If you're new to Calgary, visiting, or just haven't been to the Calgary Stampede in a while, then this is for you! The Calgary Stampede is one of the most iconic and anticipated events in Canada! This guide is all about answering your most asked questions to make sure your stampede experience is AMAZING!
Last year 1.3 MILLION people attended the Stampede!
When is the Stampede?
July 4th to July 15th! Mark your calendars, it's only 13 days away!
What is the Stampede all about?
The Stampede is a celebration of Western heritage and has so many activities and events that are fun for all-ages! It started back in 1912 by Guy Weadick and has continued to grow over the years!
The Calgary Stampede 2024 will take place from July 5th to July 14th. This ten-day event transforms Calgary into a vibrant hub of activity, filled with rodeo competitions, live music, carnival rides, and cultural celebrations. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
TIP 1: SNEAK-A-PEEK is on July 4th! Half-off admission!
What happens at the Stampede?
Here's what you can expect in terms of events, activities and things to do!
Stampede Parade
Midway and amusements rides
Rodeos
Chuckwagon races
Concerts
Agricultural exhibits
Cultural celebrations
BMO Kid's Zone
Midway food
Evening shows
Immersive Disney Animation
Weadickville
and so much more!
TIP 2:Â Don't pay full-price for admission, go on value days!
How Much is admission to the 2024 Calgary Stampede? Are There Deals?
General admission to the park costs about $25 for adults, $17 for seniors and $16 for kids under 12.
HOWEVER, there's definitely ways to save on admission costs. Here's how!
Value Days: These special days offer discounted or free admission for various groups, such as Family Day, Seniors Day, and Kids Day.
Stampede SuperPass: This pass provides unlimited entry for all ten days and is significantly cheaper then purchasing daily admission. It's great if you plan on going more than two days!
Ride All Day Midway Pass: For those of you that love the rides, you can save over 15% with a pass compared to purchasing individual ride tickets.
Costco Stampede Bucks: Save 20% on rides, games, food, beverages, rodeo and evening show tickets, merchandise, retail, and admission. They never expire and usually sell out.
TIP 3:Â Rain and usually thunderstorms are a guarantee! Bring an umbrella!
Summarized Savings and DEALS:
Date: | Total Cost | Details: | Where to buy: |
July 5 - 15 | $49+GST | Stampede Superpass! Provides unlimited entry for all 10 days of Stampede! Must buy before July 4th | Available online or in-store at participating Sobeys, Safeway, IGA's, FreshCo, and Chalo FreshCo. |
July 5 - 15 | $44.99+GST | Ride All Day Midway Pass! Provides unlimited entry for all 10 days of Stampede! Must buy before July 4th | Available online or in-store at participating Sobeys, Safeway, IGA's, FreshCo, and Chalo FreshCo. |
July 4 - 15 | $39.99+GST | Stampede Bucks! Save 20% on pretty much everything! Likely to sell out! | Costco |
July 04 | $13 | For SNEAK-A-PEEK, you can get 1/2 off admission prices. | Online or at the park |
July 05 | FREE Admission from 11:00-1:30 | Go straight from the Parade to Stampede Park and receive FREE admission | - |
July 07 | FREE Admission before11:00 | FREE pancake breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8 -10 a.m. FREE variety show from 8-10 a.m. in GMC Stadium. | - |
July 09 | FREE Admission from 10:00-2:00pm | FREE gate admission all day long and free coffee and donuts for Seniors (65+) and Military Veterans in front of the Nutrien Western Event Centre until 11:00 a.m. | - |
July 10 | FREE entry all day for kids 12 & under FREE entry for everyone until 10 a.m. | FREE breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8-9:30 a.m. FREE variety show from 8-10 a.m |
What's this parade I keep hearing about?
The Calgary Stampede Parade kicks off the festivities on the morning of July 5th.
Starting at 9:00 AM, this grand procession features elaborate floats, marching bands, horses, and cultural performances. It starts at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 1st Street SE, making its way through downtown Calgary. People usually get there super early, and sometimes even camp out for a good spot!
TIP 4:Â Get to the parade early for the best view!
TIP 5:Â Check out the Agriculture Building - it's SUPER COOL!
FREE PANCAKES
One of the best things about Stampede is there are tons and tons of FREE pancake breakfasts. and lunch's across the City. They're usually held by different communities, businesses , and churches.
This is one of the best sites to find all the FREE food events happening in the city. We'll also be sharing our favourite ones so make sure to stay tuned!
TIP 5:Â Definitely hit the SKY RIDE - try to time if for the fireworks but know that everyone tries to do that!
Calgary Stampede Concerts and Events
If we were to list all of the concerts and events happening for the Stampede, this blog post would be insanely long! Instead, we'll tell you where you can find them and then summarize them in another post, so if you don't want to search for them, we've got you covered!
Here's where you can find some of the best concerts and events!
Music
Events
Where should you watch the FIREWORKS
The fireworks go off at 11:00pm every night during Stampede and here's where you can watch them!
Stampede Grounds. Obviously.
Scotsman's Hill (Salisbury Street and 17 Ave. S.E.)
Hillcrest Avenue in Mount Royal
Highfield Road (Industrial road)
Tom Campbell Hill (25 St. George's Drive N.E)
Max Bell Arena
South Glenmore park
Crescent Heights
Nose Hill Park
Ogden Hill
TIP 6:Â Come early and don't be a d**k about parking!
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