The Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest and most exciting events in Canada, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience Western culture, rodeo thrills, and vibrant entertainment.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning Stampede veteran, this bucket list will guide you through the must-see events, top attractions, and tips to celebrate Calgary’s cowboy heritage.
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What is the Calgary Stampede?
The Calgary Stampede is a huge festival in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, held every July for 10 days. It’s known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” because it has a huge rodeo, a big fair, concerts, parades, races, farming, and cultural events. Over a million people come from around the world to enjoy it. In 2025, it will take place from July 4 to July 13.
It celebrates Western cowboy culture and Canada’s farming and ranching roots. Some of the main attractions to check out at the Stampede are:
- Rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing
- Chuckwagon races, where teams race horse-drawn wagons
- A big parade to start it all, with floats, bands, and horses
- Live concerts, with popular country and pop musicians
- A carnival midway with rides, games, and lots of deep-fried food
- Indigenous culture exhibits, showing off First Nations art and traditions
- Agricultural competitions, like livestock and farming demos
The Stampede is held at Stampede Park, featuring one of the world’s biggest rodeos, along with concerts, carnival rides, exhibitions, and a wide variety of food and drinks. Visitors can watch thrilling rodeo events like bull riding and barrel racing, enjoy live music from top artists, explore cultural showcases, and indulge in unique fair food. The Calgary Stampede opens at 10:00 AM and closes around midnight, though times may vary depending on the day and events.
Gnosis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What is Calgary in Canada Famous For?
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada. It sits where the Bow River and Elbow River meet, near the Canadian Rockies, about 240 km north of the U.S. border. Calgary’s economy sees activity in energy, financial services, film, technology, and tourism.
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada, located where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet, close to the Canadian Rockies and about 240 km north of the U.S. border. The city’s economy includes industries like energy, finance, film, technology, and tourism.
Calgary is famous for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympics, its cowboy culture, and being near the Rocky Mountains. It’s also home to the Calgary Flames hockey team and the Calgary Stampeders football team. The city is also known for its unique food, like ginger beef and the Caesar cocktail, and for the Calgary Stampede, of course, an important annual western-style festival.
Photo by Kyler Nixon on Unsplash
The History Behind the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede started in 1886 as a small but exciting agricultural fair in Calgary, Alberta. This fair was organized by the Calgary and District Agricultural Society, and it quickly grew into an event that celebrated the hardworking farmers and ranchers of the region, showing off the very best of the Western way of life. People in the event started with an “Indian Village” where they could share their culture.
But the story of the Calgary Stampede truly began in 1912, when Guy Weadick, a daring American trick roper, had a big idea. He wanted to turn the fair into something grander, something that would capture the spirit of the “Old West.” Guy convinced four local businessmen, known as the “Big Four,” to help fund his vision. Together, they created the “Frontier Days and Cowboy Championship Contest,” a grand celebration of cowboy culture, rodeos, and the ranching way of life.
Guy Weadick’s dream wasn’t just about rodeos and contests, he wanted the event to be a place where everyone, including the Indigenous Peoples of the region, could share their traditions. He worked with local leaders to create an “Indian Village”—now known as Elbow River Camp—where Indigenous communities could proudly showcase their heritage.
Then, in 1923, The Calgary Stampede merged with another event, the Calgary Industrial Exhibition, to become the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. This marked the beginning of the event’s transformation into the world-famous show it is today, filled with rodeos, concerts, parades, and so much more.
That same year, a man named "Wildhorse Jack" introduced something that would become a beloved tradition: the Pancake Wagon. This marked the start of the Stampede's free pancake breakfasts, which have become a fun and tasty part of the celebration ever since.
Photo by Bryton Udy on Unsplash
Every July, for ten exciting days, the Calgary Stampede brings together more than a million people from all over the world. The rodeos, the music, and the parades are a reminder of the wild, western spirit that started so many years ago. And in 2025, when the Stampede celebrates its 139th birthday, it will be a moment to look back on all the incredible memories and traditions that have made the Calgary Stampede the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
What started as a small fair has grown into a celebration of history, culture, and the exciting spirit of the West.
When Is The Calgary Stampede in Canada?
