The 6th Annual

Ace High Stampede Kickoff 2027

Deane House Calgary5:00–11:30 PM

285 days to go

Six years running

The 6th Annual Ace High Stampede Kickoff is coming!

This is more than a party. It’s a community coming together to prove, year after year, that generosity is contagious, and that when Calgary shows up, it really shows up. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Grab your boots, bring your heart, and we’ll see you there. YEEHAW!

Bubbly on arrivalCanapés & BBQ feastHost bar all nightLive bands all nightDance party till 11:30Raising money for TrellisYEEHAW!

2026 Recap

Thank you, Calgary!

Raised for Trellis Society in one evening
$111,000
Raised since our first kickoff in 2016
$439,428
Donations matched by Maillot Homes
up to $50,000

2026 was nothing short of extraordinary. Together, our incredible community of sponsors, donors and supporters raised $111,000 for Trellis Society in a single evening, a result that left us humbled and full of gratitude.

A heartfelt thank you to Maillot Homes, who once again committed to matching all donations and net proceeds up to $50,000. Their generosity doesn’t just amplify the dollars, it amplifies the hope those dollars carry into Calgary’s communities.

Since our very first kickoff, we’ve now raised a cumulative $439,428 for Trellis, funding vital programs that support Calgary children, youth and families. Every dollar represents a kid who got a safe place to go. A family that found support when they needed it most. A young person who discovered what they’re capable of.

That’s the legacy this community is building together. And we couldn’t be more proud.

Since 2016

How it all began

In 2016, Ace High founder Shawn Freeman made a simple but powerful declaration:

“If we’re going to have a party, we’re raising money for a charity.”

Trellis Society (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary) was the obvious choice. For Shawn, this wasn’t just philanthropy. He was a club kid himself.

That personal connection between where you come from and who you choose to lift up is the soul of everything the Ace High Stampede Kickoff has become.

Three people holding a large cheque for $5,340 made out to Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary, dated July 12, 2016.
The very first cheque, July 2016: $5,340

On stage in 2026

A night of live entertainment

These acts played Ace High 2026. The 2027 lineup hasn’t been announced yet and may change.

The Band of Outriders in pink shirts and black cowboy hats, playing brass on the lawn at Ace High 2026.

The forty-piece showband · 2026

Band of Outriders

If there’s one thing that screams Stampede, it’s a showband, and Band of Outriders was back at Ace High for another year. This forty-piece powerhouse of Calgary Stampede Showband alumni and local musicians has been electrifying crowds since 1991.

From swing and classical standards to rock and western favourites, their range is unmatched. They’re as at home in a rodeo arena as at a black-tie diplomatic event, and during Stampede week they make more than 50 appearances in 10 days.

We were beyond thrilled to welcome them back to the Ace High stage.

Side One on stage under string lights, a singer at the mic between two guitarists.

The dance party band · 2026

Side One

As the night got going, Side One took over with two full sets of high-energy, danceable live music that kept the floor packed from first song to last.

Known for their infectious energy and crowd connection, this isn’t background music. It’s a full-on dance party. With captivating rhythms, serious talent and a real knack for reading a room, Side One turns every set into a shared experience.

We were thrilled to welcome Side One back for their fourth year.

Highlights

Relive Ace High 2026

This reel captures the unforgettable moments that made the 2026 event truly extraordinary.

Mandy Stobo’s “Dancing in the Sky” bandana: a cowgirl on a rearing pink horse inside a gold ring of flowers, stars and rope.

Limited edition, 2026

Mandy Stobo brings “Dancing in the Sky” to Ace High

In 2026, we were thrilled to have the incredibly talented Mandy Stobo create an exclusive bandana designed just for the Ace High Stampede Kickoff.

Bold, beautiful and so Calgary, her work was the perfect way to kick off Stampede season in style. Every bandana purchased supported the incredible work of Trellis Society.

Our 2026 sponsors

Thank you for partnering with us

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our 2026 sponsors for their incredible support and generosity.

Gold Sponsors

  • Always Beyond
  • Maillot Homes
  • Peak Legal Counsel

Silver Sponsors

  • Helcim
  • McRally

Bronze Sponsors

  • ACC Water Solutions
  • Calgary Chamber
  • Enright Capital
  • EOS Worldwide
  • Pax8

Marketing Sponsors

  • 2C Media
  • Plus15 Media

Cocktail Sponsor

  • Power Properties

Signage Sponsor

  • Mister Decals