All the FREE Grey Cup events happening in Calgary this week
The 113th Grey Cup has arrived in Calgary.
Sundayās big game between the Edmonton Elks and Montreal Alouettes is set to be the main event, but the fanfare around the city is just getting started. A variety of free events will be hosted across Calgary to get fans into that Grey Cup mood, and there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.
From drone shows to pancake breakfasts, the city will be buzzing right up to the kick-off at McMahon Stadium. Grey Cup organizers are making sure that fans will be getting the full experience in the days leading up to the big game.
Here is a list of all the free Grey Cup events taking place in Calgary over the coming days…
Pancake Breakfasts
The pancake breakfast is a storied tradition at the Grey Cup (The Grey Cup Festival)
A time-honoured Grey Cup tradition will be making its way to Calgary this week.
Hungry fans will be able to take part in a free pancake breakfast every morning from Thursday to Saturday. The breakfast will run between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will be held at Lot 3 in Stampede Park.
The pancake breakfast has been held at every Grey Cup since 1948.
CFLPA Official Players HQ
Grey Cup fans will also have a chance to meet their favourite CFL players during the festivities.
The CFLPA Official Players HQ will offer an interactive experience for fans that will include autograph signings, meet-and-greets, and a chance to take photos with players and the historic Grey Cup trophy, among other things. It’s the perfect event for lifelong football fans and newbies checking out the sport for the first time.
You could take a photo with the iconic Grey Cup trophy (John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports)
It will take place at Rooftop YYC between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free, but entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Suncor Street Festival
No matter where you go for Grey Cup events in Calgary, the Suncor Street Festival will be at the centre of things.
Held in the parking lot between the Big Four Roadhouse and the BMO Centre at Stampede Park, the festival will serve as the main hub for Grey Cup festivities. Fans will be able to take in interactive activations, a licensed beer garden, performances from a variety of artists, a nightly drone show, and public art installations.
The festival will not be ticketed and is wheelchair friendly.
A lot of fun is set to be had in Calgary in the days leading up to the Grey Cup (The Grey Cup Festival)
Festival hours will run between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and expand to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Outdoor Community Stage
A Grey Cup festival in Calgary wouldn’t be complete without some live music for fans to enjoy.
The Outdoor Community Stage will provide a fully programmed lineup of artists performing on stage during the festivities, located at Lot 3 at Stampede Park. Nova Scotian rock band The Trews is set to kick off the performances on Wednesday. Nightly DJs and local artists are also set to make appearances on stage.
There will be plenty of live music for Grey Cup fans to enjoy (The Grey Cup Festival)
Performances will run between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday and expand to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Telus Family Zone
Families wanting to bring their little ones will have that opportunity at the Telus Family Zone at BMO Centre Halls A1 and A2 at Stampede Park.
Here you will find a variety of family-focused activities, which include inflatables, a bouncy castle, an indoor turf, and a toddler play zone. The CFL Hall of Fame will be on-site, as will some alumni autographs.
Families will also be able to take in a full lineup of kid-friendly programming, ranging from musical acts and storytelling to meet-and-greets and craft activities.
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There will be a stroller parking section as well as a nursing trailer to support families as well.
Those with sensitive kids will also have the opportunity to experience a sensory-friendly space in an enclosed trailer that will include a calmer environment complete with weighted blankets, noise-cancelling earphones, and ambient sparkle lighting. Sensory kits will be available on loan as well.
It will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Drone Show
Capping off every night of the festivities will be a dazzling drone show that will take place in the sky above the Suncor Street Festival.
These shows will depict the story of the Grey Cup Festival and will feature a unique story every night. It’s open to all ages and will be completely free to watch. The best view of the show will be at the Street Festival.
The show will take place starting at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
FanDuel Gameday Tailgate
The final free event of the festival will take place in the hours before kickoff at McMahon Stadium.
In true football fashion, fans will be able to gather in the East Lot of McMahon Stadium to take part in the FanDuel Gameday Tailgate. A variety of food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event, as fans can enjoy lawn games, CFL and Grey Cup Festival partner activations, and a CFL combine area.
There will also be face painters on-site, alongside inflatables and live entertainment.
CFL fans of all teams are bound to make an appearance at the Grey Cup (The Grey Cup Festival)
Though it is free, entry will be first-come, first-served and based on capacity. Organizers are urging people to leave their cars at home for this as well, as it will not be a tailgate in the traditional sense.
Gates for the FanDuel Gameday Tailgate will open at 1 p.m. and run until 5 p.m. on Sunday.