Running from July 5 to July 14, the Calgary Stampede offers a slew of action-packed events like rodeo shows, concerts and more.
One of the biggest mistakes people make at Stampede though is trying to pack too many events into their itinerary. Not sure which events to hit up? Not to worry, because we have you covered.
To help you make the most of your experience, we've rounded up the best events to attend at the 2024 Calgary Stampede.
Calgary Stampede Rodeo
Price: Starting from $54
When: 1:30 p.m. every afternoon
Address: GMC Stadium, 2200 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: The rodeo is one of the main draws to the Calgary Stampede. Taking place every afternoon from 1:30 pm onwards, the rodeo features some of the best competitive riders in the world battling it out for their share of $1.85 million in prize money.
Events at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo include barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling. Be sure to book tickets in advance because seats tend to sell out fast.
Calgary Stampede Evening Show
Price: Starting from $65
When: 7:45 p.m. every evening
Address: GMC Stadium, 2200 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: When the sun goes down, the action doesn't stop at the GMC Stadium. The Calgary Stampede Evening Show features exhilarating chuckwagon races, relay races and spectacular fireworks displays.
The Evening Shows starts with the Cowboy Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races, followed by the Indigenous Relay Racing teams. It ends with the Grandstand Show featuring 80s rock hits, dance performances and a dazzling fireworks show.
Elbow River Camp
Price: Free
When: Every day
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Treaty 7 First Nations people at Elbow River Camp. The site features 26 tipis to explore, as well as a bannock booth, vendors selling arts and crafts and cultural performances.
One of the best ways to experience Elbow River Camp is with an interpretive guide. Members of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations can explain the significance of the tipis and dances and introduce you to traditional indigenous foods.
Freestyle Motocross Show
Price: Free with park admission
When: Multiple times daily
Address: Monster Energy Compound, Stampede Park, 650 25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Rodeo riders aren't the only ones who attempt death-defying feats at the Calgary Stampede. Visit the Monster Energy Compound and you can witness motocross riders propelling their bikes over obstacles and high into the air.
The freestyle motocross shows take place several times a day at the Monster Energy Compound just across from the Saddledome. You can't miss the sound of engines revving and the sight of motorbikes doing aerial flips against a background of flames.
Calgary Stampede Concert Series
Price: Prices vary depending on the concert and seat selection.
When: Every evening
Address: Saddledome, Nashville North, Coca-Cola Stage, The Big Four Roadhouse
Why You Need To Go: Every year, the Calgary Stampede brings in world-renowned musicians who perform at a series of venues in and around the Stampede grounds.
The headliners this year include Motley Crue, Miranda Lambert, the Jonas Brothers and Nickelback, all of whom will be performing at the Saddledome.
You can also catch amazing acts at the Nashville North party tent, the Coca-Cola stage, and the Big Four Roadhouse. Performers include Brian Kelley, Lindsay Ell, Bryson Tiller and Alison Wonderland.
If concerts are your jam, it might be worth looking into the VIP Experience and Buck-the-Line pass for the Nashville North tent or the Roadhouse Rush Pass for The Big Four Roadhouse.
The Midway
Price: Free
When: Every day
Address: Stampede Grounds
Why You Need To Go: You can't go to the Stampede without hitting up the Midway. This is where you'll find all that fabulous fairground food like pickle pizza and watermelon burgers. You can also hop on the rides, play fun games to win prizes and find places to chill.
If you want to see the Stampede from a bird's eye view, be sure to take a ride on the Superwheel. This massive Ferris wheel rises 150 feet in the air, giving you incredible views of the Stampede grounds below and the mountains in the distance.
Stage of Wonders
Price: Free with park admission
When: Multiple acts every day
Address: BMO Centre, 1912 Flores LaDue Parade SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: As if there wasn't enough visual stimulation at The Calgary Stampede, the Stage of Wonders throws mesmerizing circus acts into the mix. Visit the BMO Centre to catch two amazing shows by La Cirque de La Nuit.
Starslingers features acrobats performing aerial acts and fire shows with an alluring array of special effects. Caravan of Curiosities has a more vintage vibe with clowns, acrobats and classic circus tricks.
The shows run for 30 minutes and take place every day of the Stampede.
Free Pancake Breakfasts
Price: Free
When: Every day
Address: Various locations
Why You Need To Go: If you're going to do Stampede right, you need a hearty breakfast to get you through the day. That's where the Calgary Stampede Caravan Committee comes in with free pancake breakfasts every day of the Stampede.
Free pancake breakfasts are a time-honoured tradition of the Stampede and a great way to start off the day. The breakfasts are offered from 9 am. to 11 a.m. and take place at different locations. You can check out the schedule in the link below to plan your pancake feast.
Fleurs de Villes Country
Price: Free
When: Every day
Address: BMO Centre, 1912 Flores LaDue Parade SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you need a break from all the adrenaline-pumping events at the Stampede, take some time out at Fleurs de Villes Country show in the BMO Centre. The art installation features an array of country music icons crafted from flowers and greenery.
You can peruse 22 displays at Fleurs de Villes to see replicas of famous music stars like Garth Brooks, Dale Evans, Taylor Swift and Johnny Cash. Each one has been designed by local florists and artists and depicts a famous musician who has previously performed at the Stampede.
