… at least once in your lifetime...
The Calgary Stampede is an annual, 10-day rodeo, exhibition and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta. It’s a vibrant event drawing over a million visitors. It features a vast array of attractions such as one of the world’s largest rodeos, a lively parade, stage shows, concerts, agricultural contests, chuckwagon races, and exhibitions celebrating First Nations culture. During the stampede the city of Calgary transforms with festive atmosphere. Office buildings and storefronts are adorned in cowboy themes and residents sport western attire.
Calgary Stampede takes place around Canada Day, so if you have the time and the resources, you can make it into a two-week-long vacation and celebrate both. Besides the rodeo, there is much more to see and experience. Food, for example, ranging from sweet delights to savory sensations, will tantalize your taste buds.
Before, I delve into the many attractions that Calgary Stampede has to offer, let me give you
A little bit (I promise) of history, first…
The Calgary Stampede, known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” began in 1886. Its famous rodeo started in 1912 thanks to Guy Weadick, who saw Calgary as an ideal spot for such an event. Supported initially by local businessmen, the Calgary Stampede combined with the Labour Day parade in 1912, attracting notable participants and Indigenous groups. After pausing during World War I, it returned in 1919 as the “Great Victory Stampede.” By 1923, it had integrated with the Agricultural Exhibition and has since expanded its facilities. The event features major rodeo competitions, junior events, and the popular Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races, which have been a highlight since their introduction in 1923.
If you want to get more background information, refer to ‘5 things only the diehards know about Calgary’s first Stampede’ by Tony Seskus.
And now, here are the five reasons why you are going to loooove the Calgary Stampede:
1. Rodeo Events at the Calgary Stampede
Over the years, the Calgary Stampede expanded its infrastructure. It now includes a 16,000-seat grandstand, a trade center, Stampede Corral ice rink, agricultural complex, western town, and combines curling, tennis, and trade show facility.
Rodeo events are the main attraction of the Stampede and the number one reason why many people come here. Even if you are not keen on adventure sports, you may want to see this at least once in your lifetime.
Rodeo events feature six major contests: bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping. Junior events include novice bareback and saddle bronc, junior steer riding, and wild pony racing. The Stampede is renowned for its large prize pool, exceeding $2 million, with an innovative tournament format introduced in 2006. Chuckwagon races, known as the Rangeland Derby since 1923, remain a highlight. They feature wagons drawn by four horses and accompanied by four mounted outriders. The races, starting with a figure-8 maneuver and concluding with a dash around the track, offer nightly heats (races, competitions) with teams competing for over $1.15 million in prizes.
2. The Evening Grandstand Show
The evening Grandstand Show is a dazzling spectacle featuring acrobatics, pyrotechnics, music, dancing, and fireworks. This Bell-sponsored show is part of an exhilarating evening double-header at Stampede Park, beginning with thrilling chuckwagon races and culminating in a spectacular performance as the sun sets. It’s the ideal conclusion to a day of Stampede excitement, and tickets for the Bell Grandstand Show also include gate admission.
3. Listen to music and dance at…
You have two mains spots to choose from, if you want to listen to music: the Coca-Cola Stage and Nashville North.
Experience an eclectic mix of music genres at the Coca-Cola Stage, ranging from rock and pop to electronic and more. Admission to the shows is free if you pay the gate entry fee. Past line-ups have featured prominent acts such as Alexisonfire, Broken Social Scene, and Sheryl Crow.
Think of Nashville North as the country music counterpart of the Coca-Cola Stage. Each day brings a new artist and a lively party atmosphere. The Nashville North tent is also the perfect spot to hone your two-stepping dance moves. Don your cowboy hat and boots, and you’ll blend right in with the spirited crowd.
4. Experience the rich Indigenous culture at the Calgary Stampede
You can discover the history of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda Nations at the Elbow River Camp. They have inhabited these lands for millennia, so there is lots to see. Explore 26 teepees where skilled artisans sell jewelry, preserves, and traditional cuisine. Each nation is honored on a different day of the Stampede at the Arbour Stage, featuring vibrant performances, powwow competitions, and demonstrations of hand games.
5. Indulge in daring delights at the midway
You will discover an array of mouth-watering treats at the midway. While classics like corn dogs and cotton candy are staples, exploring inventive midway food is a cherished Stampede tradition. Treat yourself to options like honey habanero ice pops, deep-fried strawberries, or a glazed donut grilled cheese sandwich. And don’t miss out on sugared mini donuts, a must-try favorite at the Stampede grounds. Is your mouth watering yet? If not, how about this for a visual stimulation? They say people eat with their eyes first.
Have fun!