The Calgary Stampede takes place every July, usually lasting for 10 days. In 2025, it will take place from July 4 to July 13. It’s a huge celebration, packed with rodeos, concerts, parades, and all kinds of Western fun!
Photo by Bryton Udy on Unsplash
How old is the Calgary Stampede this year? The Calgary Stampede will be 139 years old in 2025 if we count on its origins as an agricultural fair in 1886. However, if we start from the first official Stampede in 1912, it will be 113 years old this year.
The Rodeo Is the Heart of the Stampede
The rodeo is the main attraction of the Calgary Stampede in Canada. It’s the most thrilling part, where skilled cowboys and cowgirls ride fast horses and bulls, needing to stay in control while dealing with unpredictable animals. People come from all over just to see these athletes demonstrate their abilities, strength, and bravery. Each event is a chance for the riders to show off their skills, whether it’s staying on a bucking bull or racing around a barrel.
Photo by Sean Robertson on Unsplash
Here are some of the must-see rodeo events of the Stampede:
- Bull Riding: The rider tries to stay on a bucking bull for 8 seconds. The goal is to hold on while the bull is trying to throw them off.
- Bronc Riding: Similar to bull riding, but with horses instead of bulls. There are two types:
- Saddle Bronc: The rider rides a horse with a saddle.
- Bareback Bronc: The rider rides a horse without a saddle, holding onto a handle on the horse’s back. - Steer Wrestling: The rider chases down a steer on horseback, jumps off, and tries to bring it to the ground by grabbing its horns and wrestling it.
- Tie-Down Roping: A cowboy ropes a calf while riding a horse, then jumps off and ties the calf’s legs together to stop it.
- Team Roping: Two riders work together to catch a steer. One roper focuses on the steer’s head, while the other catches its legs.
- Barrel Racing: Riders race their horses around three barrels set in a cloverleaf shape, aiming to complete the course as quickly as possible without knocking over any barrels.
Bull riding is one of the most intense events. It is a test of nerves between cowboys and bulls. A cowboy tries to stay on a bull while it bucks, twists, and kicks. The cowboy only holds onto a rope with one hand, while the bull does everything it can to throw him off. The challenge for the cowboy is to hold on tight without letting his hand come loose or his arm straightens. Judges watch both the rider and the bull, giving scores for things like how well the rider stays on and how wild the bull is. The goal is to stay on for eight seconds, but even if the ride is shorter, it can still be an intense, wild experience.
Bareback riding is a rodeo event where the rider stays on a horse without a saddle. It’s similar to bull riding but instead of a bull, you’re riding a horse. The goal is to stay on the horse as it bucks and tries to throw you off. The rider needs to maintain their balance while the horse moves wildly.
Saddle bronc is a related event, but in this case, the rider uses a saddle. The challenge here is to match your movements with the horse’s rhythm. The rider tries to stay on for at least 8 seconds while the horse bucks. In both events, the rider’s skill is tested by how well they can handle the horse’s movements.
Other Top Things to Do at the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a giant festival in Calgary, Canada, and it’s known as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ for a good reason. It has lots of fun activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do and must-see attractions at the Stampede:
World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo
Watch professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Another of the highlights of the rodeo is the chuckwagon race, where teams race wagons pulled by horses. These events are thrilling to watch, and the rodeo is a huge event that draws large crowds for a fun and action-packed experience.
Midway Rides
The Midway is a fun area with rides that everyone can enjoy, no matter how old you are. One of the standout rides is the Superwheel, a giant Ferris wheel that rises 150 feet into the air. From the top, you get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and a full look at the Stampede grounds, which are the event spaces for different activities.
The Indian Village
Explore the culture of the Treaty 7 First Nations, a group of Indigenous communities in Canada, whose culture is rich in traditions and history. By exploring their culture, you can see traditional tipis, which are cone-shaped tents made from animal skins and used by many Indigenous peoples for shelter. You’ll also have the chance to watch dances, which are an important part of their cultural celebrations, and listen to storytelling, which passes down important knowledge and history.
Grandstand Show
This nightly spectacle includes music performances, stunts, and pyrotechnics. In 2025, The Hunter Brothers will return as the headliners, bringing their popular tunes to the stage. They’ll be joined by The Young Canadians, along with special guests like Tammy Firefly, who will wow the crowd with her unique show. The Urias Globe of Death Daredevils will also perform their exciting motorcycle stunts inside a steel globe.
