Tens of thousands of people will pack into downtown Calgary on Friday to watch the 2026 Stampede Parade – but CTV News is giving viewers the opportunity to be a part of the action from the comfort of their home. The parade serves as the official kickoff to the Stampede. It features more than a hundred western-themed entries – including dozens of floats and marching bands – and more than 700 horses and 5,000 people. Parade marshals and celebrities This year, Canadian Olympians Courtney Sarault and Mikaël Kingsbury will serve as parade marshals. Short track speed skater Sarault won four medals during her second Olympic appearance at Milano Cortina 2026 — two silver and two bronze. Kingsbury, a moguls skier, was Canada’s opening ceremonies flag bearer in Milano. He went on to become the first-ever Olympic champion in men’s dual moguls, then won a silver in the men’s moguls. More than 100 people have been parade marshal over the years, including politicians, Hollywood celebrities, sports heroes and royalty. Last year it was country music icon Shania Twain. Canadian actor and comedian Andrew Phung will serve as celebrity judge. Where is it? The parade begins at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Third Street S.E. and wraps up at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Fourth Street S.E. CTV News will be broadcasting live from the Werklund Centre, along Ninth Avenue S.E. When is it? It starts at 9 a.m., though the parade prelude begins at 7:45 a.m. to keep those in the stands entertained as they anxiously await the start of the show. There is no charge to watch the parade in-person. The Stampede says to arrive early to get the best spots on the route. Folding chairs and blankets are recommended. Watching on TV or online To watch from the comfort of your home or office, simply turn on CTV News Calgary, which will be airing live coverage of the parade on TV from 8:55 to 11 a.m. We’ll also be streaming the parade live online in this article. In addition, the parade will stream live in the CTV News app, on YouTube, and on TikTok. The parade will be hosted by Jefferson Humphreys, Jodi Hughes and Hannah Lepine. The 2026 Calgary Stampede runs from July 3 to 12. Following the parade, visitors can head straight to the Stampede for free admission between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
