The griddles were hot and Calgarians lined up down Stephen Avenue on Thursday for the First Flip Pancake Breakfast, the unofficial kickoff of the 2026 Stampede. The event drew thousands of attendees, with organizers expecting to beat last year's attendance record of over 5,000 people, according to Tourism Calgary CEO Alisha Reynolds.
Political leaders flip pancakes alongside the crowd
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Federal Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas all attended the breakfast. They tested their pancake-flipping skills on the griddles, joining the festive atmosphere.
“I’m glad that we were able to enjoy a blue sky day in blue sky city with an incredible renovation down this block,” Premier Smith said. “It wouldn’t be Stampede without the first flip.”
Entertainment and community spirit
The breakfast featured live performances from The Frontiers, Kylie Austin, Pearl White Quills & Darcy Turning-Robe, the Chinook Country Line Dancers, and Green Fools Theatre Society. Premier Smith emphasized that the Stampede represents not only celebration but also pride in western heritage.
“This really is such an expression not only of the greatest outdoor show on earth, but also of the values that we hold as Calgarians and as Albertans, this western heritage that we have, and the hard work and grit and determination, we just get ‘er done,” Smith added.
Mayor highlights growth and inclusivity
Mayor Farkas thanked Premier Smith for her leadership in ensuring public safety during the Stampede and expressed excitement about welcoming visitors. He noted Calgary's growth toward a population of 2 million and the importance of the Stampede's message of inclusivity.
“When we think about Calgary being on the cusp of 2 million people, we have so much momentum. We’re growing, we’re ambitious and we’re so full of opportunity, and I think right now the Stampede, it matters now more than ever,” Farkas said. “Because what Stampede says is that no matter where you came from, you are welcome here and you belong here.”
Record attendance expected
Tourism Calgary CEO Alisha Reynolds expressed optimism that the breakfast would surpass last year's attendance of over 5,000, partly due to recent renovations along Stephen Avenue. The event marked the beginning of the 2026 Stampede, with festivities continuing throughout the week.
