Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, the annual Calgary Stampede is a 10-day Western-style extravaganza held every July in Calgary, Alberta. This incredible festival attracts well over a million international and local visitors each year. Featuring one of the world’s largest rodeos, music concerts across four stages, agriculture competitions, a parade, an amusement fair, and endless opportunities for eating and shopping, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Outside of Stampede Park, Stampede fever certainly takes over the whole city, expect Western-style dress and country music throughout the streets of Calgary.
Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the Calgary Stampede is the afternoon Rodeo. The action kicks up daily at 1:30pm attracting top professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the world. This thrilling afternoon event has competitors battling across six events: Ladies’ barrel racing, tie-down roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronco and the most dangerous of all, bull riding.
Calgary Stampede Evening Show
After witnessing the action-packed rodeo, enjoy the spectacular Calgary Stampede evening show. With a spectacular firework and drone finale, the evening grandstand performance is unmissable with dancing, choreographed singing and acrobatics. This 2-hour mind-blowing performance will have you on the edge of your seats and leave you wanting more.
Calgary Stampede Music
With four stages that span multiple genres, there’s bound to be something for you at the Calgary Stampede. Country music fans will want to head straight for Nashville North, the original Calgary Stampede party tent. With a host of talented country music artists playing daily, you’ll be stomping your cowboy boots all night long. The Coca-Cola stage hosts daily headliners, from rock, to hip hop, to pop and EDM, this multi-genre lineup has something for everyone. If you’re looking to grab some drinks and a bite to eat whilst listening to your favourite artists head to The Big Four Roadhouse, whilst the Scotiabank Saddledome is where you’ll find some of the world’s top artists, some of the past musicians to have taken to the stage include Garth Brooks, Katy Perry, Keith Urban and Blake Shelton, the list goes on.
Calgary Stampede Food & Drinks
Foodies do not fret, you will have an unbelievable choice to stave away the hunger and keep you hydrated during your time at the Calgary Stampede. Head over to The Big Four Building which houses The Range Food Hall, which offers an incredible combination of food exhibitors and live entertainment, as well as The Big Four Roadhouse, serving up burgers, sandwiches, BBQ and more. If you’re looking for some quick grab-and-go offerings then Midway is the place to go. Here you’ll find anything from classic corndogs to more daring concoctions such as ketchup and mustard ice cream!
You’ll find the biggest queue by far at the Colossal Onion truck. Here you’ll be able to try the classic poutine colossal onion, smothered with traditional curd cheese and topped with hot vegetarian poutine gravy and a generous serving of their tangy chipotle mayo sauce. If you’re in need of a sweet treat make sure to pass by Steve-O’s, and grab some deep-fried banana balls or Oreo cookies, ready to dip in their delicious chocolate sauce, this has to be the most decadent treat at the Calgary Stampede!
