Day at the Calgary Stampede, The Greatest Show on Earth
Cowboys, rodeos, concerts, rides, fair food, fireworks… the Calgary Stampede is 10 days of Yahooing fun. If you enjoy festivals (and cowboys) this is the place to be in July. The entire city participates in the events, streets are closed, businesses shut down and stores are transformed to celebrate Calgary Canada’s western heritage. Free pancake breakfasts with live music and activities for the children are held at various locations daily. The grounds are over 400 acres; be sure to check schedules and have a plan. Pull out your hat, boots, and oversized belt buckle and join the million-plus people who attend the Calgary Stampede.
READ Complete Canada Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Opening ceremonies begin with a parade of over 150 floats, marching bands, horses, horses, and more horses. The Midway is similar to a county fair on steroids. The rides are extreme and the deep-fried-food-on-a-stick is top-notch. There are livestock and agriculture events, a blacksmith competition, an exhibition hall, over 200 vendors, square dancing, mechanical bull riding, and even a Pow Wow. Music plays a big role at the Calgary Stampede, concerts are held at several venues on and off grounds daily. Check the schedule for this year’s headliners.
It’s easy to join the excitement as you watch the best compete for big money. Rodeo events include bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, saddle bronc, and bareback riding. My favorite is wild pony racing, that pony and those children are the cutest things! Do not miss a chance to see Chuckwagon racing, this “half a mile of hell” thunders the grandstand. Speaking of grandstands, the evening Grand Stand Show of 400 performers is worth the cost of the ticket. Fireworks follow the Grand Stand Show nightly.
Purchase tickets and plan your visit to the Calgary Stampede
My Favorite Booking Resources
- Discover Cars Search, compare and save on car rentals.
- Trainline Explore effortlessly by train and bus.
- Booking.com Search Booking.com to find the perfect property.
- Hostelworld Hostelworld has great inexpensive options.
- Get Your Guide Don’t chance it, the best attractions sell out.
- Tiqets Get your tickets now, relax when you arrive.
- Big Bus Tours Hop-on Hop-off at all the iconic landmarks.
- Go City Card Save up to 50% on attractions, tours and activities.
- Welcome Pickups Airport and port transfers.
- Visitors Coverage Pick the right travel insurance for you.
- Use code SAVE10 to pick up a travel guide from Lonely Planet to browse on the plane.
- Shop my Amazon travel essentials and have them delivered to your home.
Bookmark and Pin Day at the Calgary Stampede
