The ultimate guide to Grey Cup events and activities in Calgary

Grey Cup fever is upon Calgary, and there are plenty of things for locals and visitors to do before and during Canada’s biggest football game.

The four-day Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival will run from Nov. 11 to 14 at Stampede Park, before the 113th Grey Cup between the Edmonton Elks and the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, Nov. 15 at McMahon Stadium.

Attendees will have access to many thrilling events during the Festival, including concerts, a drone show, family-friendly activities, and more. And you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy the activities.

Many of the events are free to check out, with several ticketed activities planned, and they’re perfect for those looking for something fun to do in Calgary.

The Grey Cup Festival

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Suncor Street Festival

The Suncor Street Festival will run at the Stampede grounds from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 11, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Nov. 12 to 14. The event is set to feature live entertainment, a licensed beer garden, and several outdoor activities that are perfect for all ages.

Also included at the Suncor Street Festival is an immersive art show, a daily northern lights experience, and a drone show taking place Nov. 12 to 14 at 8:45 p.m. and viewable from Lot 3 at Stampede Park.

The Pancake Breakfast, presented by MNP, takes place daily from Nov. 12 to 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the Suncor Street Festival. This is a tradition that dates back to the first-ever Grey Cup Festival in 1948.

Bring the little ones to discover the free, indoor, family-friendly activities in the Telus Family Zone at the BMO Centre.

The Royal Canadian Legion

Epic concerts

Music lovers will appreciate the chance to see ticketed and free concerts throughout the Grey Cup Festival. Highlights during the week include:

Wednesday, Nov. 11 — The Trews

The Festival’s ticketed Kick Off Party takes place at the Big Four Roadhouse, featuring an acoustic performance by The Trews and Highlanders, as well as participation from The Young Canadians and local Royal Canadian Legion branches, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Afterwards, follow the pipe and drum band outside for a sneak peek of the Festival activations and a full electric performance from The Trews on the Outdoor Community Stage presented by Coca-Cola. The free outdoor programming and entertainment is slated for 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 12 — Alan Doyle and The Strumbellas

Alan Doyle, featuring The Strumbellas, will take over the Big Four Roadhouse with a ticketed 18+ concert on Thursday night, presented by Ticketmaster, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Doyle, the Great Big Sea alum and Robin Hood star, has a career in music spanning three decades. Juno Award winners The Strumbellas got their start in 2009 with their eponymous EP release, and have won fans all over with their five studio albums.

Saturday, Nov. 14 — Saturday Night Concert presented by Bud Light

The Saturday Night Concert presented by Bud Light takes place on Nov. 14 at the Big Four Roadhouse with James Barker Band and Jade Eagleson. The ticketed, 18+ event is scheduled for 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

You can also stop by the Outdoor Community Stage presented by Coca-Cola for free daily programming throughout the festival.

The Grey Cup Festival

FanDuel Team Parties

The FanDuel 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, and bring team traditions from across the country together under one roof.

Fans have the option to purchase a single-day pass for the team parties, or the entire three-day package.

All FanDuel Team Parties will run from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. from Nov. 12 to 14, except for Stamps House, which will open at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and Spirit of EDM at 2 p.m.

Rodeo Performances, Cheer Extravaganza, and Legends Luncheon

Saddle up for two rodeo performances on Saturday, Nov. 14, presented by Oil Sands Alliance at the Nutrien Western Event Centre.

The matinee performance presented by SiriusXM will start at noon, and the evening performance at 4:30 p.m. will feature bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, bull fighting, and wild pony racing. Alberta country artist Drew Gregory will also perform.

The Scotiabank Saddledome is also hosting a ticketed Cheer Extravaganza on Saturday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., featuring what organizers describe as a showcase of “athleticism, spirit, and performance.”

Game Day

@rileyduckman/Instagram

One of the hottest tickets in Calgary this fall is to see the 113th Grey Cup at the McMahon Stadium, and there’s still time for you to snap yours up.

The huge matchup between the Edmonton Elks and the Montreal Alouettes will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.

Make sure to arrive at McMahon Stadium early for all of the live entertainment set to welcome the crowds.

The FanDuel Game Day Tailgate is serving up free game-day festivities at McMahon Stadium, beginning at 1 p.m., providing an opportunity for fans to enjoy the atmosphere before kickoff.

James Barker Band will close out the pre-game festivities with the SiriusXM Grey Cup Kickoff Show, while Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor will perform a special pre-game set.

Canadian music icon Sarah McLachlan will perform “O Canada” before kickoff, and Riley Green is the headliner for the Bud Light Grey Cup Halftime Show.

More information about the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival, including the full Festival schedule and tickets for ticketed Festival experiences, can be found online.

With files from Colton Pankiw and Offside staff