Stampede Opening Weekend – July 3–5, 2026

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend? Here are 6 things happening around Calgary — and it's Stampede time! 🤠

🐄 Calgary Stampede 2026 – Stampede Park

Dates: July 3–12 (Opening Weekend Jul 3–5) | Daily from 9:00 AM
Cost: Adult $28 · Senior & Child (7–12) $17 · Under 7 free
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is back for 10 days of chuckwagon races, rodeo, grandstand shows, midway rides, concerts, and world-class street food! Kids under 7 always free. July 5 is Family Day — free admission until 11 AM with a free pancake breakfast. July 8 is BMO Kids Day — children 12 and under get in free all day.
📍 Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE

🥁 Calgary Métis Fest 2026 – The Confluence

Date: Saturday July 4 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
The 3rd annual Calgary Métis Fest celebrates Métis heritage at The Confluence! Enjoy live fiddlers and jigging dancers, contemporary Métis musicians, Voyageur games for all ages (with prizes!), an authentic trapper's tent experience, artisan vendors, and traditional Métis food. A beautifully welcoming free event for the whole family.
📍 The Confluence, 750 9 Ave SE

🎪 MexiFest 2026 – Eau Claire Plaza

Dates: July 3–5 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Friday 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM free)
Cost: Ticketed · Friday morning free (10:30 AM – 1 PM)
¡Viva México! Calgary's Mexican arts festival brings real Lucha Libre wrestlers from Mexico to Eau Claire Plaza, with two stages packed with dancers and live bands, 25+ authentic food vendors, and an artisan market. There's a dedicated kids area making this a great full day out downtown.
📍 Eau Claire Plaza, 101 Barclay Parade SW

🎶 Madiba Carnival 2026 – Eau Claire Riverwalk Tent

Date: Sunday July 5 | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Cost: Ticketed — see Eventbrite
Calgary's newest Stampede tradition at the Eau Claire Riverwalk Tent! Global Afrobeats music, carnival energy, and festival vibes celebrating African and diasporic cultures right on the Bow River. Best for families in the early evening (4–7:30 PM) before it becomes a late-night event.
📍 Eau Claire Riverwalk Tent, 618 Confluence Way SE

🎛️ Hangar Flight Museum — Open Aircraft Days (DC-3)

Date: Sunday July 5 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (aircraft boarding until 3:30 PM)
Cost: Adult $17 · Child (3–11) $9 · Student $12 · Family $50 · Under 3 free
Step inside a real Douglas DC-3 at this WWII-era aviation museum! The 'Now Boarding' Open Aircraft Days let kids and parents walk through historic planes normally off-limits to the public. The museum also holds 30+ aircraft including Spitfires and an Avro Lancaster. Closed-toe shoes required for boarding.
📍 4629 McCall Way NE

🏈 Stampede Road Race — 18th Annual

Date: Sunday July 5 | Kids Races 10:00 AM · 5K 8:15 AM · 10K 8:00 AM · Half Marathon 7:20 AM
Cost: Kids Races $23.63 · 5K from $56 (under 16: $35) · 10K from $56 · Half Marathon from $77
Kick off Stampede Sunday with a run through SW Calgary! The Kids' Races (200–1200M) at 10 AM are perfect for young runners, and the whole family finishes with a traditional Stampede Pancake Breakfast at Glenmore Athletic Park. An 18-year Calgary tradition.
📍 Glenmore Athletic Park, 5300 19 Street SW

Have a great Stampede weekend, Calgary families! ☀️🤠