First Flip breakfast unofficially begins 2024 Calgary Stampede
Posted Jul 4, 2024 7:42 am.
Last Updated Jul 4, 2024 6:59 pm.
Thursday marks the unofficial start to the Calgary Stampede as the first pancake is flipped and anxiously waiting attendees grab a sneak peek at the grounds ahead of Parade Day.
The First Flip Stampede Breakfast runs from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Stephen Avenue between 1 Street SE and Centre Street.
The free event also has live music by Kyle McKearney and other entertainment from Green Fools Theatre Society, LaBelle Sisters and Chinook Country Line Dancers.
The calm before the storm…
The first flip is getting underway this morning, the unofficial kick off to #stampede in #calgary
Tune into @citynewscalgary and listen live on 660! pic.twitter.com/8UT7LjpVEW
— Logan Stein (@L0ganStein) July 4, 2024
It’s hosted by Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Downtown Association, Calgary Arts Development and Platform Calgary. Supporting partners include Hyatt Regency Calgary, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel and The Printing House.
Throughout the 10-day festival, there are more than 200 pancake breakfasts across the city.
For a full list, visit stampedebreakfast.ca
Sneak-a-Peek goes Thursday
For those eager to check out the Stampede grounds, which feature the newly-expanded BMO Centre, Sneak-a-Peek starts Thursday night at 5 p.m. and runs until midnight.
Admission to the grounds is $13.
Festival kicks off with Friday parade
Parade Day officially marks the start of the Calgary Stampede.
The promenade begins at 9 a.m., but roads will be closed starting at 6 a.m. for set up.
Several road closures will be in place in the downtown core, so spectators are encouraged to walk, bike, or use transit to get to the parade.
CTrain service runs before, during and after the parade. All downtown CTrain stations are within one block of the parade route. However, there will be some detours on bus routes starting at 7 a.m.
Everything you need to know about Friday morning’s parade can be found here.
