Calgary 
The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo kicks off Thursday at Stampede Park!
Downtown Calgary Association
One of the most popular and accessible activities of the famous Calgary festival is the POW! Parade of Wonders – Canada’s largest parade of its kind, with thousands of cosplayers and spectators celebrating fandom.
POW! Parade of Wonders is the official kick-off to the Calgary Expo.
This year marks a change in the parade’s layout, with a newly introduced route beginning at Central Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24. The procession will head south on 2nd St SW and continue east along 17th Avenue SW before concluding at the BMO Centre’s Grand Staircase in Stampede Park, where the Opening Ceremonies will take place.
Participants of all ages can join the parade if in full costume. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. While not required, organizers encourage accompanying adults to dress in costume as well.
For those not participating, the public is invited to watch the parade from various locations along the route. There will be two fan zones this year: the first at the corner of 2nd Avenue SW and 17th Ave SW, and another just before the route ends in Stampede Park.
The fan zones offer live interactions with special guests, merchandise giveaways, and a small seating area available from 9:00 a.m. on the day of the parade. The area is also equipped with accessible seating to accommodate attendees with disabilities.
The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo is an annual celebration of pop culture, including comics, sci-fi, gaming, fantasy, horror, and more.
Stars from major franchises will attend the expo, bringing together a wide lineup of fan favourites across film and television. Stars from major franchises will attend, including casts from The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Lost and Smallville.
A special highlight brings Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum together for a live Smallville experience, reading scenes, directing fans on stage, and reliving iconic moments. Expect laughs, surprises, keepsake gifts for all attendees, and prizes for a few lucky fans.
Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo runs until April 26th at Stampede Park.
POW! Parade of Wonders
Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
What: The POW! Parade of Wonders is a cosplay parade celebrating pop culture and creativity in Calgary’s downtown and the official kick-off to the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo! It’s free to watch or participate as a parade attendee, but there’s a catch… to walk in the parade, you must be decked out in cosplay.
When: Friday, April 24, 2026
Parade Start: 10:30 AM
Opening Ceremony Start: 11:15 AM
Where: Central Memorial Park through 2nd St SW and 17th Avenue, and ends at the BMO Centre’s Grand Staircase on Stampede Park.
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.
How Much: Free
All ages in full cosplay/costume are welcome, and all participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
