It is fun and delightful; you meet many different characters, and many of our parade attendees end up making new friends and getting new ideas for cosplay. One person even got offered a job at the parade.

You’ll walk about 8 blocks total and enjoy entertainment at the start and end of the parade, finishing at the Grand Staircase at the BMO Centre.

Come one, come all! Anyone in full cosplay/costume is welcome to register and walk in the parade. Tall or small, all ages are welcome. We just ask that all participants under the age of 14 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We would highly recommend that all accompanying parents or guardians wear cosplay themselves — even something simple like a superhero cape or Harry Potter cloak can be a fast cosplay.

Absolutely not! We’re happy to say that thanks to our incredible sponsors and partners, the Parade is a completely free experience for participants and attendees.

Definition of Cosplay: the art or practice of wearing costumes to portray characters from fiction.

With that being said, keep in mind that your Batman pyjamas are not cosplay, nor is your Storm Trooper baseball hat (even though they’re probably awesome!). Full cosplay is a full costume, which may or may not have masks and may or may not be built and designed by the wearer.

We also ask that you keep in mind that the POW! Parade is a family-friendly, public event and will take place rain, or snow, or shine.

We’re thrilled to have you join us! Simply click here to submit your application. Pre-registration is very much encouraged and appreciated, so we can better plan the parade each year. All applications will be reviewed for approval by the parade organizers. A member of the parade team will connect with you within a week of your application being submitted. Questions? Email: info@fanexpohq.com.

Yes! However, there are limited spots available for organizations to walk in the parade as a group, and all organizations must adhere to parade guidelines (ie: all participants must be in full cosplay, etc.). Connect with our team at info@fanexpohq.com to find out if spots are still available! Floats and vehicles will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For your safety and to prevent your props from being damaged, please do not bring your props or prop weapons to walk in the parade. There is no official prop or prop weapons check at the Parade, but The Calgary Police Service will be on-site, and we rely on their discretion as to what is appropriate and inappropriate to include in a public parade. Any props or prop weapons that look realistic from even a few feet away may be declined, and no storage options are available along the parade route.

Yes! We would love to have you join our parade volunteer team. We have a variety of roles available for fans who are interested in getting involved with the POW! Parade and CALGARY EXPO. Please reach out to iinfo@fanexpohq.com for more information on available opportunities.

The Fan Zones are full of action on parade day! For 2026, you can find Fan Zones in two locations:
1. On the corner of 2nd Avenue SW and 17th Ave SW, as the parade turns onto 17th Avenue SW.
2. In the Culture + Entertainment District on Stampede Park, along Flores LaDue Parade SE just past the c-train tracks crossing.

The Fan Zone hosts live interactions with special guests in the parade as they pass through, and shares amazing prizes and merch with fans! The Fan Zone also has a small collection of bleachers available for the public to sit on beginning at 9:00 AM MT on parade day.

The parade route is accessible for people with disabilities, and special viewing areas are designated in the Fan Zone.

If you are walking in the parade, or just taking it in as a spectator you can find accessible and affordable ways to navigate parking, transit and cycling — Visit Victoria Park’s website to plan your travels, and be aware of road closures.

You bet — Want to be a part of the magic? Consider being a sponsor — Contact info@fanexpohq.com to see how your company can contribute to this celebration of fandom.

We’re thrilled to have you join us! If you are coming from out of town to enjoy CALGARY EXPO, be sure to check out the exclusive discounted rates from our hotel partners.

Our new location in Victoria Park has world-class restaurants and cafes along 1st St SW and along 12th Avenue SW. Meet up with friends or neighbors for breakfast before the parade or enjoy lunch on a patio after the parade before heading to the show floor of CALGARY EXPO.