Join us in Calgary on
September 12th as we transform
Waterfront Park into 3 lush garden dance floors
lineup
KENNY DOPE
Kenny “DOPE” Gonzalez is one of the most influential DJ/producers in dance music history. This four time Grammy nominated genius has been captivating dance floors across the globe for 25+ years, while being solely responsible for creating entire music genres on his own. A purveyor of sonic masterpieces, K-Dope’s released thousands of tracks and hundreds of remixes (including for Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Daft Punk) while earning a reputation as a living encyclopedia of beats as one-half of the legendary house duo, Masters At Work. An artist with unmatched musical knowledge and masterful beat selection, come witness this revolutionary figure lay down a 3-hour set next to the Bow River.
NEON STEVE
Neon Steve has carved out a reputation as one of Canada’s most influential House Music artists, amassing over 50 million streams worldwide. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, he holds the title of Beatport’s top-selling Canadian Bass House artist of all time. His self-described sound—“House Music That Bangs!”—pushes boundaries with a high-energy sound that’s sprinkled with fragments of your parents (or even your grandparents) favourites. Known for explosive tracks and undeniable dancefloor appeal, we’re honoured to have Neon Steve headlining Zen’s Azalea stage in 2026.
COMMODO
Commodo is one of UK bass music’s most elusive figures – whose shadowy style of dubstep, grime and experimental club never misses the mark. An artist with minimal online presence, Commodo is one of an increasingly rare few who make waves through the strength of their music alone. Emerging in the early 2010s with a low-frequency hum that sent waves through the very foundations of the UK’s underground, he builds bass-focused beats with soul and substance that never perpetuate a formula, distancing himself from contemporaries with ingenious sampling and sound design influenced by his long-time affinity with the vibrancy of hiphop.
MARK FARINA
Legendary electronic music pioneer and Zen favourite (Melodic ’98 anyone?), Mark Farina has solidified himself in the world of dance music as a trailblazing DJ, producer, tastemaker and bona fide house music icon. After 3 decades crisscrossing the globe, he shows no signs of slowing down remaining innovative, humble, and firmly rooted in the underground. Be ready for a surreal set as the sun goes down on our Lotus stage.
SMALLTOWN DJS
With two decades of boundary-blurring sets, community-building, and crowd-igniting releases, Smalltown DJs have quietly become Canada’s underground house music heartbeat. ❤️ Their sound rises from the dance floors of festivals like Shambhala and Bass Coast…where energy runs high, and the music moves with the mountains. 🏔️🎶⛰️ Having been nominated for Underground Dance Single of the Year at the 2024 Juno’s, Smalltown aren’t chasing trends…they’re dialled in…and refining a sound that’s warm, rolling, and built for connection.
DUBTRIBE SOUND SYSTEM
With so much history under their soles, Dubtribe Sound System holds a special space with dancers, dreamers, and dawn-chasers across the globe. One of the top party draws of the 90’s and early 2000’s, their legendary house music track “Do it Now” still sits firmly in Rolling Stone’s list of “Greatest Dance Songs of All Time”. The San Francisco-based pair composed of Sunshine & Moonbeam became a tour-de-force with globe-trotting performances and dazzling productions which sadly came to a halt in 2005. After some time apart, the creative duo reconnected with select performances, and now are reuniting for a special Zen DJ set…eeeek!
HANDSOME TIGER
Handsome Tiger, an Anishinaabe Métis and North African music producer/DJ hailing from Turtle Island and currently based in Vancouver, BC, blends traditional sounds from his heritage with other Indigenous and contemporary electronic bass music. A familiar face in the West Coast music community, Handsome Tiger has performed at numerous shows and amassed a collection of releases. With a passion for bass music, he actively supports and contributes to Vancouver’s underground scene and has gained popularity in the North American festival circuit, appearing at events such as Bass Coast, Shambhala, Envision, Lightning in a Bottle, Mutek, Texas Eclipse, and more.
BURCHILL
Find him on the stage or in the mountains…Burchill was created from his passion for house music and through his involvement in the Western Canadian music scene over the last decade.He cut his teeth at the notorious Hifi Club in Calgary where he held his monthly residency, Field Trip — and has become a favourite on the festival circuit with stops at Shambhala, Wicked Woods, Rifflandia, and many more. On the production side, he’s got some HEAVY, critically acclaimed releases out to date with more on the wayyyy…
METAFLOOR
Bass Music/Dubstep OG and founder of Calgary’s Sub Chakra crew back in 2011…Metafloor’s been relentlessly hustling proper sound system music ever since. Over the years, his productions have appeared on labels far and wide including Greazus’s Aufect Platinum, Black Tuna, and Mat the Alien’s Really Good Recordings….and his skills as a selector have carried him to the stages of Bass Coast, Shambhala, Wicked Woods and many more…been a favourite on Zen’s Coral Stage since inception
NEIGHBOUR
If you’ve ever caught a Neighbour set live, you KNOW this is a can’t miss 90 minutes. Hailing from VanCity, and a purveyor of disco, deep house, and analog flavours – Neighbour’s on a mission to “put the music back into dance music”. As co-owner/founder of Homebreakin Records and Punchout Recordings, this prolific producer/remixer releases absolute TUNES on leading underground house, funk, and disco labels worldwide.
