When you’re a Calgarian, you’ve got your Stampede routine down pat. Locals have their favourite Calgary Stampede events that they put on their calendar months in advance. Pros know, you need to be quite selective about the activities and events you participate in during the 10-day cowboy extravaganza.
Stampede is kind of like Disneyland, there’s so much to see and do, you really have to plan your schedule careful if you want to pack it all in. Here’s a look at my favourite Stampede events that I try to hit every year.
Best Stampede Events
Stampede Breakfasts
Official Stampede Caravan Breakfasts serve up pancakes and sausages, in addition to live entertainment, a petting zoo and pony rides. It’s easy to get pancaked out, so I recommend keeping your eye out for the Jelly Modern Doughnut’s breakfast. (If you’ve never had a donut breakfast sandwich, you’re in for a treat!)
My favourite breakfast is at Cafe Beano, a delightful coffee shop on the corner of of 9 St. and 16 Ave SW. They have a country band playing and dish out Christmas Morning Wifesaver plus fruit salad.
Grandstand Show
Taking place in the Grandstand Area every night after the chuckwagon races, this is Calgary’s version of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It’s just as good, minus the major celebrities. The main performers are the Young Canadians, Canadians unofficial youth performing arts troop.
Afterwards there’s a fireworks show that lasts for a good 15-minutes or more. (I would know. I hear it from my house every night.)
Dog Shows
The dog shows are totally fun and not just for kids. It’s just like Super Dogs, but not as SuperStore-y. Each year the show changes, but what stays the same are talented canines wowing the crowds with their tricks.
Not only is it totally entertaining, but if held indoors you get a chance to get out of the sun and rest your legs.
Barrel Racing
The rodeo might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but lady’s barrel racing is an adrenaline rush like no other. The open ceremonies for the rodeo is pretty cool, too. I tear up whenever I see the Stampede Showriders.
Trying New Midway Foods
I’m hankering for a mini-donut, but I make myself wait until I’m on the midway. Each year new midway foods make their way into the Calgary Stampede and it’s fun to sample the most outrageous.
Some favourites from previous years: cricket grilled cheese, fried Kit Kats fry will make it’s way into mouth and charcoal ice cream. I was NOT a fan of mac n’ cheese ice cream or neon hot dogs. I’m loving the food trucks onsite at Stampede Park though.
Exploring the Ag Zone
I have a kid who’s crazy about horses, so we never miss the Ag Zone. It’s also air conditioned and a great way to escape the heat. It also has some great deals for snacks. Milk and cookies is usually on offer for a few bucks.
Stampede Showband
Even if you’re not into marching bands, you’re going to be wowed by these kids in the Stampede Showband. They’ve won the world championships five times! You’ll find them roving through Stampede Park and playing in front of the Saddledome.
Cowboy Up Challenge
Bet you didn’t know one of the world’s best extreme cowboy races (yes, this is a thing!) takes place on Stampede Park. Rest your feet as horse and rider move through a series of obstacles. (Trust me, it’s way more interesting than it sounds.)
Live Music
Little known fact: the Stampede is one of Canada’s largest music festivals. I’ve watched both Sheryl Crow and Nelly Furtado perform on the Coca Cola Stage.
There’s more great acts at Nashville North, the official Stampede party tent. Off Stampede Park, Stampede Round Up and the Oxford Stomp are two other Stampede music events not too miss.
What are your favourite Stampede experiences? What are some activities visitors must do while in Calgary?
Canada AM, nice work J!
Thanks, T!!
Stampede sounds like the most fun! I had actually never heard of the event before, though we’re heading to Canada next year so hopefully we can align our visit. Barrel Racing would be amazing :D!!!
Each year the Stampede takes place the first Friday in July and runs for 10-days. Would be great to see you here. Calgary is a great stop as we’re also so close to Banff National Park.
I love the midway food selections. Mini-donut popsicles, hello! And thanks for mentioning the barrel racing. I feel like the Chuck Wagon races get all the fame and attention, the ladies deserve a few loud ‘yee-haws’ too. (But I’m biased because my mom was a barrel racer).
So cool that your mom was a barrel racer! I agree, lots of attention on the chucks, time to share the love.
I’ve heard of the Calgary Stampede but I didn’t realize there were so many other events tied into it. It sounds like a good time to visit Calgary. I just need to know, what is coakroach pizza??
Last year it was scorpion pizza, this year a dead roach tops the pizza. I blame our obsession with protein…
I am more excited than I should be about those doughnut popsicles, and am now wondering if I could get them where I live. Maybe I should just plan a trip to the Stampede!
You should come! I get the mini-donut popsicle is easy to make at home though. Not that I’d want to try it:)
Mini donut popsicle = yes! Cockroach pizza = NO WAY!