Concerts, parties, pancakes: What to do at Calgary's Grey Cup Festival
Calgary’s Grey Cup Festival is officially taking shape, with tickets now on sale for several events taking place around the city in the days leading up to the Grey Cup.
The four-day festival will run from Nov. 11 to 14 at Stampede Park before the 113th Grey Cup takes over McMahon Stadium on Nov. 15.
First, let’s start with the free events…
The street festival, which will run at the Stampede grounds, is set to feature pancake breakfasts, live entertainment, a licensed beer garden, and several outdoor activities.
The Grey Cup Festival/Facebook
Also included at the street festival is an immersive and interactive art show, a daily northern lights experience, and a drone show.
The street festival will run from Nov. 12 to 14, beginning at 11 a.m. and shutting down at 9 p.m.
Those looking to take on even more of the Grey Cup festivities will need to pay to do so. Here’s a look at some of the ticketed events happening throughout the week.
Concerts
Wednesday, Nov. 11 — The Trews
The festival kicks off with Canadian rock band The Trews headlining the opening-night party at the Big Four Roadhouse. The event will also include a Remembrance Day acknowledgement.
Tickets are available for $47.50.
Thursday, Nov. 12 — Alan Doyle and The Strumbellas
Alan Doyle and The Strumbellas will take over the Big Four Roadhouse on Thursday, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. This event is only available for those 18 and older, and tickets can be purchased for $78.50.
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Saturday, Nov. 14 — Secret country concert
The festival’s biggest concert will take place Saturday night, but fans won’t know who’s performing until they arrive.
The headlining country artist is being kept secret, with the Calgary Stampeders’ website teasing fans that this is “one secret you’ll want to be in on.” Doors for this secret concert open at 7:30 p.m., while tickets are going for $89.25.
CFL team parties
The league’s team parties will take over the BMO Centre from Thursday through Saturday, with each team’s space getting its own theme. These parties are only open to fans 18 and older.
Fans have the option to purchase a single-day pass for the team parties, or the entire three-day package.
- Thursday: $51.45
- Friday: $61.95
- Saturday: $68.25
- Three-day pass: $115.50
Rodeo
As you’d expect with any major event coming to Calgary, there’s going to be some rodeo action.
The Nutrien Centre will host two rodeo performances on Saturday, featuring bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, bull fighting, and wild pony racing. Alberta country artist Drew Gregory will also perform.
Fans wanting to attend either rodeo event (afternoon/evening) can do so for $52.50.
Cheer extravaganza
The Scotiabank Saddledome will host a cheer extravaganza Saturday afternoon, featuring what organizers describe as a showcase of “athleticism, spirit, and performance.”
stampoutriders/Instagram
The event starts at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. This marks the cheapest paid event fans can attend, with tickets going for just $21.
CFL legends luncheon
Fans wanting the opportunity to meet some CFL legends will be able to do so at the CFLAA legends luncheon on Friday. This event is open to all ages and will get underway at 11:30 a.m. at the Big Four Roadhouse.
Fans have the option of purchasing a full table (eight guests) for $1,890, or an individual ticket for $236.25.
Game-day tailgates
Last but certainly not least is the day Calgarians and plenty of other CFL fans will have pencilled on their calendars.
Ahead of the game, there will be a free tailgate party in the east parking lot at McMahon Stadium from 1 to 5 p.m. Additionally, there will be a VIP game-day tailgate for fans 18 and older.
The VIP tickets, which includes stage-front access to live entertainment, along with covered and heated seating areas, are going for $78.75.
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