Saddle up, folks! The Calgary Stampede is just around the corner, July 5th – 14th! Known for being an oil town, come July, Calgary puts the corporate attire aside in favor of plaid shirts, cowboy boots, a big shiny belt buckle, and a ten-gallon hat. The Calgary Stampede also referred to as, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is one of Canada’s premiere celebrations, the 10-day event is full of rodeos, entertainment, shopping, food, and a whole lot of fun. Here are some helpful suggestions to get the most out of your trip to the 2019 Calgary Stampede!
Downtown Calgary
Make sure to plan for the Stampede Parade on July 5th at 9 am in downtown Calgary and you won’t be able to resist getting into the Stampede spirit. That excitement is only the beginning of the 10- day celebration of Canada’s western and multicultural roots.
Photo Credit to the Calgary Stampede Website
Wake up early each day for a Stampede breakfast, pancakes hot off the griddle. Most breakfasts are free thanks to the local companies, organizations, local charities, and fundraisers. If you can, a small donation always goes a long way, so pile up your plate and enjoy free live music and entertainment. For more information, please check out Calgary Stampede’s website and all of their sponsors that help make this event possible.
The Famous Calgary Stampede Midway
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush head to the Midway for the thrill of a coaster, test your luck at some games, and win an over-sized stuffed animal. If you are looking to get a view from above, hop on the WestJet Sky Ride and take in the views as it takes you from one end of the Stampede to the other. If you are looking to get a view from above, hop on the WestJet Sky Ride and take in the views as it takes you from one end of the Stampede to the other. Take a break from the rides and games to allow yourself to indulge in the all unique food and beverages the Stampede has to offer, and don’t worry, calories don’t count!
Be sure to catch the 2019 Calgary Performance by Nik Wallenda and his wife will have you gasping as they perform acrobatics above the Stampede Skyline 60 feet in the air; balancing precariously on a high-wire and climbing a swaying metal pole. Prepare yourselves for the grand finale, as the Wallendas ride a motorbike while performing acrobatics, and did I mention they were 60 feet in the air?
Photo Credit to the Calgary Stampede Website
The Nutrien Western Event Centre and “The Market” in the BMO Centre
From the Midway to the Nutrien Western Event Centre, you will want to check out the Agricultural Showcase. They offer hands-on experience with animal demonstrations, barn tours, and teachings of where food comes from. View agricultural displays and watch events such as the Heavy Horse Show, Team Cattle Penning Championships, Cowboy Up Challenge, Heavy Horse Pull, and new this year, is Bulls After Dark (18+ Event).
Close by, is “The Market” is your shopping headquarters, housing over 200 retailers, including your most favorite and popular brands, local sellers, and homemade goods, unveil new products, tasty treats, and unique findings, you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
The Elbow River Camp Presented by Enbridge
Experience the traditions and cultures of the First Nations People at the Elbow River Camp, a significant part of the Calgary Stampede. Since the inception in 1912, 26 of the most beautiful and eye-catching tipis stand tall representing the five nations of Treaty 7: Kainai, Tsuut’ ina, Stoney Nakoda, Siksika, and Piikani. Here you will find local artisans selling jewelry and art, bannock and Saskatoon berry jam, and you’ll be able to witness traditional dancing and much more.
Photo Credit to the Calgary Stampede Website
The Famous Calgary Stampede Rodeo
Ah, finally the rodeo—the heartbeat of the Calgary Stampede! The premier event, featuring cowboys and cowgirls from all around North America competing in barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc, bareback riding and everyone’s favorite, the sit at the edge of your seat event, bull riding!
The Evening Show
Once the rodeo is over, make sure to get up, stretch your legs, grab a beer and some Midway Food then make sure to come back to catch the Evening Show. The GMC Rangeland Derby compete each night for the chance to win a share of $1.45 million in prize money, including $100,000 to the championship driver. Once the last chuckwagon crosses the finish line, the Bell Grandstand Show, Trailblazer, leaves the audience in awe with song, dance, and acrobatics. The Evening Show ends with a grand finale of spectacular fireworks.
Wrangler Network
We would like to give a huge shout out to Wrangler Network for being able to tell the story of Calgary Stampede through video production and live streaming. They will be onsite providing live video coverage from Calgary, Alberta; Friday, July 5th thru Sunday, July 14th, 2019. Unable to make it to Calgary Stampede? Wrangler Network has you covered with full live coverage streaming video.
Entertainment
The Calgary Stampede brings Canada one of the largest music festivals with four stages and hundreds of performers. At Stampede Park you’ll find the Coca-Cola Stage, Nashville North, and The Big Four Roadhouse, all of which have entertainment throughout the day, leading up to a big concert at night. Shows are free with park admission but make sure you stake out a spot on the grass early!
Corb Lund will be rocking the Calgary Stampede at The Big Four Roadhouse on Sunday, July 7th! Be sure to RSVP before it’s too late: Get Tickets HERE!
The Calgary Stampede brings the hottest names in country and rock music from top charting artists to rising stars. This year Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, and Tim McGraw hit the Scotia Bank Saddledome at the Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series.
Night Life
The party continues outside of Stampede Park. Often bars provide huge tents designed to keep partiers drinking all day long with live bands and spacious dancing floors. The most popular, and just a stone throw away from Stampede Park is the aptly-named Cowboys Dance Hall. Be prepared for the long lines and a cover charge, but it is hands-down the place to be outside of the Stampede Park. Wildhorse Saloon is another option for a local hotspot located in the large tent downtown. Two other must-stop bars are Knoxville’s Tavern and in Calgary as well. Check them out and add them to your Calgary bucket list!
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