Looking for the perfect Western summer escape? The Calgary Stampede is your safe bet. Stay with us to discover everything about this exciting summer event, including dates, top attractions, must-see activities, and insider tips to make the most of your holiday.
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What is the Calgary Stampede?
The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede is a vibrant fusion of agricultural fair and rodeo, featuring everything from manufacturing displays and home & garden showcases to Indigenous culture exhibits. The event kicks off each July with a spectacular parade, followed by 10 days of thrilling rodeo action, evening stage shows, and a lively midway full of rides and sideshows. The Calgary Stampede 2024 runs from July 5 to July 14, with tickets for 2025 already on sale from July 4 to July 13.
Stampede Park, home to this event, is conveniently nestled along Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Being central makes it easy for visitors to take advantage of private and public transportation modes.
Main Attractions and Events
Rodeo Competitions
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Top athletes and animals compete across six events: barrel racing, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, bull riding, and bareback. The action starts every afternoon at 1:30 p.m. building towards Showdown Sunday. Tickets sell fast, so get yours in advance! Rodeo Tickets here.
Chuckwagon Races
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This is one must-do event if you’re in Canada. Enjoy the world’s premier Chuckwagon over nine nightly heats where 27 Chuckwagon drivers, supported by their outriders and 162 horses vie for prize money and bragging rights. The wagons are modifications of the food wagons once used to supply meals to cowboys out on the range during the roundup.
Concerts and Live Entertainment
Each year the Stampede Concert Series brings the world’s most iconic chart-topper artist. The Calgary Stampede has many stages such as Nashville North, The Big Four Roadhouse, the Coca-Cola stage, and The Bell Grandstand Show. Every place will be hosted by famous artists during the 10 days of Stampede. Check here which of your favorite artists will host the 10 days of Stampede.
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Agricultural Exhibitions
Experience a combination of demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and interaction with animals, agriculture, western history, and events. There are some showcases you must see such as Nutrin ag-tivity in the city to learn where your food comes from. You can check more of these events in this link.
Cultural Highlights
Indian Village
Indigenous heritage and cultural experiences have been a part of the Calgary Stampede since it started in 1912. The Elbow River Camp presents authentic tipis, local artisans, cultural demonstrations, food vendors, music, and traditional dancing. The Bannock Booth is not to be missed!
Western Heritage Celebrations
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When it comes to a genuine Western experience, Calgary is the ideal destination. This city has preserved many of its early-era heritage buildings and sites, from The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland to Historic Inglewood, to the buildings along Stephen Avenue National Historic Site. You can read more about the Western heritage on this site.
Insider Tips For the Calgary Stampede 2024
Ticket Information and Prices
The popularity of the Calgary Stampede has increased through the years. You can purchase the Calgary Stampede general stamped admission ticket at any of the three park entrances. The available ticket options include:
- General (age 13-64) $25.00
- Older People (age 65+) $17.00
- Child (age 7-12) $16.00
- Child (under 7) Free
For a seamless experience, purchase your Rodeo, Saddledome Show, Buck the Line, and Evening Show in advance. Check this page to buy your tickets online. These tickets are inclusive of admission tickets to the park.
Event Schedule and Key Dates
Be sure to attend the magnificent Calgary Stampede Parade. It’s a significant part of Calgary’s cultural identity. This is the only way to experience the grand opening. Besides the majestic horses in colorful coats and high-end machine bands, you will experience the real march of tradition, culture, and Calgary’s rich history.
The event schedule changes every day, so you need to check the day itinerary. There are also all-day events such as horse haven and mini donkey; country critters; and Milky Way dairy display and demonstrations. We highly recommend checking this link for the daily activities you would like to participate in.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
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These tips will make the most of your first Calgary Stampede:
- Make breakfast part of the plan: the first meal of the day is an important part of the Calgary Stampede tradition.
- Get ready to dance: Calgary has some great country bars, plus the Stampede hosts several hoe-downs and line-dancing events.
- Dressing code: western wear isn’t required. A pair of boots with jeans or denim shorts fits the bill. Don’t forget your sunblock and shades.
- Leave your car at home: parking is limited near the grounds, which means your best bet is public transit, like the train, walking, or a taxi.
- Evening show: they require separate tickets. Consider a Super Pass if you plan to attend the Stampede several times, which gets you unlimited entry to the grounds.
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