Calgary is gearing up for a huge week as it prepares to host the 113th Grey Cup. And if you’re looking for free events to get into the spirit ahead of the big game, the Grey Cup Festival has plenty of ways to join the celebrations without spending a dime.

You can check out live concerts, pancake breakfasts, family-friendly activities, and even a nightly drone show.

To help make it easier, we’ve rounded up seven free events to check out during the Grey Cup Festival.

Free events to check out during the Grey Cup Festival

  • Suncor Street Festival
    •  The Suncor Street Festival is the main hub for the festivities, with interactive activations, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment throughout the day.
      • When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
      • Time: Wednesday: 4:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
      • Where: Lot 3 Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free
  • Outdoor Community Stage presented by Coca-Cola
    • During the Suncor Street Festival, you can catch live performances on the Outdoor Community Stage. The lineup includes country and rock artists, local musicians, and DJs, with different acts taking the stage throughout the day.
      • When: Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
      • Time: Wednesday: 4:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
      • Where: Lot 3 Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free
  • Pancake Breakfast presented by MNP
    • Of course, no Calgary event is complete without a pancake breakfast, and local volunteers will flip free stacks.
      • When: Thursday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
      • Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      • Where: Lot 3 Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free
  • Telus Family Zone
    • Looking for something to do with the kids? The Telus Family Zone at the BMO Centre has bouncy castles, a toddler play area, alumni autograph sessions and indoor programming happening throughout the festival.
      • When: Thursday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
      • Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
      • Where: BMO Centre, Halls A1 and A2 – 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free
  • CFLPA Official Players’ HQ powered by USW
    • You can meet some of the biggest names in the CFL at this free event at the Rooftop YYC. The experience features player autograph signings, meet-and-greets, photo ops with the trophy and giveaways.
      • When: Thursday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
      • Time: Thursday and Friday: 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      • Where: Rooftop YYC –  414 3rd St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free
  • Drone Show 
    • A drone show will light up the sky above Stampede Park each night, with a different display telling the festival’s story.
      • When: Thursday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
      • Time: 8:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.
      • Where: Viewing from LParade SE, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free
  • FanDuel Game Day Tailgate
    • A free game day tailgate will be set up at McMahon Stadium with lawn games, face painting, live entertainment and a CFL Combine area. Entry is first come, first served, with admission dependent on capacity.
      • When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
      • Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
      • Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trl. NW, Calgary, Alta.
      • Cost: Free

So if you’re looking to soak up the Grey Cup atmosphere without breaking the bank, these events are worth adding to your list.

Which events are you planning on attending?

Cenovus Energy Grey Cup Festival

When: Thursday, Nov. 12 to Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: Stampede Park – 650 25th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.; McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trl. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free and ticketed events

Recent posts:
A festive night market with a holiday-themed roller rink is coming to Calgary this month
Mumford & Sons are set to perform at the 2027 Calgary Stampede

Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

Read articles