Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival held in Calgary, Alberta, typically over about ten days in July. It is one of the largest events of its kind in North America and combines professional rodeo, agricultural exhibitions and entertainment.

Attendees can see rodeo events and chuckwagon races in the grandstand arenas, browse agricultural and exhibition halls, and enjoy a large Midway with rides and food. Evening performances and concerts are a major component, and the event traditionally features displays of western heritage and livestock.

The Stampede traces its modern form to early 20th-century exhibitions in Calgary, with the first organized Stampede held in 1912; it developed over the decades into a large annual fair and rodeo attracting national and international competitors.

The festival is centred at Stampede Park on the eastern edge of downtown Calgary, using multiple indoor and outdoor venues across the park for events and exhibitions.

• When it happens: Held annually in July over about ten days, it is a mix of rodeo competition, exhibitions, concerts and a fairground atmosphere.
• Main attractions: Event programming includes professional rodeo and chuckwagon racing alongside agricultural exhibits and large nightly grandstand shows.

What to See #

• Stampede Park: Large event site in Calgary used for the Stampede with exhibition halls, grandstand arenas and fairground space.
• Scotiabank Saddledome: Indoor arena originally built for sport and events, used during the Stampede for concerts and livestock shows.
• Grandstand and rodeo grounds: Outdoor grandstand and rodeo grounds hosting the rodeo performances, chuckwagon races and nightly grandstand shows.
• Midway: Fairground area with rides, games and food vendors forming the traditional midway element of the event.