Coca-Cola Stage
The Coca-Cola Stage at the Calgary Stampede is where you can enjoy free concerts during the event. Throughout the Stampede, different artists and bands perform live, and the best part is that it’s completely free to watch!
Some of the performers in the past have included well-known names like Nelly Furtado, Billy Talent, and Mother Mother, so you can expect popular music and exciting performances.
BMO Centre
The BMO Centre, recently expanded, is a large venue that hosts events like trade shows, conferences, and performances. It’s especially important during the Calgary Stampede, where businesses and performers show off their products, services, and talents. The venue can be used for a variety of events, from educational talks to celebrations.
The Calgary Stampede Parade
The Calgary Stampede Parade is the opening event of the Calgary Stampede, a big annual rodeo and festival. It features colorful floats, marching bands, and riders on horseback, all making their way through the streets of downtown Calgary.
It is a fun way to start the Stampede celebrations, with people wearing cowboy clothes and showing off Western culture, getting everyone excited for the rodeo and other activities that follow.
Nashville North
Nashville North is a venue that offers a lively atmosphere for those who enjoy country music. Live bands and DJs play a mix of country tunes, keeping the energy high and the crowd dancing. It’s a popular spot for people who want to have a fun night out with music and dancing, especially if they love country songs and want a more upbeat, social vibe.
Agriculture Exhibits
At the Agriculture Exhibits, you’ll see farm animals like cows, sheep, and horses up close. There are also cool demonstrations where you can watch sheep being sheared and cows getting milked, giving you a hands-on look at farming practices in Canada.
Additionally, you can enjoy horse shows and dog demonstrations, where trained animals show off their skills. It’s a great way to learn more about agriculture and the animals that play a big role in farming.
Evening Fireworks Show
Every night during the Calgary Stampede, there’s a big fireworks show to wrap up the day. The fireworks light up the night sky and can be best enjoyed from Stampede Park, but you can also catch a glimpse of them from other places around Calgary.
The Calgary Stampede doesn’t stop with rodeo events; the whole city comes together to enjoy exciting events, music, food, and, of course, the fireworks for 10 days every July!
The Community Impact of the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a major event for the city and Alberta in general. It’s not just a rodeo, but a community gathering that brings people together. Volunteers with thousands of locals help out in various ways, from organizing events to making sure everything runs smoothly. Without them, the Stampede wouldn’t be what it is.
Economically, the Stampede is an economic driver, contributing about $540 million to Alberta’s economy. It boosts local businesses, creates jobs, and attracts tourists from all over.
Beyond the entertainment and the money, the Stampede represents Calgary’s spirit. Even during tough times, like floods or the pandemic, the city has found ways to keep it going. The Calgary Stampede is a symbol of resilience and unity.
Visitor Tips for the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is a huge event with tons of things to see and do. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of it:
- Stay connected and keep your phone charged in case you need to contact family, friends, or emergency services. Having mobile data can help with navigation, tickets, and staying in touch with your group. Using a Yoho Mobile eSIM makes sure you stay connected during the Stampede, especially in busy areas. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
- Download the Stampede App to stay on top of schedules, maps, and event updates. It covers concert times, rodeo schedules, and food spots, and lets you set reminders for events you don’t want to miss.
- General admission tickets give access to Stampede Park, including concerts, exhibits, and rides (though rides are extra).
- Rodeo and evening show tickets are separate. If you’re attending multiple days, a Super Pass gives you unlimited entry. Prices vary by day, and there are discounts for kids, seniors, and groups. Adult tickets cost around $20-$25 for general admission, and kids under 6 are free.
- The rodeo, chuckwagon races, and Grandstand Show are on TSN and CTV channels in Canada. Some highlights are also available online through official Stampede channels, plus local and streaming services might cover it too.
- Taking public transit is the easiest way to get to Stampede Park. The CTrain stops at Victoria Park/Stampede Station. Parking can be tough, so using a rideshare or walking is a good idea. Once inside the park, walk to get around, shuttles are also available for those who need accessibility support.
- The Stampede has changed, and some people now think of it more as a music festival than just a rodeo. Whatever you do, plan ahead and stay safe for a great time.