Whoever said “nothing is ever free in life” must not have been to the Calgary Stampede’s Downtown events, which are all FREE! Head downtown to Olympic Plaza during Stampede to enjoy FREE pancake breakfast, music, dancing, mini-parades and mascots. If you go be sure to pick up one of the brochure/maps for the latest event schedule at one of the Downtown Info Booths.

Downtown Calgary is the place to be on Stampede mornings.

Downtown Morning Fun

While most Calgarians and tourists think of the Calgary Stampede as something that happens at Stampede Park, in fact there is lots of “Stampede Fun” to be had outside of the park. For decades the Stampede’s Downtown Attractions Committee which consists of 40 or so sub-committees and 400+ volunteers organize various downtown events in the morning to keep people entertained before the afternoon fun starts at Stampede Park.

Probably the most popular event is the free pancake breakfast at Olympic Plaza, where you will get to mix and mingle with people from around the world, while enjoying some tasty pancakes that are cooked right off the back of a chuckwagon. No longer are the pancakes just some batter thrown on a grill. This year, I enjoyed a fluffy pancake with the bacon cooked right in the pancake. Yahooooo!

And of course, a live country band plays while you enjoy your breakfast and with a little luck, you might even be entertained by some “two-stepping” couples who have been partying all night.

Speaking of dancing, there is square dancing on Stephen Avenue’s Calgary Telus Convention Centre block. Experienced dancers can teach you a few moves e.g. “Do Si Do” and “allemande left” and soon you will be dancing with them. It is great to see the young kids moving and grooving to the music.

Old Time Rigs

But wait there is more. Every day a parade of old time rigs come down Stephen Avenue Walk, filled with people smiling and yelling “Yahooooooo!” If you want you can join in the fun as a ride but you must get there early.

Yes, you can enjoy a FREE downtown Calgary tour in a horse-drawn old time rig (carriage) as Downtown Attractions volunteers randomly give out free tickets to people hanging out at Fluor Rope Square enjoying their FREE pancake breakfast. Ticket holders are then escorted from Fluor Rope Square at 9:30 a.m. to the departure point on 9th Avenue and 1st Street SW (EnCana Place across from the Palliser Hotel). The tour leaves at 10 a.m. and takes approximately one hour.

First Nation Parade

A little later in the morning, a short parade of First Nations horsemen and women ride down Stephen Avenue in full traditional dress. A unique and colourful sight that makes for a great photo op!

Merry Mascots

And then there are the 15+ fun mascots (my favourites were the duo of Jackie and Jake) that wander along Stephen Avenue Walk and Olympic Plaza decked out in fun Stampede costumes. They love to hug and get their photo taken!

History Lesson

Every wonder why during Stampede downtown’s Olympic Plaza is called “Rope Square?” It is because before the Plaza in existed (it was built for the 1988 Winter Olympic medal ceremonies) the events took place various downtown street corners that were roped off by volunteers to allow the events to happen. They became known as “rope squares,” so as a nod to the past Olympic Plaza is called “rope square” during Stampede.

Other Downtown FREE Fun includes:

Glenbow Museum temporary gallery, The Edison office tower
Devonian Gardens, The Core Shopping Centre
Udderly Art Cow Pasture, Centennial Parkade
Central Library, architectural gem
Bow River Promenade
Prince’s Island Wetlands Walk
Downtown Art / Mural Walk

Last Word

Who doesn’t like a FREE parade, pancakes and FUN photo ops? A big thanks to Fluor, a global engineering and construction company who, have been sponsoring Rope Square for decades allowing all the downtown events to be FREE!

FYI: If you are thinking of visiting Calgary and are interested in private small group or couple guided tour, Alberta Blue Sky Tours might interest you. Use code "everydaytourist" to receive a 10% discount on your tour.More Downtown Free Fun Info:

FFQing in Downtown Calgary Udderly Art Cow Pasture

Calgary’s Bow River Promenade one of the best river walks

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Downtown Calgary Sculptures