By Premier Danielle Smith
Flipping into Stampede season: Calgary serves up hundreds of free pancake breakfasts with music, culture, and community spirit from July 3 to 13
Hundreds of Calgarians lined up early Thursday morning(July 3) on Stephen Avenue for the 鈥淔irst Flip,鈥 the city鈥檚 beloved opening event of the Calgary Stampede, where stacks of fluffy pancakes, sizzling sausages, and live music served up more than just breakfast.The event, which stretched from 1 Street SE to Centre Street SE, marked the start of Stampede season with volunteers flipping pancakes to the rhythm of drummers, fiddlers, and line dancers. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joined the crowd, sleeves rolled up, serving hot plates to excited attendees.First flipHeld annually, First Flip sets the tone for the 10-day Stampede with music, dance, and community spirit. Attendees lined up early to be part of the celebration. 鈥淭he pancakes were fluffy and perfect,鈥 one visitor told CityNews, echoing the general atmosphere of camaraderie.Live EventsThe First Flip is just one of more than a hundred free pancake breakfasts taking place across Calgary from July 3 to 13, 2025. At the 4th Street Pancake Showdown in Mission, eleven local businesses brought their best batter to the table, serving everything from ube-infused pancakes to salted caramel and donair-topped creations. Visitors strolled from one vendor to the next, voting for the coveted 鈥淕olden Whisk Award.鈥 How it started and schedule These breakfasts, which began in the 1920s as simple community cookouts during the early Stampede days, have grown into an essential part of the Calgary Stampede culture. Every morning during the 10-day event, a different corner of the city wakes up to the smell of hot griddles. Saturday鈥檚 lineup includes a vegan pancake breakfast in Inglewood hosted by Canela Caf茅, a petting zoo breakfast at the Acadia Recreation Complex, and even a green tea pancake experience at OMO Teppan & Kitchen.The Filipino community celebrates the 10th anniversary of its 鈥淎lmusal鈥 breakfast at 3223 17 Avenue SE on Sunday, July 6, where fried rice and pandesal take center stage alongside music and dance.Free pancake breakfasts will be offered every day of Stampede week, with dozens planned across Calgary and surrounding communities, including Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere. The 4th Street Pancake Showdown, held July 3, featured 11 businesses competing with unique pancakes, including ube, apple pie, salted caramel, and donair-inspired options. The Vegan Pancake Breakfast in Inglewood, hosted by Canela Caf茅 and the Calgary Vegan Society, offered plant-based options on July 5 with music and coffee by Canadian Heritage Roasting Co.Calgary Transit is running 24-hour CTrain service, and Stampede Park offers free entry after Friday鈥檚 parade until 1:30 pm.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onCalgary Stampede 2025pancake breakfastFirst FlipCalgarypancakesCalgary StampedeFirst Flip Calgary Stampedefood festivalsStampede week activitiesCalgary events
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onCalgary Stampede 2025pancake breakfastFirst FlipCalgarypancakesCalgary StampedeFirst Flip Calgary Stampedefood festivalsStampede week activitiesCalgary events(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
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