Calgary’s weekend was packed with events ranging from the 19th annual Calgary Comics and Entertainment Expo to a massive potato giveaway, a Northern Super League soccer match, and a charity stair climb. Photographers from Postmedia were on hand to capture the action.
Friday: Calgary Expo Kicks Off
The 19th annual Calgary Comics and Entertainment Expo began on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the BMO Centre. A wall-to-wall crowd of all ages attended the opening ceremony, dubbed the ‘Party of Wonders.’ Highlights included a performance by the Sound of the Rockies High School Marching Band, featuring a youth in an outhouse costume playing trumpet. Celebrity guests were presented with white cowboy hats, and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas posed with the Dog Mayor of Calgary, Mud Pi. Costumed attendees and exhibitors filled the plaza, with notable cosplays such as ‘The Mando with No Name’ and ‘Buff Misty’ from Pokemon. The Historic Armored Combat Sports Association demonstrated full-contact medieval combat, known as Buhurt, where combatants wear functional armour and strike with dulled weapons. Thousands flocked to market stalls shortly after opening.
Saturday: Potato Giveaway and More Expo
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Guru Nanak Free Kitchen organized a grocery giveaway at McKnight-Westwinds LRT Station, distributing over 80,000 pounds of potatoes. Despite cold and snowy weather, a line of hundreds stretched down Westwinds Drive N.E. Volunteers offloaded and bagged the potatoes for attendees.
Meanwhile, the Expo continued at BMO Centre. Cosplayers included Ryan Bray, Josh Ibelshauser, and Sherwood Coulson as characters from ‘Spaceballs,’ with Bianca Fera as Dark Helmet. Tony Zheng dressed as the Destined One from ‘Black Myth: Wukong,’ inspired by Sun Wukong from Chinese mythology. A tired fan rested against a large plush Pikachu.
Calgary Wild FC vs. Montreal Roses FC
At McMahon Stadium, Calgary Wild FC faced Montreal Roses FC in Northern Super League action. Key moments included battles between Grace Stordy and Lorie Thibault, Jenaya Robertson and Chloe Minas, and Jaclyn Sawicki and Lisa Pechersky. Goalkeeper Molly Race fought for a loose ball with Pechersky, while Michelle Romero collided with Stephanie Hill. Meggie Dougherty Howard, Kahli Johnson, Kathryn Harvey, and Jaclyn Sawicki were also involved in intense plays.
Sunday: Steps to End Homelessness
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Steps to End Homelessness stair climb took place at McHugh Bluff. Participants climbed the stairs in toques and winter wear to support Inn From the Cold, which helps families experiencing housing instability. Laura Hebert, a massage therapy student, provided massages to participants. Greg West climbed in memory of his late sister Suzanne West, who started the event. Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth also participated.
