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Home » Activities » 22 Fun Things To Do at the Calgary Stampede (for 2022)

22 Fun Things To Do at the Calgary Stampede (for 2022)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on May 18, 2022

Billed as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” – it is hard to dispute that the Calgary Stampede is exactly that. As one of the world’s largest rodeos, this annual Calgary event in early July has happened every year since 1912 (except for 2020, due to COVID). It regularly draws over one million visitors from all over the world.

Calgary Stampede Fireworks

Originally bankrolled by 4 prominent ranchers in the area for $100,000 and steeped in traditional rodeo fanfare, the Calgary Stampede is now a multi-million dollar production that includes fairgrounds, beer gardens, eclectic food vendors, live concerts, free pancake breakfasts throughout the city, and of course, exciting rodeo events.

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth returns July 8-17, 2022! We’ve compiled all the best things to see and do at this one-of-a-kind event below. Get your cowboy swag ready and read on to find out more!

21 Things to do at the Calgary Stampede

Take in the Calgary Stampede Parade

The Stampede Parade is the official kickoff of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Giving just a taste of what you can expect at the Calgary Stampede, the parade is full of colourful floats and proud cowboys and cowgirls astride horses, all walking to the beat of a joyous marching band in downtown Calgary. It is a great display of the community spirit that takes over the city during Stampede.

Calgary Stampede Parade
Calgary Stampede Parade – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Parade Marshals of the Calgary Stampede Parade have included names such as Walt Disney, Bing Crosby, and William Shatner. The parade route is very busy and typically packed with people – we suggest getting there early to save a piece of pavement, or pre-book bleacher seating along the route here.

Watch Rodeo Events

Seeing the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo is a must during a visit to the Calgary Stampede. The Stampede Rodeo features the world’s best competitors and animals. Every afternoon at 1:30 pm, watch cowboys and cowgirls face off in 6 different rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, and bareback. Every win builds towards Showdown Sunday where competitors are looking to score their share of $1.5 million dollars in prize winnings to be had.

Stampede Saddlebronc
Stampede Saddlebronc – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Ticket prices to witness one of the world’s largest rodeos range from $24 to $312. Your Calgary Stampede Rodeo ticket includes admission to Stampede Park on the day the ticket is valid.

Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Racing

Calgary Stampede is home to the world’s premier chuckwagon racing event! The very best of the best chuckwagon drivers and a total of 162 horses come from all over the world to compete throughout the 10 days of Calgary Stampede. Every night there are nine chuckwagon racing heats; races start nightly at 7:45 p.m. and are followed by the world-famous Bell Grandstand Show.

Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby
Rangeland Derby – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Bell Grandstand Show

The iconic Evening Show doubleheader returns for Stampede 2022 and this nightly event is always a spectacle! It kicks off with the Cowboys Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races, and when the last wagon crosses the finish line, the Bell Grandstand Show brings the heat with elaborate song and dance numbers, acrobatics, and a spectacular nightly fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

Your ticket includes admission to Stampede Park on the day the ticket is valid.

Bell Grandstand Show
Calgary Stampede Bell Grandstand Evening Show – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Watch the Calgary Stampede Powwow

This is a brand new event for 2022, and opens as one of the largest competitive powwows in Canada! The is a one-of-a-kind event that will feature dancing, singing, and a showcase of other Indigenous performances. These three days of competition will run from July 12-14th and feature the best Indigenous dancers and singers from all over North America, competing for $175,000 in prize money.

Sample Some Wacky Food

The food alone (especially the BBQ stations) is worth a trip to the Calgary Stampede! With great food vendors offering traditional midway fare all the way to outlandish creations, it’s definitely a must-stop foodie destination of the summer.

Calgary Stampede Midway Food Vendors
Calgary Stampede Midway Food Vendors

The list of adventurous foods to try for 2022 is a jaw-dropper. Included are some mouth-watering items (deep-fried oreo mini-doughnuts, cotton candy lemonade), some head-scratchers (pop rocks popcorn chicken, samosa poutine), and perhaps some gag-inducing items (mealworm or cricket hot dogs). How much of an adventurous eater are you? Go find out this year!

Free Pancake Breakfasts

Rumor is that the Calgary Stampede has been associated with pancake breakfasts since 1923 when a local rancher began serving pancakes from his camp stove during the festivities to anyone who came by.

Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfast
Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfast – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Colin Way

The tradition has continued and morphed into numerous local businesses and charities throughout Calgary hosting breakfasts for employees, customers, and others during the stampede. Check out StampedeBreakfast.ca or FreeStampedePancakes.com for a full list of pancake breakfast opportunities throughout Calgary during the 2022 Calgary Stampede.

