Everything You Need to Know About Attending the ‘World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo’
Imagine the “world’s largest outdoor rodeo,” and something like a big county fair might come to mind. That doesn’t do justice for the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada, which indeed claims to feature the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo at an event that draws nearly 1.5 million attendees over 10 days.
As someone who grew up around horses and small-town rodeos, attending the Calgary Stampede made me feel like a born-again cowgirl. From the poise of the rodeo queens to the adrenaline of relay races and the suspense of saddle bronc rides, the excitement never let up. On top of all the classic rodeo activities, I enjoyed every pickle-flavored food available, a Skyride across Stampede Park, and an All-American Rejects concert.
Here’s your guide to experiencing the Calgary Stampede at its best.
What is the Calgary Stampede, and where is it held?
Photo: Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
The Calgary Stampede began in 1912 as a celebration of rural heritage and Western ranching, becoming an annual tradition in 1923 after merging with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition. Today, it’s a 10-day spectacle showcasing world-class rodeo competitions, grandstand shows, live music, agricultural exhibits, and an unforgettable opening-day parade. The festivities regularly have attendees shouting “ya-hoo” (the Canadian version of “yee-haw”).
The Calgary Stampede’s main events are held at Stampede Park (accessible via the CTrain, Calgary’s light rail system), not far from the city’s downtown core along the Elbow River. However, the whole city opens its doors to celebrate, and the event adds about $227 million Canadian dollars to the Calgary economy. Throughout Calgary, you’ll see venues hosting events like concerts and pancake breakfasts (more on that later), plus street parties, pop-up bars, and city-wide celebrations.
When is the Calgary Stampede, and how long does it last?
Photo: steve estvanik/Shutterstock
The Calgary Stampede takes place over 10 days every July. I spent two days there when I could’ve easily spent five and still not have seen everything I wanted to see. Don’t feel like you need to be there the whole 10 days, though. There are perks to showing up during the beginning, middle, or end.
One of the biggest reasons to plan your trip around the beginning of the event is to take part in all the excitement and anticipation of the opening parade. The parade features the Calgary Stampede Show Band (a coveted spot for musicians across Canada) and is overseen by a celebrity parade marshal — the list of previous marshals includes Kevin Costner and Shania Twain. Arriving in the middle of the festivities ensures that everything is already up and running when you get there, and spirits are high. The benefit of a late arrival is that you’ll be treated to the finale of the rodeo competitions and motivated to savor every last moment.
How much do tickets to the Calgary Stampede cost?
Photo: Gwyneth Talley
General admission tickets cost 25 Canadian dollars (about $18) for adults. Tickets include access to Stampede Park, where you can enjoy the midway, food vendors, agricultural exhibits, and free concerts. Major shows like the Rodeo or Evening Show require separate tickets, which include park admission for that day, with prices varying by seat location. (Reserve tickets in advance for popular events.) If you’re planning on making multiple visits, the Stampede SuperPass costs CA$50 (about $36) and provides unlimited access for all 10 days.
Throughout the 10 days, there are also offers of free entry for various groups (kids, teens, and seniors). Be sure to check the official Calgary Stampede schedule for exact free-admission days.
How to pack for the Calgary Stampede
Photo: Gwyneth Talley
Think of packing for the Calgary Stampede like packing for “Cow-chella”: cowboy or cowgirl chic. Don’t be afraid to embrace the campiness. Get dressed up for the event, and go full cowpoke. If you don’t, you’ll be the odd person out.
Hats and boots: Cowboy hats are great for keeping the sun off your face, as well as adding to the Stampede look. Hats of all qualities are available downtown, around the Stampede grounds, and in the many consignment and thrift stores around town. Boots are equally essential, but avoid wearing new boots at all costs. You’ll be walking a lot. If you plan on getting new boots for the occasion, be sure to break them in ahead of time.
Other attire: Put on a sundress or wear your favorite Wranglers with a shiny belt buckle — whatever makes you feel like an extra on the set of Yellowstone. Dressing the part (ranch dressing, if you will) helps you get in the spirit of the event while also keeping you cool throughout the day.
Practical accessories: Stampede days can be long, loud, and hot (although evenings can get cool, and the weather in general can be unpredictable). Consider packing layers (including rain gear), earplugs, a USB plug-in fan, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hands-free bag like a purse, fanny pack, crossbody, or a small backpack to keep essentials close. (Note that bags will be checked at entry points, and you’ll find a list of prohibited items here.)
Shopping for gear and souvenirs in Calgary: Lammle’s Western Wear is the official outfitter of the Calgary Stampede and has all the cowboy and cowgirl attire you could need, plus branded merch and souvenirs. If you’re still looking for boots and hats, you can also check out Alberta Boot Company for an amazing and fun selection of boots of every color, style, and fit. You can also take a tour to see how boots are made and designed.
Mementos and keepsakes like Calgary Stampede posters are available for purchase around Stampede Park. There’s also a huge vendor hall selling everything from crafts to saunas.
