This post is sponsored by Downtown Calgary
Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo 2019 is right around the corner, and with it comes the magic that is the POW! Parade of Wonders. Now in its seventh year, POW! is an inclusive celebration of pop-culture and creativity, and as the official kick-off for Expo, it’s one of the most highly-anticipated
events of the year.
Starting at 10:30 AM on the West end of downtown, the Parade – packed with 4,000 cosplayers of all ages and hailing from galaxies far and wide – will make its way down Stephen Avenue towards Olympic Plaza.
Looking for a fun, free activity for the family? Bring the kids down, don your favourite cosplay and join the parade!
Office isn’t cosplay-friendly? That’s ok! Wear your business attire and watch for your favourite characters from the sidelines for a fun and not-so-casual Friday. Check out the parade route below and make sure you arrive around 10:15 AM to snag a good spot!
While you’re at it, why not make a reservation for an early lunch at one of Stephen Ave’s many lunch spots? Some of our favourite Stephen Avenue eats include:
Join the POW! Parade of Wonders
Date: Friday, April 26, 2019
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Stephen Avenue (8 St SW to Olympic Plaza)
POW! Parade Route:

Cosplayers:
- Register here so we know you’re coming and what cosplay you’ll be in. You’ll also receive up-to-the-minute notifications as we get closer to the big day, and receive special offers from our partners.
- The parade will depart from 8th St and 8th Avenue at 10:30 a.m. on April 26, 2019. Please arrive between 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 p.m. to be placed into the parade queue. You’ll walk with your fellow cosplay fans organized by genre.
- We’ll parade down beautiful Stephen Avenue quickly at first, and then more slowly as we enter the fan spectator zone (mid-route) and then walk directly to our Opening Ceremony at Olympic Plaza, at 11:15 a.m.
Find more information, visit the website, and don’t forget to use the parade hashtags so we can share the love of downtown Calgary around the world #CalgaryExpo #POWParade and #IAMDOWNTOWN.