Party at Nashville North

Free with general park admission, Nashville North is a legendary venue for live entertainment, regularly featuring famous country bands and solo artists. The tent is for adults only and brings live country music all day long with a foot-stomping party atmosphere and beer gardens aplenty. In the past, it has hosted acts like Eric Church, George Canyon, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and many more. As of the publishing date, the 2022 lineup has not been announced.

Watch this space for details.

Calgary Stampede Nashville North

See Live Entertainment on the Calgary Stampede Coca-Cola Stage

The Stampede Summer (Coca-Cola) Stage is the ultimate outdoor live music experience and party atmosphere for all ages! Offering a multi-genre lineup including hip hop, rock, pop, and EDM, the experience is free with general park admission.

As of the publishing date, the 2022 lineup has not been announced. Watch this space for details.

Stampede Coca Cola Stage
Calgary Stampede Coca Cola Stage – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Watch the Showriders

The Stampede Showriders was originally formed to accompany the Stampede Showband but have since evolved in their own right and broadened the scope of their activities. They’re a team of young equestrian riders that now travel all over North America performing routines and riding in parades representing the Calgary Stampede.

Their duties at the event are to perform musical rides several times a day and be part of the parade.

Female Rider Barrel Racing
A Barrel Racer – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede Showband

Be entertained by the 6-time World Champion, Calgary Stampede Showband! Comprised of 140 youth, this talented group is more than your regular marching bands, and they make an astounding 100 appearances over the 10-day festival. Featured twice daily on the Saddledome Steps, the Rodeo, and via many other pop-up performances throughout the park, keep your ears open to watch the Stampede band in action.

Calgary Stampede Showband
Calgary Stampede Showband – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Games and Rides at the Midway

Including iconic carnival games and exhilarating rides, the Calgary Stampede Midway provides an endless amount of family fun (and a cheap teddy bear, if you’re lucky)! Ride on favourites such as Crazy Mouse, Polar Express, Mega Drop, and the Zipper. You can also test your hand-eye coordination at the plethora of midway games to get a prize. There is even a kid ride zone for the littles called the Great FUNtier!

Stampede Midway Swings
Calgary Stampede Midway Swings – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Ride and game coupons can be purchased at the kiosks throughout the main midway and FUNtier midway. Each ride or game has signage indicating how many coupons are required to ride or play and the 2022 pricing is as follows:

  • 22 Coupons – $20
  • 55 Coupons – $50
  • Ride All Day Wristbands – $58

Tip: To get a special gated entrance and skip the lines, purchase a Midway Express Access Pass. For only an additional $25, it’s worth not waiting in all of the regular ride lines.

Experience the Elbow River Camp

Paying homage to the Indigenous people who have walked these lands for centuries, Elbow River Camp (previously called the “Indian Village”) is an immersive experience of Indigenous culture and western heritage where visitors can experience the cultures of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations.

Elbow River Camp
Elbow River Camp – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Throughout the 26 tipis to visit, you can find local artisans selling jewelry and art, bannock and saskatoon berry jam, and you can also witness traditional dancing. In addition, there are special events such as a Pow-wow competition, a meat cutting competition, and special days for each of the individual communities during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.

Freestyle Motocross

Experience Calgary Stampede with a side of daring flips and tricks at the Freestyle Motocross event! Watch motocross athletes reach new heights and push the limits of physics by performing crazy tricks.

Take in Live Entertainment at the Big Four Roadhouse

On Sunday, July 10th, see a little rock, a little country, and a little alternative at The Big Four Roadhouse! With an incredible lineup including Steve Earle & The Dukes, The Mavericks, Matt Mays, Whitehorse, and Lucette, this concert is a whole evening full of fun!

Tickets start at $89.00 and include admission to Stampede Park.

Calgary Stampede Roadhouse

Don’t Miss the Dog Bowl

Dog lovers, rejoice! The Dog Bowl is the show for you to witness a group of highly-trained canine athletes perform various skills for your enjoyment. Watch as they maneuver the agility poles and dock-diving, amazing frisbee catching, and even freestyle dancing! These dogs are sure to impress even the cat-lovers in the crowd.

Full details to be confirmed closer to the date.

Calgary Stampede Dog Bowl

Enjoy the Calgary Stampede Art Show

Part of the Western Oasis, the Stampede art show tradition began in the 1930s and 40s. Offering a touch of class, the art show is touted as one of the finest art shows in Western Canada and includes some of North America’s most celebrated artists from a variety of disciplines.

Sample the Wine Garden

Escape the cowboys and midway cacophony by relaxing in the peaceful garden oasis, also known as the Western Oasis. Indulge in some wine paired perfectly with a selection of meats and cheeses, pasta, and made-to-order paninis.

It’s the perfect way to infuse some elegance into your Calgary Stampede experience.