What’s the food like at the Calgary Stampede?Stampede breakfasts
Photo: ocophoto/Shutterstock
Pancake breakfasts are part of the Calgary Stampede tradition, dating back to the 1920s when cowboy Jack Morton cooked flapjacks from a chuckwagon. Public and private pancake breakfasts are held every morning all over Calgary — most of them free. This year’s venues included The Westin Calgary, various YMCAs, and local churches, among others.
Alongside the fluffy stacks, you’ll often hear live fiddle bands and singers, and sometimes even join in for a bit of dancing in the street. You may also run into Stampede clowns — volunteers that welcome visitors and oversee crowd control (all with comedic antics, of course).
If you’d rather skip the crowds, find one of the downtown coffee shops like Monki. Just don’t be surprised if your restaurant servers are a little groggy and slow because of the nightlife at the Stampede.
All-day eats
Photo: Gwyneth Talley
Once inside Stampede Park, many of the food offerings bridge the gap between classic and creative carnival fare — think anything deep fried, covered in fruity pebbles, or that has a pickle in it (or two out of the three, as is the case with the deep-fried Oreos with a pickle center). However, there are various dining venues where you can get different kinds of snacks and meals, such as AG Grill in the Agriculture Building, The Big Four Roadhouse, and the Wine Garden in Western Oasis.
Options range from traditional fair foods like corndogs, hamburgers, and barbecue (plus lemonade you can sip from a collectible boot), to memorable bites like ketchup-flavored ice cream and Dill Pickle Cola with candied jalapeños. You’ll also find more substantive, though equally indulgent, meals like loaded mac and cheese with spicy chicken covered in ranch and fried pickles, or a Stampede bao with SPAM, shrimp tempura, seaweed, and cucumber with sriracha sauce.
What are the events and activities at the Calgary Stampede?The rodeo
Photos: Gwyneth Talley
During the daily rodeo, the competition is divided into three-day pools of competitors vying for their shot at the finals at the end of the Stampede. The early days in the competition gives you a chance to see both new and seasoned competitors. Book your seats ahead of time. Prepare to grab a beer and catch the bull riding, saddle bronc competition, and barrel racing; admire the skill of the roping; and giggle at the hilarity of the kids’ wild pony racing.
The fairgrounds
Photo: Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
The Stampede isn’t just a rodeo. The Agricultural Building hosts sheepdog herding contests, livestock exhibits where kids can pet animals, and plenty of opportunities to chat with farmers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride also performs its equestrian drill display.
For pure fun, the carnival has water rides, two Ferris wheels, a tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, and games galore. Take a Skyride from one side of the grounds to the other to see the hustle and bustle via a ski-lift seat (and save time compared to walking your way from side to side).
Elbow River Camp
Photos: Gwyneth Talley
For a quieter, more reflective experience, visit Elbow River Camp, where First Nations families host tipis and welcome visitors to talk about their heritage and culture. First Nations peoples have participated in the Calgary Stampede since the first event in 1912, including in the parade and rodeo competitions. At the modern iteration at Elbow River Camp, there are dance displays where the Master of Ceremonies explains and narrates what you see, and even invites you to dance with the tribes at the end.
Sample some bannock (fry bread) with Saskatoon jam. Watch the action of the deceptively simple hand game competition that’s imbued with tradition. There’s also a display of Indigenous handicrafts by artists who sell their wares and welcome guests to take the time to understand what they’re buying and wearing.
A tip for respectfully entering an open tipi: Be sure to enter from the left, don’t stop in the doorway, and greet the tipi owner upon entering.
The races
Photo: Gwyneth Talley
Evenings at the Calgary Stampede focus on the chuckwagon races, as well as the two Indigenous games: the women’s warrior race and the relay race. The skills of all these competitors will have you standing as close as you can get to the rail or enjoying them from the comfort of the grandstand with a glass of wine. When I was talking with locals and long-time volunteers, these events came up as their favorite events to watch.
The chuckwagons require incredible coordination and also offer thoroughbred racehorses a second chance to get back on the track after their standard racing career is finished. The relay races feature riders competing bareback, leaping from one running horse to another mid-race in a thrilling display of balance, agility, and teamwork. The women’s warrior race is a newer but fast-growing highlight showcasing Indigenous riders’ speed and skill.
The Grandstand Show
Photo: Gwyneth Talley
After the races, stick around as the arena is transformed into a gigantic stage for young talent from across Canada who come to perform songs, dances, acrobatics, and skits. Kids audition from all over Canada to put their talent on display every night of the Stampede. A country star will perform before a drone light show, followed by the grand finale of a huge fireworks display. (This is an extremely loud event, so bring earplugs.)
The concertsEvery night, there are at least five stages filled with country singers, indie rockers, new talent, and international artists, giving the Stampede the nickname “Cow-chella.” General admission is fairly cheap, but if you want pit passes, plan ahead. Some venues offer “fast passes” so you can avoid the general admission crush and get to see your favorite artist quickly. If you’ve spent the whole day at the Stampede, you may want to plan a concert for a different night to give yourself time to rest and be ready to rock. 
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