There’s only a few days until the Calgary Stampede begins, meaning it’s time to start planning your 10 days of fun and excitement! Stampede events are not limited to the grounds, there’s plenty of activities to take in around the city.  Here is your guide to what’s happening in the downtown core.

The Parade

The Stampede Parade signals the start of the Stampede each year.  This year the two-hour parade happens on July 9.  The Parade Prelude starts at 7:30am, and the main parade starts at 8:55am.  About 80 per cent of seating along 9th Avenue and 6th Avenue is free, spaces available on a first come first serve basis.  You can also purchase tickets for reserved bleacher seats on the Calgary Stampede Parade website, starting at $27/seat.  Some sections have already sold out.

The parade follows a 4.5km route, running along 6th Avenue from 3rd Street SE, making it’s turn at 10th Street SW, down to 9th Avenue, and finishes up at 4th Street SE. (more…)