Wine Garden

Window on the West Stage

Yet another location to enjoy live music and entertainment can be found at the Window on the West Stage in the Western Oasis! At the 2022 Calgary Stampede, live entertainment will run from 3 – 6pm, all 10 days of the event.

The lineup of performers will be confirmed closer to the date.

2022 Virgin Plus Stampede Concert Series

Take in a phenomenal evening show by some heavy hitters in the music industry at the Virgin Plus Stampede Concert Series. Previous acts have included names like Garth Brooks, Katy Perry, and Keith Urban.

8-time Grammy award winner Blake Shelton has already been announced for 2022, but the remaining acts are still to be announced as of publishing date.

Virgin Plus Stampede Concert Series

Learn at the Cattle Trail

See the journey from pasture to plate that Alberta beef takes. The Cattle Trail is an interactive exhibit located in the Nutrien Western Event Centre that takes visitors through the product lifecycle of beef. Everything from cattle breeding all the way to understanding the different cuts of beef that end up on your plate, producers and industry experts will be available all 10 days of the Calgary Stampede to answer any questions you have about Alberta Beef.

Calgary Stampede Cattle Trail

Shop, Play, Explore, and Relax at the Market

Located in the BMO Centre, the Market is a dynamic mix of retail and entertainment that is open all 10 days of the Calgary Stampede. Perusing the Market is free with admission to the Stampede grounds and inside you can of course shop, but also play at a fun indoor playground that has interactive games and even some enticing food vendors. Note that the indoor playground is only open to adults from 6 pm until close.

Calgary Stampede Grounds
Stampede Grounds – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Christina Ryan

Feeling tense? Pop into the Relaxation Zone in the Market for a free 15-minute massage. You can also explore the creative and imaginative installations throughout and source a great background opportunity for a photo for the ‘gram.

Horse Haven

Located in the northwest end of the Agriculture Barns, Horse Haven is a family-friendly venture into all kinds of horse information including learning about different horse breeds, daily horse demonstrations, learning everything you need to know about owning a horse, and conversations with horse breeders. There are tons of educational opportunities and interactive displays, with an “activity zone” for some hands-on learning!

Stampede Horse Haven

Calgary Stampede Tickets

The 2022 Calgary Stampede runs from July 8 – July 17, 2022. Tickets to the rodeo, evening show, Virgin Plus Stampede Concert Series, and The Big Four Roadhouse are available online now.

Stampede Park Admission Prices for 2022:

General (Age 13-64) . . . . . . . $23.00
Seniors (Age 65+) . . . . . . . $15.00
Child (Age 7-12) . . . . . . . $14.00
Child (Under 7) . . . . . . . Free

Calgary Stampede Midway Games
Stampede Midway Games – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Where to Stay During the Calgary Stampede

People visit Calgary from all over the world to be part of the action at the Stampede grounds! The city is typically overrun during the Calgary Stampede so booking accommodations ahead of time is a must. We recommend allocating at least two full days at the Calgary Stampede to really get to see everything that it has to offer. Luckily between hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, there is a lot to choose from if you start looking early enough.

Watching Fireworks
A couple watches the Stampede fireworks – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Luxury: Fairmont Palliser

Located in the heart of Downtown Calgary, the Fairmont Palliser is a luxurious place to unwind after a long day at the Calgary Stampede. Within walking distance to hip and trendy restaurants and tons of attractions, it is a great place to see everything else Calgary has to offer while also spending time at the Stampede. Either drive 6 minutes to get from the hotel to the grounds or skip the hassle of parking and walk 20 minutes.

View of the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary
Fairmont Palliser in Calgary – photo via Booking.com

Mid-Range: Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown / Beltline District

In terms of location, the Residence Inn by Marriott gets an A++. Not only is it within 0.5 km from over 100+ restaurants, but it is also only 2km away from Stampede Grounds. Hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Some hotel suites come equipped with dedicated kitchens and many rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto downtown Calgary and/or mountain views.

Lounge patio at the Residence Inn Marriott Beltline
Residence Inn by Marriott Beltline – photo via Booking.com

Budget: Comfort Inn & Suites South

Comfort Inn & Suites South is an economical option that has easy access to hop on the train for a quick zip over to Calgary’s Stampede Park. With a free breakfast offered each morning, and an indoor heated pool (with a two-story waterslide!), this is a great family-friendly option for those wanting to spend more money at the Stampede than on accommodations.

Need more options? Read our exhaustive guide to Calgary hotels.

Lasso Trick
Cowboy Up! – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Calgary Stampede

Want a break from all the Stampede action? Check out our guide of all the best things to do in Calgary And while you’re in the city, don’t miss out on sampling the best Calgary restaurants.

And you can’t visit Alberta without spending a bit of time in the Rocky Mountains! Get yourself from Calgary to Banff and then enjoy all of the amazing things to do in Banff.

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