July in Calgary means one thing: the Calgary Stampede. It’s time to dig out your hat and plan your party. Although the rodeo, parade and midway are what Stampede is famous for, it’s also one of Canada’s largest music festivals.
This year a few of the usual concert venues and events have changed. To help navigate who’s where and when, here are the top 10 places and top 50 acts to catch live in 2023.
Concerts at Stampede Park
We’ll begin in Stampede Park, where music is everywhere. It could come to you at any time in the form of a marching band. To see bands standing still, here are the four venues on the grounds and what to expect at each.
Nashville North
This adult-only venue is where you’ll hear all of your favourite country songs all day and night. It’s free to get in, but you usually have to pay with your time as the queue can be long. Fortunately, the line moves quickly.
Pro Tip:Make sure you get in line before the Grandstand Show lets out.
Who to see
- Mackenzie Porter (July 7)
- Jojo Mason (July 8)
- Dallas Smith (July 10)
- Elle King (July 11)
- High Valley (July 12)
- Jade Eagleson (July 13)
- Tenille Arts (July 16)
Coca-Cola Stage
Last year saw the Coca-Cola Stage move to a different, larger area to accommodate the all-ages crowd that gathers for these free concerts. It caters to acts that you’ll likely hear on the radio right now, and if you don’t know who they are, ask the teenager beside you.
Who to see
- Vance Joy (July 7)
- Jessie Reyes (July 9)
- Death From Above 1979 (July 11)
- Jimmy Eat World (July 12)
- Stephan Sanchez (July 13)
- Mt. Joy (July 14)
Catch local favourites Tegan and Sara (July 11) and close it out with Mother Mother (July 16).
Big Four Roadhouse
One of the few indoor venues and one that gives you a bit more space, at the Big Four Roadhouse you can cool off listening to one of the 20 bands playing all week.
Who to see
Here you’ll find some acts that are more famous for other things like DJ Diesel (AKA Shaquille O’Neal – July 7) and DJ Pauly D of Jersey Shore fame(July 14). Other acts include X Ambassadors (July 13), Lil Yachty (July 11) and they end in style on the last day with Cypress Hill (July 16).
Scotiabank Saddledome
There are two big names coming to the ‘Dome this year that range in genres and decades. Note that this is the only venue that’s not free with Stampede Park admission.
Who to see: Pitbull (July 7) and Alabama with Michelle Wright (July 8).
Stampede Concerts at the Tents
Beyond the Stampede gates, huge white tents appear throughout the city. Here are some that you and a few thousand of your closest friends can hang out in.
Cowboys
Just outside Stampede Park, the long history of this infamous tent continues. Evolving from its origins as a quiet bar called Dusty’s that only came to life during Stampede, Cowboys runs a massive tent that hosts some of the biggest names in music from today and yesterday.
Who to see
- Dustin Lynch (July 6)
- Josh Ross (July 7)
- Wiz Kalifa (July 10)
- Sam Hunt (July 11)
- Jack Harlow (July 12)
- Nelly Furtado (July 13)
- TLC & Shaggy (July 14)
- Ice Cube and Steve Aoki (July 16)
Wildhorse Saloon
This downtown tent has been a feature of Stampede for years, and again has a strong lineup. The Wildhorse Saloon is situated smack downtown, so it’s a bit away from Stampede Park, but is only a few stops on the C-Train.
Who to see
- Marianas Trench (July 9)
- Tokyo Police Club (July 10)
- Dean Brody (July 11)
- The Sheepdogs (July 12)
- Chad Brownlee (July 13)
This is also the new venue for an old party called the Oxford Stomp, featuring Alan Doyle, Sam Roberts Band and The Strumbellas on July 14.
The Back Alley
New this year, the Back Alley bar added a tent with some fun bands. It’s the furthest from the rest of the action but is just down Macleod Trail.
Who to see
- Our Lady Peace (July 7)
- Headstones (July 10)
- Sean Paul (July 11)
- Bush (July 13)
- Tom Cochrane in the day and Ludacris at night (July 16)
Special mention to Broken Toyz (July 12), a local favourite hard rock cover band that always delivers exactly what you expect from them.
Live Music at Calgary Bars
If you’re looking for something a little smaller, a few local bars up their live music game every Stampede. Here’s a mix of old and new spots that let you get closer to the stage without fighting crowds.
King Eddy
A couple of blocks from Stampede Park, this longtime blues venue has been rebuilt (literally brick by brick) as part of the Studio Bell / National Music Centre. Check out daily performances in a old school setting – and from their rooftop patio.
National Saloon
National on 10th (Ave) expands their rather large inside bar with a separate outdoor tent.
Who to see
- Cole Bradley (July 7)
- Ashanti (July 13)
Whiskey Rose Saloon
This isn’t their first rodeo (that was last year), and they’re back with both an outdoor tent and their more intimate 2nd floor bandstand. This is the most country place on the famous 17th Ave Red Mile.
Do you have a favourite concert venue for the Calgary Stampede? Let us know in the comment section below.
Post by Dan Pigat
