Touted as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth,’ the 2023 Calgary Stampede celebration promises to be a barn-burner!
Running from July 7 to 16, this year marks 100 years of both Chuckwagon Racing and Pancake Breakfasts at the Stampede, but there are tonnes more exciting attractions and events to take in.
1. Get wild at the rodeo
What would attending the Calgary Stampede be without edge-of-your-seat rodeo action?
Starting every day at 1:30 p.m., watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete in the world’s largest outdoor rodeo at GMC Stadium. With six events, including barrel racing, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, bull riding, and bareback, every win builds towards Showdown Sunday – and $1.5 million in prize money!
Experience a myriad of live music acts and thrilling entertainment at several different stages throughout the Stampede grounds. Tourism Calgary photo
2. Take in amazing live music and entertainment
The Stampede is a chance to experience a wide array of talented artists, including both local and international music and entertainment acts.
Kick up your boots at Nashville North – the original stampede party tent – with country music stars like Elle King, Billy Currington, Eli Young Band, Tenille Arts, Mackenzie Porter, and many more! (Free with park admission, get VIP Buck-the-Line passes for no-line access online)
Get out of the sun in the Big Four Roudhouse, featuring four stages and a variety of genres of live music, as well as food, drinks and games. Headliners include X Ambassadors, A$AP Ferg, Lord Huron, Lil Yachty, Cheat Codes, Cypress Hill, Koffee, DJ Pauly D, and DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neal) and many more.
Catch top artists and rising stars on the Coca-Cola Stage, set up amidst midway rides and food vendors. This year, catch performers like Vance Joy, Jimmy Eat World, Russ, Jessie Reyez, Zeds Dead, AJR, Orville Peck, and Calgary-born Tegan & Sara. (Free with park admission)
Also catch amazing music, performances, spectacular stunts, and fiery pyrotechnics at the Bell Grandstand Show – a Stampede classic!
READ MORE: Daytripping in all directions from Calgary
The Midway at this year’s Stampede will be packed with thrilling rides and classic midway games. Tourism Calgary photo
3. Experience the thrill of the midway
Create life-long memories at the midway, with thrill-seeking rides and classic carnival favourites, including the Superwheel, a 150-foot-high ferris wheel towering above the Stampede grounds, and the Great FUNtier, a mini midway for youngsters. Test your skills with the midway games and take home a prize. ($30 Fast Pass gets you to the front of the line faster for Regular Midway and FUNTier rides)
4. Learn about Indigenous culture at Elbow River Camp
Experience the cultures of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina First Nations inside the Elbow River Camp. Take in interpretive programs and powwows, and visit 26 tipis to meet local artisans selling art and jewellery. Also experience traditional food, dancing and more – and don’t forget to try the bannock and saskatoonberry jam!
Experience Indigenous culture inside Elbow River Camp, where you’ll find art, jewellery, traditional food, dancing and much more! Tourism Calgary photo
5. Fill up on Stampede food
You can’t attend the Stampede without eating plenty of the mouth-watering food!
Fuel up for your day with Stampede classics like sausages, pancakes and maple syrup at free pancake breakfasts throughout the city, then sustain yourself with corn dogs, mini doughnuts, turkey legs and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
True foodies can also try some of the unique New Midway Food creations, like Elkeroni Pizza, Asian Shrimp Chip Nachos and Fruit Loop Funnel Cake, or test their taste-buds with Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream or the $100 jalapeño cheddar hot dog!
Learn more and plan your visit at calgarystampede.com
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