Crowds pile into downtown core for 2026 Calgary Stampede parade

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Calgary Stampede parade getting ready to launch

It’s the tradition that thousands of Calgarians have been waiting for: It’s Stampede parade day!

Since the early morning hours, people have been staking out their spots along the parade route through downtown Calgary.

It began at 9 a.m. at Ninth Avenue and Third Street S.E., then proceeded down to 10 Street S.W., turning and heading to Sixth Avenue S.W., where it headed back east to the finish line at Fourth Street S.E.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators gathered to watch the event, with millions more watching online from around the world.

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While chairs and blankets of those early risers are already lining the route, many of the participants have been busy getting ready for the big event.

More than 120 entries are taking part this year, including dozens of elaborate floats, marching bands, cultural performers and lots of horses.

“We’re expecting over 300,000 people along the parade route today,” said Keith Marlowe, chair of the Stampede Parade committee.

“It’s the biggest single-day event in Calgary and people are already pretty excited.”

Weather for the big day is expected to be a bit windy, but clear, but by the end of the parade, there is a chance of showers.

Parade marshals Courtney Sarault and Mikaël Kingsbury, both multiple medallists from Milano Cortina 2026, led the parade.

Sarault says their experience at the Olympics helped provide them with the opportunity to participate in an event like the Calgary Stampede parade.

“It’s both our first one and to go like this, it’s the best way possible to do it.” she said.

Kingsbury is only used to seeing Calgary in the winter, so coming to the city in the summertime is a change.

“What better way to attend my first Stampede than as marshal alongside Courtney?”

Once the parade wraps up, there will be free admission to Stampede Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The wonderful thing about Stampede is that its a music festival, it’s a cooking competition, it’s an art show. There’s a little bit of something for everybody,” Marlowe said.

Last year, more than 350,000 people watched the parade in person.

Thursday, July 2 - Attendance Numbers

Guests snuck-a-peek at Stampede 2026, during Sneak-a-Peek!

• Daily Attendance: 32,024
• Total 2026 Stampede Attendance to Date: 32,024