The Hats Are On: Parade Kicks Off Calgary Stampede

Harry the Horse waves to the crowds during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary on July 3, 2026. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntoshMassive crowds of spectators packed downtown Calgary July 3 for the 114th annual Calgary Stampede opening parade led by Winter Olympic medallists Mikaël Kingsbury and Courtney Sarault.The parade kicked off the 10-day event, which runs until July 12 and features rodeo events, concerts, chuckwagon races, and Western-themed festivities that drew more than 1.4 million visitors last year.The morning parade featured more than 120 parade entries including marching bands, cultural groups, community organizations, and colourful floats, along with the participation of numerous public figures including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.The main daily events at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo started at 1:30 p.m. MDT and featured barrel racing, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and bull riding, along with saddle bronc, bareback, and breakaway roping.The Stampede’s evening show starts at 7:15 p.m. MDT (9:15 p.m. EDT) and includes chuckwagon races where horse teams pull wagons around the track, relay races where indigenous riders switch horses during fast-paced competitions, and the finishing Grandstand Show featuring musicians, dancers, fireworks, and acrobatics.The nightly Grandstand show will feature the Alberta country group High Valley as well as the Young Canadians, a youth troupe of more than 100 young performers from 8 to 21 years old who sing, act, and dance.Jesse Brown, of Baker City, Oregon, competes during steer wrestling rodeo action at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alta., on July 3, 2026. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntoshMore attractions during the Stampede include the midway with rides, games, snacks, and vendors; agricultural exhibitions with livestock and competitions; the Dog Bowl dog stunt show; and the Monster Energy Compound featuring extreme sports demonstrations.The Stampede Powwow and Elbow River Camp are also areas where visitors to the Stampede will be able to find out more about First Nations traditions and community life.Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed he will attend the Stampede, which tends to draw politicians of all parties and numerous public figures, in addition to members of the general public.Calgary Stampede Princess Sarah O’Brien carries the Canadian flag during the national anthem before the start of rodeo action at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alta., on July 3, 2026. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntoshThe Stampede recorded 1,470,288 visitors in 2025 from across Canada and around the world.A 2026 MNP analysis commissioned by the Stampede estimated the 10-day event generated $389 million in economic activity in 2025.Taking into account broader Stampede-related spending, the report estimated the Stampede’s total economic impact at $721 million across Alberta, including $664 million in Calgary itself.Crowds wave during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary on July 3, 2026. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh