All About the Calgary Stampede
Western Canadian culture, rural living, and everything great about a county fair come together in Alberta, Canada each year for the Calgary Stampede. The celebration spans 10 days in July each summer, including dozens of events, attractions, shows, and bites to eat. From the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo to ferris wheel rides, there is never a moment void of excitement on the Calgary Stampede grounds.
The Stampede ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets cost 25 CA$ ($18 USD) for adults and include access to all the fun in Stampede Park like the midway, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and concerts. Other ticket options are available for the larger events – Rodeo, Evening Show, and concerts. Tickets for each event gain you admission to the entire Stampede for the day.
History of the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede began brewing in 1886 when a small Exhibition was held to highlight the best agricultural practices. As the years went on, 1912 was officially recognized as the Stampede’s formal inception, celebrating rural living and the Western ranching lifestyle. The event has been held every year since 1923 and is known worldwide as the largest and best known rodeo. At The Sam Centre on site, you can pay a small fee to walk through the story and history behind the Calgary Stampede. The Centre features historical items, interactive exhibits, and multimedia shows.
Rodeo
The rodeo events consist of some of the world’s best competitors in classic Western equestrian sports. Events range from wild bull riding, to precise barrel-racing, all the way to chaotic steer wrestling and a children’s wild pony race. The rodeo events begin at 1:30 p.m. everyday and culminate in Showdown Sunday, where the year’s champions are announced. The prize for this year’s winner was $2.17 million!
Races
During the Evening Show, the Chuckwagon Race and two Indigenous games: the Women’s Warrior Race and the Relay Race get the crowd going with some fast paced raw competition.
Each race shows a unique and difficult aspect to horse racing. Chuckwagons require incredible coordination. For the Warrior Race, Indigenous women’s agility and skills are showcased, and for the Relay Race, riders are bareback and switching between horses as they run around the track.
Concerts
Every night, multiple stages and the Scotiabank Saddledome are set for country stars, indie artists, and other musical talents. Artists like Garth Brooks, Katy Perry, and Keith Urban have headlined at the Stampede. This year Shania Twain broke records with her headlining set. Concert tickets are separate from the general admission tickets to Stampede Park, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to get a seat to see some of your favorite artists.
The Grandstand Show
After the Evening Show, the GMC Arena is transformed into The Grandstand Show stage inspired by the Grand Ole Opry. The show ends the night with local talent from Canadian children who auditioned their way to the stage to showcase their talents. The children sing, dance, perform skits, or show off acrobatic moves. The night ends with a country performance, followed by an impressive drone light show and a huge display of fireworks that takes over the night sky.
Elbow River Camp
The first Calgary Stampede in 1912 was the first time native First Nations tribes were allowed to leave their reservations and perform in a traditional way in colonized Canada. The Camp area is filled with cultural items and traditions like tipis, chuck wagons, native cooking, and beautifully crafted indigenous outfits. On the last two days of Stampede, a Powwow takes place in the Saddledome where natives compete in drumming, singing, and dancing.
Ambassadorships
The Royalty Committee selects and trains two new ambassadors each year to serve as the Stampede Princess and First Nations Princess. The pair represent the values and traditions of their Western cultures and help engage the community in horsemanship, animal care, and other Western values. The Princesses also promote the Calgary Stampede year-round at national and international events. This year’s Stampede Princess and First Nations Princess are Breanna Correia and Pacey Strangling Wolf.
Fairgrounds Activities
Here’s where the county fair element comes in. Agriculture and animal care are a huge part of Western Canadian culture, which is why you can find livestock exhibits, herding contests, and petting zoos. Between cuddling some sheep and watching sheepdogs herd, you can catch a ride on one of the many carnival rides like bumper cars and ferris wheels.
Food Options
Last but certainly not least – food! Having a pancake breakfast is a tradition at Stampede that started back in the 1920’s when cowboy Jack Morton cooked flapjacks in a chuckwagon. Many of the pancake breakfasts are free to attend all over Calgary. Other great eats are your classic fried fair foods and Western barbeque. However, some creative snacks have taken over the carnival food craze like pickle flavored sodas and candied corndogs. There are several restaurants on site if you prefer a more formal sit-down meal.
Whether you come for the rodeo, the concerts, the food, or the family-friendly fun, the Calgary Stampede offers something unforgettable for everyone. Rooted in Western heritage yet bursting with modern excitement, it’s more than just an event—it’s a tradition that unites locals and visitors alike in celebration. If you find yourself in Alberta in July, don’t miss the chance to experience “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and make memories that will last long after the final fireworks fade.