JOANNA MAGIK
Joanna Magik’s been fusing her signature style with an energetic stage presence to capture the hearts of dance floors across North America. 
With her two-tone hair and infectious energy, she’s a rising force in dance music culture known for standout sets that ALWAYS deliver. From Miami Music Week to the Dirytbird CampOut…and club sets at Audio SF, Academy LA, and Avalon Hollywood…Joanna’s making a mark everywhere she goes.
BASS PANDA
Those who’ve experienced the soundscape journey of Bass Panda know the energy he brings to the dance floor every time he steps behind the decks…Musically gifted, he blends an incredible live saxophone performance with multiple genres, personal edits, mashups, tempo changes, and classics to create an incredibly unique audience experience. 
f you’ve caught him gracing the stages of Wicked Woods, Bring Your Love, The Womp, or on the fraya at Freezer Burn…you KNOW he’s going to throw down!
GABBY HAZE & EMINATE RAYS
Setting the Canadian electronic music scene ablaze with her cutting-edge bass music, Gabby’s making waves 
by consistently captivating dance floors everywhere she goes.Her electrifying performances have graced renowned stages at Envision in Costa Rica, on the Playa at Burning Man, and on the farm at Shambhala. Gabby’s intoxicating soundscapes blend deep basslines and ethereal melodies with forward-thinking trap, grime, and delectable hip-hop infusions that transport listeners to an immersive, ethereal realm driven by strong low-end focused mixing. ++ Joined by inguistic mastermind, Eminate Rays!
JON DELERIOUS
Jon Delerious has been a staple in the Canadian House music scene since the mid 90’s and is known for layin down deep, funky, smoked out dubby sets fused with his signature organic vibe. A local legend signed to Nordic Trax, Jon’s catalogue of releases have been name checked from such artists as Gilles Peterson through to Laurent Garnier. He continues to refine his skills as one of Canada’s leading electronic musical innovators. Jon will be going B2B with Ryan Phelan and takin the heads wayyyy back!
RYAN PHELAN (PH7)
A foundational pillar of Calgary’s electronic music culture, Ryan helped lay the groundwork for the city’s house music scene long before the genre hit the mainstream. As a selector, he has an incredible ear for the kind of deep, infectious, and soul-stirring house music that immediately commands a dancefloor. His sets are masterclasses in pacing and rhythm, bypassing flashy gimmicks in favor of pure, unadulterated, and irresistible basslines. Ryan will be going B2B with Jon Delerious and takin the heads wayyyy back!
ZURGLIN & CONTEMPORARY VICE
ZURGLIN’s a Métis DJ/Producer whose bass thumping energy is shaking the world with interdimensional sound. 
His original tracks are gaining SERIOUS recognition from bass music afficionados worldwide…while shakin festivals with his distinctive wompy and wubalicious dubstep interjected with explicit drum & bass. Deeply rooted in an insatiable passion and dedication to music, he’s pouring his life into having an impact and sharing his explosive creativity. ++ the insanely talented , multidisciplinary artist Contemporary Vice will be joining him on our Coral stage for a live performance NOT to be missed
WORK PARTY B2B WAX THEORY
Join Work Party & Wax Theory for a hot collaboration as they curate dance floor heat guaranteed to make you MOVE 💃🪩🕺 Work Party means business, and you can find her in a power suit playing groovy sets influenced by the vibe and sounds of disco and house from around the world. She embraces the connective and emotive aspects of house music to create dance floor memories and moments of connection amongst friends and strangers alike. Wax Theory’s musical inner workings run deep. For him, music is not an obsession – it’s an inevitability. His all-consuming passion for shared sonic experience has translated at the musical intersection of house, disco, funk, soul, R&B, bass, folk and rock, and the sounds in his repertoire are universally heartfelt, warm, and filled with positive thoughtful intention.
YELLOW DUBMARINE JAM SESSION
Hailing from the intersection of heavy sub-frequencies and rhythmic precision, The Yellow Dubmarine collective is set to bring a heavyweight sonic experience to Zen Garden. Known for navigating the deepest trenches of sound system culture, this collective bridges the gap between classic dub foundations and the raw energy of modern bass music. Prepare for a deep-sea dive into the underground.
Zen Garden is an end-of-summer celebration of 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 Waterfront Park on the Bow River into 3 lush garden dance floors.
Be sure to bring your dancing shoes...
- 3 Immersive Stages
- Live Performers
- Cantina/Bar Service
- Food Trucks
- Lots and Lots of Art
location
Waterfront Park
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
18+ w/id
Saturday, Sept. 12th, 2026 | 2:00pm-11:00pm
5225 101 St NW | T3L 1S4
CLICK FOR MAP
faq
Zen Garden will be taking place:
Saturday, September 12th 2026 from 2:00pm-11:00pm.
Waterfront Park | Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Address: 5225 101 St NW, Calgary, AB T3L 1S4
You can purchase tickets here: https://www.showpass.com/zen-garden-2026
Learn how to transfer your ticket on Zen Garden ticket here:
https://help.showpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/360023831873-Transferring-Tickets-or-Products
Interested in volunteering and earning a ticket for 1 shift? Reach out to us at: zengardenvolunteers @ gmail.com
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.
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.
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)
– Food or drink
– 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.