Calgary Stampede grandstand show dazzles with fireworks, acrobats, and drone displays

The 2026 Grandstand Show is an explosion of colour, music, and dance, interspersed with fireworks and specialty acts that deliver spectacle throughout.

The opening number, Rhythm is a Dancer, features 118 Young Canadians synchronized to pyrotechnics, with groups appearing strategically so the final number demonstrates coordinated strength. The performance is followed by intimate acrobatics from Tobias Wolfgang and Vanessa Martinez of Argentina, who call themselves Duo Soma. Wolfgang displays remarkable arm strength balancing Martinez in his hand, while she climbs a pole he balances on his shoulder—the act climaxing with her spinning by her hair atop the pole.

The Young Canadians return alongside Irish social media stars The Gardiner Brothers, Michael and Matthew, who tap their way through pop tune snippets before joining on Blue Suede Shoes. Brad Rempel of High Valley then takes the stage on hay bales, singing Make You Mine, Grew Up on That, She's With Me, and Young Forever, the latter drawing the audience into singalong.

A drone show follows above the stage, shifting shapes to Ghost Riders in the Sky. The Bello Sisters from Italy then perform as three agile acrobats who contort themselves into tiny pyramids, each configuration drawing gasps from the crowd. The Sylla Brothers from Guinea follow with the Wheel of Death—a heart-pounding act where they run inside their wheels, one brother somersaulting across the top.

The show closes with all special guests joining the Young Canadians for Can't Stop this Feeling, accompanied by fireworks filling the sky.