Cowboy boots, bolos and tassels galore, in Calgary, everyone’s a cowboy … at least once a year. Each summer, this bustling city in Alberta channels its western roots with people far and wide gathering to attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede, the destination’s ultra-popular festival that boasts daring rodeo riders, coveted musical acts, inventive food and beverage selections and so much more. With 10 days of nonstop action, there’s a reason this northern celebration has garnered a reputation as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” and Canadians — an average of 3,000 volunteer at Stampede every summer — couldn’t be more proud, wearing the recognition — and their Smithbilt cowboy hats — as a badge of honor 365 days a year.
It’s not uncommon to hear locals describe Stampede as “electric” or like “Christmas in July,” while the quintessential “YAHOO!” — the Calgarian equivalent of America’s “Yeehaw” — can be heard echoing throughout town as cowboy cosplayers hoot and holler with glee. It’s truly a jubilant scene, and visitors will find they can’t help but lean into the general spirit of things as they embrace the best of what the festival, and its lovely host city, have to offer.
Want to learn more about why Calgary Stampede is a must-visit? Read on to discover the history of the event and essential things to do while you’re there.
Calgary Stampede History
Dating to 1923, Calgary Stampede has called Calgary home for over 100 years. An ode to the Wild West from the very start, much like today, attendees of the first official annual Stampede were encouraged to dress in their finest cowboy garb as an homage to Alberta’s western roots. While it took some time to get the format of the festival right, the combination of rodeo events helmed by American trick roper Guy Weadick and exhibitions spearheaded by local officials made the first Stampede an instant classic. Thrilling chuckwagon races were a standout event, and an estimated 138,950 people attended.
Now, 100+ years later, the Stampede remains an essential part of the city’s identity and has even become something of a bucket list item for travelers as millions of people make the pilgrimage to Canada each summer to experience the festival grounds for themselves.
Indigenous Involvement
Situated along the banks of the beautiful Elbow River, the land the Stampede grounds occupy has always acted as a gathering place for the region’s First Nations people. Comprising the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations of Treaty 7, early Stampede organizers worked with members of Indigenous communities to showcase their ways of life during a time when it was illegal for them to wear traditional clothing, speak their own languages and practice their ceremonies. As such, Stampede became a place for First Nations people to celebrate and preserve their cultures, a custom that lives on today at the aptly named “Elbow River Camp” where members of Treaty 7 share their diverse ways of life with visitors through dance, cultural demonstrations, homemade goods and traditional foods.
Free Pancake Breakfasts
Did you know volunteers associated with Calgary Stampede have been slinging free pancake breakfasts since 1923? A tasty custom with an interesting backstory, the tradition began when chuckwagon racer Jack Morton and Stampede founder Guy Weadick turned to fresh flapjacks to help promote Stampede programming to locals. Knowing only a fool would turn down a complimentary meal, the pair took to Eighth Avenue to serve the delightful breakfast staple from the back of — what else — a chuckwagon. Since then, the practice has stuck, and people can find Stampede breakfasts across the city throughout the duration of the festival. The pancakes are still 100% free, but, instead of racers, they’re served by rodeo clowns.
Things To Do at Calgary Stampede
Carnival rides, shopping, music, rodeo, food and much, much, more, Calgary Stampede boasts no shortage of exciting things to see and do. And while we can’t possibly list all the fun here — there’s just too much to go around — the below are classic options for those planning a visit to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Midway Food
At Midway Food visitors can delight and confuse their taste buds as they eat their way through sweet, salty, savory and downright strange fare from hundreds of vendors. From festival classics like fresh squeezed lemonade and deep fried everything to inventive dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken Mac, the Fruity Pebble Korean Dog, Spam-Pede Bao and Deep Fried Pickle Oreos, there’s something for everyone, and no one will leave hungry.
Calgary Stampede Rodeo
According to Calgary Stampede, “the caliber of a rodeo comes down to two things: the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses, bulls and steers,” and this annual gathering features the best of the best. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. each afternoon, visitors can watch on in awe as cowboys and cowgirls put their skills to the test competing in seven fierce events: Barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, bareback and breakaway racing. But the fun doesn’t stop there, each win leads towards Showdown Sunday where competitors battle it out to take home the grand prize: $2.17 million.
Elbow River Camp
At Elbow River Camp, Stampede-goers can discover the cultures of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations of Treaty 7. Featuring 26 colorful tipis — some of which visitors can go inside — tents helmed by local Indigenous artisans, live dancing and performances and scrumptious dishes like bannock and saskatoon berry jam, guests will love learning about the First Nations’ diverse and rich heritage through hands-on experiences.
Those looking to dive even deeper can join an Elbow River Camp tour where they’ll explore the camp alongside members of the Treaty 7 nations, learning about the significance behind different tipi designs, traditional outdoor cooking methods and more.
Stampede Concert Series
Despite its western vibe, Calgary Stampede attracts a wide breadth of musical acts, not just country artists. And while visitors can certainly catch a country show or two while they’re there, they can also enjoy music across the spectrum of genres including pop, rock, house, hip-hop, rap and more. Music lineups are dispersed across a collection of venues including the Nashville North Party Tent, Coca-Cola Stage and The Big Four Roadhouse.
Calgary Stampede Evening Show
For a night with nothing but action, visitors won’t want to miss the Calgary Stampede Evening Show. Kicking off daily at 7:30 p.m. this whirlwind event is something of a triple-feature with Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races, Indigenous Relay Races and a fast-paced Grandstand Show to top it all off. Perfect for those who love the thundering of hooves, daring acrobatics, catchy musical performances and a classic fireworks display, they’ll find it all and more during this unforgettable experience.
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