1. Use the Calgary Stampede Online Planner: Find out about all the attractions available and prioritize, schedule, buy tickets, and more. The planner includes a detailed schedule of events and opening times, that can be filtered depending on whether you want to plan your meals, your stops at the Coca-Cola Stage, etc.
2. Get Discounts: We all know the Stampede is expensive, but worth it. But how do you make it a little easier on your pockets? The Stampede definitely has some lesser known deals, which are posted on the website as Value Deals and Value Days. Check out the links! My favourite is the unlimited rides for a day pass you can get as Safeway. I also like the Stride gum discount.
3. Don’t miss out on your free stampede breakfast. The Stampede has launched an awesome tool for finding Stampede breakfasts: http://www.flapjackfinder.com/ Everything from the history of the flapjack to the nearest Stampede breakfast, available at your fingertips, and as an iPhone app!
4. Don’t miss out on seeing Will and Kate in the Parade! “The 99th incarnation of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off with an exciting new parade at 8:55 a.m. sharp. Get your seat early and enjoy the Parade Prelude beginning at 7:30 a.m.” – Calgary Stampede Website. The parade includes not only the duke and duchess, but Mayor Nenshi and the Calgary Flames. This parade is worth the early morning! Click here for the line-up, and click here for the Parade map! “The sidewalks along 6 and 9 Avenues are available to the general public on a first come, first served basis. It’s best to arrive early to find a prime viewing spot.” –Calgary Stampede Website. Click here for information on paid bleacher seating. Last but certainly not least, click here for information on transportation down town the morning of!
5. Share your treats: The food at the Calgary Stampede is, to say the least, on the unhealthy side. Once a year though? Totally worth it! But don’t overload your body with mini donut goodness; you don’t want to feel sick and in need of broccoli by nine o’clock. So how do you try everything without getting sick? Share with friends: you buy the mac and cheese pizza and split it, someone else buys deep fried pop tarts and everyone tastes it, and so on. Last but not least, don’t forget to hydrate with water sometimes.
DO go with friends you love- there are a lot of line ups at the Stampede, and you’ll need friends who can have fun waiting in line.
DO wear something with pockets- you don’t want to leave your valuables alone while you’re on rides.
That being said, DO bring a bag or go with someone who will. Don’t leave valuables in there, but use the bag to carry water, maps, purchases, prizes, and candied apples.
DO take public transportation or get dropped off: parking is tricky and costly.
DO dress Western, and dress for the weather. It’s fun to get to in the spirit and wear jeans and plaid, but don’t forget about sunscreen if it’s sunny, longer jeans if it’s cold, etc. The forecast it currently for sunny, but not scorching weather.
DO have a great time and celebrate being Calgarian!