious has been a staple in the Canadian House music scene since the mid 90’s. His music ranges from smoked out dubby house, deep house, down tempo and always has a signature organic vibe. Jon’s music appeals to a diverse audience and has been name checked from such artists as Gilles Peterson through to Laurent Garnier. Jon continues to refine his skills as one of Canada’s leading electronic musical innovators

WHAT WILL THE NEIGHBOURS THINK

Hailing from BC’s sunny interior, Carissa Gem grew up in the rave, and has been filling dance floors since before she was old enough to drive. Her sound is forward thinking and is constantly evolving. Drawing on influences from artists like Barisone, The Librarian, Mad Zach, and Danny Scrilla, you can expect her sets to be bass heavy with a healthy dose of rap.

SWEAT | DISCO IN THE PARK

Joses musical style absorbs dance floor lessons from New York in the 70s, Italy in the 80s, London in the 90s and France in the 2000s connecting disco to indie synth tunes and House Music. Collaborations include work with Kathy Brown, Angelo Ferreri, James Curd plus more. He’s also the founder of Disco In The Park festival and spreads the gospel of good vibes, funky music and positive energy.

PACHAMAMA SOUL FLAVOUR

Setting the Canadian electronic music scene ablaze with her cutting-edge experimental bass music, Gabby is making waves by consistently captivating audiences across Alberta and BC. Her electrifying performances have graced renowned stages at Envision Festival in Costa Rica and on the Playa at Burning Man. Gabby’s intoxicating soundscapes blend deep basslines and ethereal melodies with forward-thinking trap and grime transport listeners to an immersive, ethereal realm driven by strong low-end focused mixing.

SUB CHAKRA

Drawing inspiration from a range of influences, including grime, jazz and the entire 140 spectrum. Tone D has developed a distinct style that blends deep, melodic beats with eclectic rhythms. Whether he’s spinning at underground parties hosted by his Sub Chakra crew or at festivals, he never fails to captivate the audience with his dynamic sets. He transports crowds to another dimension with a fusion of dubstep and soulful jazz-leaving dance floors levitated.

SUB CHAKRA

SwaggaCats isn’t just a talented DJ, Producer, and VJ – he’s also leads various projects such as The Yellow Dubmarine, Dumpster Fire Records, and Quiet Hours Silent Disco. His agile, cat-like reflexes allow him to move between genres flawlessly. You may catch him playing an acid infused techno set one weekend, flexing a bass music set the next, and projection mapping the walls at the afters. Known for his lively performance style, if you’re not dancing, it’s guaranteed he will be.

STEELY T

Born out of the dusts of the desert on a magical sunrise morning, the Gold Dust Diva has a love of deep funky house, booty bouncing beats, and all the nostalgic throwback classics. Whether it’s in a basement of dimly-lit club or on the back of Steely T at a festival, she’s VERY passionate about keeping her dancefloor groovin! When she’s not behind the decks, you’ll find her shaking it front-and-center making sure the vibe’s being set proper!

Zen Garden is an end-of-summer celebration of house, tech-house, disco, bass, DnB, hip-hop, funk, and soul music in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

We strive to create an inclusive, fully immersive environment as we transform iconic Waterfront Park on the Bow River into 3 lush garden dance floors.

Be sure to bring your dancing shoes...

location

Waterfront Park

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

18+ w/id

Saturday, Sept. 14th, 2024 | 2:00pm-11:00pm

5225 101 St NW | T3L 1S4

CLICK FOR MAP

faq

Zen Garden will be taking place:

Saturday, September 14th 2024 from 2:00pm-11:00pm.

Waterfront Park | Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Address:  5225 101 St NW, Calgary, AB T3L 1S4
CLICK FOR MAP

Interested in volunteering and earning a ticket for 1 shift? Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Zen Garden will release the music schedule the week prior to the festival getting under way on our Facebook Event Page and our Instagram account @zengardenfestival

Zen Garden will be fully licensed (+18w/id) and a cantina will offer beer, spirits and wine.

Place litter and recycling in marked bins.

Clean-up after yourself.

Do not feed or disturb wildlife.

All attendees must have valid government issued photo ID to enter. 18 is the age of majority in Alberta, Canada. Regardless of the laws in your home province or state, you must be at least 18 years of age to attend this event. NO EXCEPTIONS. If your 18th birthday occurs during Zen Garden you may arrive on the day of your birthday.

Every festival attendee will be searched for alcohol, illegal substances, glass bottles, mirrors and other banned items.

Zen Garden is a NO-RE-ENTRY event. Once you leave for the day, you will not be permitted back on festival grounds. Absolutely no exceptions. Come prepared to spend the whole day at the park.

Do not bring any of these prohibited things on site:

– Alcohol (drinks will be available at our on site Cantina)
– Illegal substances
– Laser pointers
– Glass (especially bottles & mirrors)
– Fireworks or Flares
– Fire dancing equipment
– Weapons
– Animals (service animals must be registered at the gate)
– Unauthorized solicitations (handbills, sampling, giveaways, etc.)
– Drones are not permitted on or in the air above the festival site.
– Body glitter / feathers that may fall on the ground (if you must use glitter, only use biodegradable glitter)
– Indigenous style headdresses

– Chairs larger than festival chair

-Umbrellas

Our gate staff work hard to keep everyone safe. Be patient and courteous with our staff. Abuse of any kind will result in you not getting into the festival. 

Bring your ID. Government issued ID is required through the gate as Zen Garden is a 18+ event.

Bring your Showpass ticket on your phone ready to be scanned.

Bring appropriate attire and essentials  for the weather forecast that day.

There is on-site and overflow parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We STRONGLY suggest using Uber; or calling a cab company to transport you to/from the venue. An Uber zone will be setup.

Payment types accepted on-site at the cantina and food trucks include credit card, debit card and cash. If the event does not sell-out, there will be no cash-sale tickets available at the door. Tickets must be purchased through Showpass at: https://www.showpass.com/zen-garden-festival/

Zen Garden is a safe space for everyone. All attendees are responsible for maintaining a culture of mutual respect and taking care of one another. If someone is unwell, help them get access to medical services. If someone is acting recklessly or harassing others, inform a member of the security team. Any attendee exhibiting reckless behavior or harassing others will have their festival pass revoked. 

Zen Garden Festival takes the health and wellbeing of our patrons very seriously. 

The First Aid tent is located next to the YYC Food Trucks. Please ask any security staff if unsure.