Calgary 
Events Description
Calgary Expo & Downtown Calgary Association presents the Annual POW! Parade of Wonders, Cosplay Parade and Calgary Expo Opening Ceremonies.
The POW! Parade of Wonders will be parading right to the steps of CALGARY EXPO. Join us as we launch at Central Memorial Park and parade to the Grand Staircase of the BMO Centre in The Culture + Entertainment District for CALGARY EXPO’s Opening Ceremonies.
Want to walk in the parade? Grab your favourite costume and take your spot! Not interested in dressing up? No problem! Watch thousands of incredible cosplayers (and a few celebrity guests of the Expo!) along the parade route and from the Fan Zone.
Fan Zones are the centre of the action during parade day. Located along 17th Ave (2nd Avenue SW and 17th Ave SW) and Culture + Entertainment District, the Fan Zone hosts live interactions with special guests in the parade as they pass through, and shares amazing prizes and merch with fans. The Fan Zone also has a small collection of bleachers available for the public to sit on beginning at 9:00 AM MT on parade day.
Past the Fan Zone the parade will travel south on Centre Street and east along 17th Avenue SW. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbours and friends, people watch with your dog, enjoy a coffee and be inspired by Calgary’s cosplay community’s creativity.
The parade concludes with the CALGARY EXPO’s Opening Ceremonies in The Culture + Entertainment District at the BMO Centre’s Grand Staircase on Stampede Park. Don’t miss this free family-friendly opportunity to see enthusiasts and fans, and our favourite cosplaying marching band unite with celebrity guests to celebrate the beginning of the CALGARY EXPO.
Who is it for?
All ages
HOW MUCH
Tickets : Free
Free, no tickets required.
Want to walk in the parade? Secure your place by signing up.
How to get tickets?
WHEN & WHERE
Date:
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Parade Start: 10:30 AM
Opening Ceremony Start: 11:15 AM
Venue & Address
Fan Zones:
- 17th Ave Fan Zone: On the corner of 2nd Avenue SW and 17th Ave SW, as the parade turns onto 17th Avenue SW.
- C+E Fan Zone: In the Culture + Entertainment District on Stampede Park, along Flores LaDue Parade SE just past the c-train tracks crossing.
Parade Route: From Central Memorial Park through 2nd St SW and 17th Avenue, and ends at the BMO Centre’s Grand Staircase on Stampede Park.
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible by Public Transport
