2023 STAMPEDE GUIDE

At it's core, the stampede is basically a fair held in the middle of the city. So when you hear people say they are going to "the stampede" or "down to the grounds" this means they are going to the fair area. Inside the grounds you'll see a midway with a lot of games and rides. There's also a lot of food trucks and vendors. Inside the buildings are a lot of different things, you'll see animals, art, a market place. honestly you just kinda wander and see what you run into.   

Nashville North and the Coke Stage are the main places to see concerts on the grounds. Nashville North is free to enter but often has long line ups (like hours long). The Coke stage is also free, but is outdoors so people just crowd around. Go early if you are excited to see an artist.  The rodeo is also a big part of the Stampede. It starts daily at 1pm and you need a separate rodeo ticket to attend. (You'll have dedicated seating in the stands). Ticket prices start around $40.    

Following the rodeo daily are the popular chuckwagon horse races and the grandstand show.  These are considered a separate event from the rodeo and you'll need a ticket.  The grandstand show consists of singing, dancing and fireworks.

There is also a parade that kicks off Stampede on the first Friday of Stampede.  This is a family friendly event, largely for kids.

You have to pay admission to enter, this year it's $23. Once on the grounds, everything is a separate cost and it is expensive, food and ride prices definitely add up quickly.

So while the core of the stampede is the fair or midway grounds, the whole city participates in "Stampeding."  You'll see people in cowboy/girl outfits all around downtown. There are parties and pancake breakfasts all over the city. The downtown is the centre of the action, but these parties and breakfasts happen through the entire city.

Actually yes. This is mostly referring to the tents. Massive temporary tents are set up to host country music artists. A lot of drinking and dancing happens. Cowboys is the most infamous tent.  You don't have to go to Cowboys to get the full experience though Wildhorse, Nashville North, The Badlands, and Whiskey Rose and National Saloon tent will offer similar experiences.

Anywhere downtown ideally, or for cheaper accommodation stay somewhere close to the Ctrain line. The train takes you right to Stampede (get off on Earlton station).

Whatever you do, don't drive. The traffic next to the grounds is insane. Your best bet is to ctrain or take an uber/taxi and be dropped off near the grounds and walk the rest of the way.  You'll move much faster on foot within the area close to the grounds.   

Expect crowds at the gates as people enter but usually you don't have to wait as they move fast. (Note there are different lines for buying tickets and for scanning tickets for entry.) I believe there are 3 main entry points onto the grounds, it doesn't matter which one you use.  All are good.   

If you enter the grounds and leave, get a stamp and you can re-enter the same day.  When leaving the grounds I usually walk as far away from the grounds as possible and then take a cab or uber from there (e.g. 17th Ave or Stephen Ave)

The Stampede happens for 10 days every July in Calgary. The exact dates change each year but it always starts on a Thursday (for sneak peek), has the parade on the first Friday and ends on a Sunday 10 days later.

Yes, but only in designated beer garden, tent, or restaurant areas.  You can also drink in the grandstand.

Comfortable shoes!  (or cowboy boots). Whatever you're doing it'll involve a lot of walking.  Also, it's usually quite warm in Canada in July so wear light summer clothing. A cowboy hat is good to block the sun. Sunscreen may be a good idea too. Whatever western wear you have if you want to, but you certainly don't have to dress western. 

1. Comfortable shoes!  
2. A refillable water bottle
3. Credit card and cash (you can get away with just a credit card, but I like to carry some cash just incase).
4. Hand sanitizer (not just a covid thing, this is an EVERY year thing)
5. Sunscreen 
6. A hat because shade can be hard to find
7. ID card for beer gardens or tents