Party planning is officially underway as Calgary prepares to host the 113th Grey Cup later this year, and organizers say this year’s celebrations will be bigger than ever.
The announcement was made at the BMO Centre, where officials revealed the branding and vision for what they’re calling the 2026 Grey Cup Festival, a week‑long celebration designed to highlight community, connection, and national pride.
Introducing the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival!
Saddle up! Calgary is ready. Can’t wait to see you there! ????????
November 8-15, 2026 pic.twitter.com/vgPAznjHue
— The Grey Cup Festival (@GreyCupFestival) February 23, 2026
“This is an exciting moment for our city, our community and football fans across the country,” said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
The festival will run November 8–14, transforming Stampede Park into a multi‑venue football celebration. Plans include:
An indoor street festival and themed party rooms inside the BMO Centre
A musical venue at the Big Four Roadhouse
A series of outdoor events throughout Stampede Park
A legacy project featuring the construction of three new flag football fields
Fans can also expect upgrades at McMahon Stadium, according to Jay McNeil, President of the Calgary Stampeders.
“We’ll have 14 more additional suites than we normally have,” McNeil said. “The concourses will be built out to the parking lot to create more space for food and beverage.”
With Calgary’s recent water main issues still fresh in residents’ minds, McNeil noted that planning for water‑related contingencies is still in early stages.
“We’re probably a little bit early to put those plans in place,” he said. “But we will be working with the city to make sure we’re doing it the right way.”
Calgary last hosted the Grey Cup in 2019. This year marks the sixth time the championship game will be played in the city, with kickoff set for Nov. 15 at McMahon Stadium.