A Globetrotter’s Guide to the Calgary Stampede, Canada’s Wild West 

Every July, the city of Calgary swaps skyscrapers for spurs as it transforms into the stage for one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeos.

If there’s one time of year when Calgary truly lets its hair down, it’s during the Calgary Stampede.

Held annually since 1912, this iconic Canadian event is a heady mix of rodeo grit, country music, chuckwagon races, and pancake breakfasts served from the back of a pick-up truck.

But beyond the belt buckles and bull riding, it’s a fascinating slice of prairie life, and a cultural phenomenon that draws visitors from across the globe. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy boot-wearer or a city-dwelling traveller craving something different, the Stampede offers a bold, lively immersion into Western heritage with a distinctly Canadian flavour. 

An RCMP officer in the traditional Mountie uniform, watching the horses at the chuckwagon races. (Credit: Bryton Udy)

The Main Arena: Where the West Rides On 

At the heart of the Stampede is the Rodeo, featuring top-tier competitors from Canada, the US, and beyond. Events like bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing are not for the faint-hearted. With C$1.5 million in prize money up for grabs, it’s one of the most prestigious rodeos on the circuit. For many athletes, this is the Wimbledon rodeo. 

Also worth noting is the Evening Show, which pairs heart-thumping chuckwagon races with a grandstand performance of music, fireworks, and theatrical flair. It’s an adrenaline-heavy evening that captures the spirit of the Stampede in full gallop. 

An elderly gentleman looking sharp in his cowboy getup during the Calgary Stampede. (Credit: Me Fa)

Calgary Transformed: Stampede Style 

Locals take the festival seriously. Office workers swap suits for denim, businesses deck out their front windows in Western themes, and there’s an infectious sense of camaraderie in the air. Stampede breakfasts – hosted citywide – serve thousands of people daily with stacks of flapjacks and sizzling bacon, all for free. 

Stampede Park, the central hub, becomes a hive of activity. Think open-air concerts, Indigenous exhibitions, agricultural showcases and a midway that feels more like a carnival-meets-cultural fair. Be sure to catch the Elbow River Camp, where members of the Treaty 7 Nations share their traditions through dance, storytelling, and craft. 

An elderly indigenous riding a horse during the Calgary Stampede. (Credit: Me Fa)

What to Wear & What to Expect 

If you’re keen to blend in, bring a cowboy hat (felt, not straw if you want to be taken seriously), plaid shirt, and well-worn jeans. Boots are optional, but they do make for good photos. 

The Stampede is family-friendly by day and rowdy by night. The Nashville North tent hosts late-night performances from up-and-coming country stars, while larger acts take over the Scotiabank Saddledome. Expect the likes of Blake Shelton or Shania Twain to headline. 

Banff National Park. (Credit: Jacky Huang)

Beyond the Grounds 

Calgary during Stampede is buzzing. Local galleries, breweries, and restaurants often align their programming with Stampede themes. If you’re staying longer, consider a road trip to nearby Banff National Park for a dramatic shift from cowboy chaos to alpine calm. 

Hotel Arts in Banff. (Credit: Felipe Souza)

How to Go & Where to Stay 

Stampede runs for 10 days in early July, with 2025 dates set for 4–13 July. Hotels tend to fill up months in advance, especially in the downtown core. Look for boutique stays like the ALT Hotel or check out Hotel Arts for a trendier take on Western hospitality. 

International travellers should fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is well connected to major global hubs. Public transport is efficient during the Stampede, with extended hours and direct access to the grounds via Calgary’s C-Train. 

Read other cultural events here. 

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