Giddy Up and Get Down: Surviving and Thriving at the Calgary Stampede!

Written for Midlife Crisis by Alyssa.

The Calgary Stampede, often dubbed "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," is a massive annual event held every July in Calgary, Alberta. It's a ten-day celebration of Western heritage and culture featuring rodeo events, live music, parades, agricultural exhibitions, and a bustling midway with rides and games. The Stampede draws visitors from all over the world, offering a unique blend of thrilling rodeo action, vibrant entertainment, and a taste of cowboy life.

my older sister and I at the stampede in the early 90's

Growing up near Calgary, Alberta, the Stampede was a staple of my childhood summers. But after moving to Vancouver at age 20, I missed out on many wild Stampede adventures as a local. Luckily, I’ve managed to return a few times, giving me the unique perspective of experiencing the event both as a local and a tourist. And let me tell you, the Calgary Stampede is like no other event.

In my experience, there are 3 Stampedes:

1. The Family Stampede

Think rides, fairway games, and an endless supply of fair food. This is the Stampede I grew up with—filled with excitement, sticky cotton candy hands, and the thrill of winning (or losing) at those impossible carnival games. The Family Stampede is all about wholesome fun, where kids and parents alike can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and make lasting memories.

2. The REAL Stampede

This is where the cowboys and cowgirls come out to play. The rodeo and AG center events are the heart of the Stampede, showcasing real horse riders, authentic cowboy boots, and hats that are worn more than just 10 days a year. If you want to see bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling, this is where you need to be. It’s a gritty, exhilarating experience that gives you a true taste of the Wild West.

3. The Party Stampede

This is my personal favorite. The after-dark Stampede experience is all about concerts, the Nashville North tent, and the iconic Cowboys nightclub. It’s a time to let loose, dance, and enjoy live music with a drink in hand. The party scene attracts a diverse crowd, from young revelers to seasoned partygoers, all coming together to celebrate the Stampede spirit.

How to have "The Ultimate Stampede Experience"

In my opinion, to truly capture the essence of the Calgary Stampede, you need to experience all three types. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip and incorporate all three.

Plan Ahead + Save Money: Hotel and Airbnb prices skyrocket during the Stampede, so book as early as possible. Be smart with your money—everything on the grounds is expensive. Look for free pancake breakfasts around the city; they’re everywhere and a great way to save.

Prepare for the Midway: The Stampede grounds are huge, and it can get hot. Plan accordingly. The grounds are divided into several zones, including the Kids Zone, the Saddledome area, the AG center, the Coca-Cola stage, the Big 4/Food Hall, Weadickville, and the Midway. The midway is crack for loud obnoxious teenagers, in my opinion, so just know it'll be polluted with them running around. There’s a lot to see and do, so you do you and pace yourself. Some areas are indoors so take advantage of that AC on hot days.

Rodeo Must-Do: Spend a day at the rodeo. It’s an incredible experience, especially if you’ve never seen events like bull riding. Don’t miss the "Wild Pony Race"—IYKYK. I personally recommend trying to get tickets in the "infield" which is directly above the shoots and is a very unique experience. Plus you're VERY close to the action, but it definitely comes at price. I always make time to experience the rodeo at least one day, and then that is also Nashville North day.

Nashville North and Cowboys: These are the epicentres of the Stampede party scene. Be prepared to wait in line, especially for Nashville North. Pro tip: if you're going from the Rodeo to Nashville North (that's how I do it), leave the rodeo a tiny-bit early to beat the crowds that are inevitably heading to Nashville North after (the exit of the rodeo is directly beside the entrance to Nashville North). Nashville North is a country vibe and is famous for hosting some of the biggest up and coming country artists, and I've seen some incredible performances there over the years. while Cowboys offers a mix of genres. I've seen everything from Jack Harlow to Blink-182 at Cowboys. The vibe is electric with two stages, and it's always a good time, but beware of the $12 beers—they can add up quickly. Both are a blast but can get pretty rowdy by the second weekend.

The party side of Stampede is an absolute blast. It’s not just for the young crowd; you’ll find a massive mix of people of all ages. Mid-week, the party tents are filled with corporate networking events, as companies send their employees to mingle and make connections. You’ll also see a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Also, while Nashville North and Cowboys are quintessentially Stampede, make sure you also hit some venues away from the grounds. Try bar hopping on 17th Avenue, Whisky Rose, or even the iconic Ranchmans (a bit of a drive, but worth it). Grand Stand Show and Fireworks: The night show is a mix of music and talent, ending with a spectacular fireworks display. You can see the fireworks from various points around the city, but I usually watch them from the Nashville North patio—haha or attempt to! I'm not a Grand Stand girlie, the show is overdone and too expensive. The fireworks are the best part and you can see them from anywhere.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to the Calgary Stampede, aim for spending a long-ish weekend, Friday to Monday is a good amount of time. Stay close to the grounds to save on transportation and anticipate spending a lot on food and drinks. The Stampede is best enjoyed with a big group, but even if you go solo, you’re bound to make friends along the way.

When you're choosing a weekend to go, I like to always go the FIRST weekend, specifically because of Nashville North. That tent is in the sun for 10 days straight with people heavily partying and drinking. The outhouses, and the tent itself is a completely different experience the second weekend compared to the first. For example, weekend two the tent has a stunning aroma of vomit.

The Calgary Stampede is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the cowboy spirit. Whether you’re there for the rides, the rodeo, or the nightlife, make sure to embrace every moment. And if you see someone dodging a yam fry or dancing to the fireworks, come say hi—it might just be me. Fun fact: I saw Taylor Swift on her Fearless tour in 2009 at the Stampede. I was sitting in row 5 and my ticket only cost $50. This might be my favourite and most iconic Stampede memory of all time.