Calgary Stampede season has begun in full swing, with the Stampede Parade a few days ago kicking off the festivities. Stampede’s popularity is continuously growing, with more and more people in attendance as the years go by. The festivities in Stampede Park– such as the rides and infamous weird food combinations (skittle covered hot-dogs, deep fried oreos, watermelon burgers, and worm poutine to name a few)– are enticing to the younger generation, promising days of fun-filled outings and memories made with friends.
What is the Calgary Stampede?
Coined the “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, Calgary Stampede is a 2-week-long spectacle that features rodeo shows, Western culture, and modern entertainment into one exciting celebration. Whether it’s the chuckwagon races and rodeo events or the fun rides, street food vendors, famous pancake breakfasts, or nightly concerts featuring big names like Shania Twain, Stampede offers something for everyone. (Visit the Stampede website for the full list of festivities!)
Local businesses and Calgary citizens get into the spirit, with cowboy hats, boots, and denim becoming the unofficial dress code. For many Calgarians, it’s more than just an event– it’s a cherished annual tradition that brings together communities, showcases our culture, and draws visitors from around the world. Whether you’re there for the rodeo, the music, or the midway food, the Calgary Stampede captures the spirit of summer like nothing else.
More than just fun times, Stampede provides a platform for small businesses, local talents, and even those passionate about veterinary medicine to ensure their interests reach a wider audience. It promotes agriculture and prioritizes animal welfare behind the scenes. Youth are given the opportunity to gain important skills and practice their passions, whether its through volunteering, gaining work experience, or taking part in programs like the Stampede Show Band and science competitions. The Calgary Stampede educates and entertains simultaneously!
Plan Out Your Visit(s)
The Calgary Stampede is visited by millions of people, which means the crowds can get overwhelming fast. Planning your visit ahead of time gives you a better shot at avoiding the worst of the crowding, allowing you to visit all the attractions you’re most excited about.
Check out the Stampede website and click on the day you’re planning to go, there’s usually a full list of that day’s attractions and events. Pick your top priorities so you have a clear idea of where you want to head next, instead of wandering around the park unsure of what to do and when to do it. Plan on going really early or really late to beat the crowds. Going late is also a good idea if you want to escape the heat, and some vendors offer nightly discounts.
Without a rough idea or plan of how you want your day to go, it’s easy to miss out on events entirely, especially the ones that require tickets. Purchasing tickets online before the show is a smart idea, if possible. Some shows and attractions sell out quickly, so checking online in advance can save you a lot of time and disappointment. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure you actually get to experience what you paid for, and not just spend your day lost in a crowd.
You can also give yourself time to wander aimlessly through the park to check out the vendors and rides on your own time, if that sounds the most fun to you! Although, if you’re thinking of attending any shows, planning ahead is the way to go.
Calgary’s Chaotic Climate: Prepare Accordingly!
Calgary’s chaotic weather conditions can be annoying to deal with, it’ll go from sweltering hot to a full-on hail storm in an hour. Calgarians commonly receive tornado and thunderstorm warnings during the middle of a bright sunny day, Calgarians know just how quick the weather can change.
Stampede week is usually mind-numbingly hot and sunny, but we also get some rainy days as well (like this Thursday!). It’s vital to stay prepared for both extremes and check the weather forecast on the day of your visit. We all know how unreliable Calgary weather forecasts can be, especially if you’re looking into the future.
For warm weather, ensure you go through your usual hot summer day checklist. Carry a water bottle (there’s water stations throughout the Park), lots of sunscreen, and a hat to prevent getting heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Stampede is nothing without cowboy hats, so you’ll blend right in! If you get tired or dizzy, find some shade wherever you can and take a break. Try not to spend too much time in close-knit crowds, but I know how hard it is to avoid them. The best you can do is stay prepared!
For rainy weather, please wear a sweater or coat; your Stampede outfit can wait. Trust me, the mini skirts aren’t worth the week of sickness after. You can re-visit on a warmer day to show off your denim!
Dress for the Walking, Not Just the Weather
Stampede grounds are vast, I’m sure everyone can meet their workout goals just by spending a day there. 10k steps sound easy compared to the amount of walking some people do here. You’ll be on your feet for most– if not all– of the day, so come with proper footwear!
Wearing boots is practically one of the requirements to enter Stampede grounds, meaning making sure you have comfortable cowboy boots is vital. Boots are great if they’re broken in, but if they’re new, I suggest staying away from spending your day in them. Stick to sneakers if you can, and ensure they’re the right fit.
Taking everything above into account, I strongly encourage you to stay away from the heels. Don’t do it. Bring a change of shoes for halfway through the day if you must, for the sake of your own feet.
Conclusions
Calgary Stampede’s energy is addictive, leaving you coming back for more. Ensure you check beforehand on the activities available for the day and plan your visit for the best experience! Calgary’s climate is unpredictable, so stay prepared for drastic weather changes and dress accordingly. Lastly, Stampede wouldn’t be Stampede if you don’t go home with aching feet, so choose your footwear wisely. Boots are a staple, but only if they’re broken in.
Like usual for every carnival/major event, a lot of the food and items available for purchase at the vendors can get quite pricey, so be nice to your wallet and set a budget. Thankfully, Calgary Stampede gives youth the opportunity to see their favourite artists (e.g. Don Toliver, Khalid) for free! Prepare for the crowds and stay safe. Most importantly, have fun!