How to Calgary Stampede like it's not your first rodeo
Yahoo! The Calgary Stampede is right around the corner. (And yes, you read that right, it’s “yahoo” and never “yeehaw” in YYC). It’s officially summer and if you’re in Calgary during the ten wildest days of the year, welcome. Every July during the Calgary Stampede, the city lives up to its nickname of “cowtown,” where corporate suits are traded for cowboy boots and nobody blinks an eye if you’re eating a corndog at 10 a.m.
When I moved to Calgary from London seven years ago, I had zero idea what the Calgary Stampede was. A rodeo? I thought those only existed in the movies. Yet, the Calgary Stampede isn’t just a rodeo—it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon, a city-wide party, where strangers offer you free pancakes and line dancing becomes a legitimate form of cardio. Fast forward to now, and it’s hands down one of my favourite times of the year.
Whether you’re a first timer or just looking to upgrade from confused tourist to honorary cowboy, here’s how to stampede like a local…or at least fake it really, really well!
Clobber up, cowboy
The first rule of the Stampede: dress like a cowboy. Stampede fashion is a thing, and yes, it’s taken very seriously. Think plaid shirt (wrinkled is fine—authentic even), well-worn denim, big ol’ belt buckles, and of course, the crown to any cowboy king or queen: the cowboy hat. Bonus points for boots that look like they’ve seen a few dancefloors. You don’t need to spend a fortune. Support local thrift stores in Inglewood or Kensington, hit up Walmart, Value Village and even pop-up western shops that have everything you need to saddle up stampede style. Remember: if you’re not dressed like you’re heading to a hoedown, you’re doing it wrong.
Don’t skip the parade
Since 1912, the Stampede Parade officially kicks off Stampede festivities. Each year, the community comes together for the showcase of floats, marching bands and horses… lots of them. For the 2025 running, the city will be graced with none other than country music superstar, Shania Twain, as the official parade marshal. The parade will take place on Friday, July 4, at 9 a.m. It’s early, it’s loud, and it’s completely worth it. Get there early to snag a spot.
Fuel up on free pancakes
If you’re in Calgary during the Stampede, pancake breakfasts are the move. These meals are the only time of the year when it’s acceptable to take food from strangers. The city kicks off Stampede week with dozens of free pancake breakfasts, not just including the sweet treat but other brunch staples like sausages and juice, and a side of live music. Just follow the smell of maple syrup and look out for the signs across the city. You can also check the Stampede Breakfast Calendar online.
*Insider tip: yes…it is socially acceptable to go to three all in one morning. Shhh–I won’t tell anyone.
Embrace the grease at the Midway
The Stampede Midway is not for the faint of heart, or rather, the faint of stomach. It’s a chaotic carnival of deep-fried creativity where every year the food vendors try to outdo themselves with wild new concoctions. This year's lineup includes: Dorito fried pizza, cowboy candy mango soft-serve, maple glazed donut grilled cheese, apple cinnamon crumbled perogies, and spicy pickle fries. While I personally steer clear of things like mustard ice-cream or dill pickle popsicles, there’s something oddly wonderful about a place where you can get both award-winning BBQ, and cheesecake on a stick, within ten steps of each other. Keep an open mind and a bunch of friends to split the interesting snacks with. At the very least, it’s a great story for later, even if it ends with “and then I had to lie down for an hour.”
*Insider tip: My favourites include the colossal onion, anything BBQ, and the viral deep-fried Oreos. Also, take a refillable water bottle into the grounds—there are refilling stations to stay hydrated.
Know where the freebies are
No need to spend your travel budget on rodeo tickets—you can enjoy the Calgary Stampede on a backpacker’s budget. The Stampede grounds have free concerts at the Coca-Cola Stage. Performers this year include Duke Dumont, The Arkells, Khalid, Simple Plan, and more. There are complimentary cultural showcases, agricultural exhibits and street performers across the grounds. Just pay for admission at a gate entry and enjoy a day’s worth of entertainment.
*Insider tip: Take advantage of the Sneak-A-Peek passes, where you can get discounted entry at selected times.
Getting there
Driving during the stampede is like trying to herd sheep in a mosh pit… unpredictable, exhausting and someone’s bound to end up in the wrong place. Luckily, there’s a solution. Calgary Transit puts on extra trains and buses, so take the C-Train to Victoria Park/Stampede Station. Plus, with everyone wearing cowboy hats on the train it feels like a group hoedown and gets the stampede spirit going!
End the day with a bang
Each night ends with a jaw-dropping fireworks show, and guess what? You don’t even need to be on the grounds to see it. Find a hill, rooftop or park (Scotman’s Hill and Tom Campbell’s Hill are classics) and enjoy the view. Fireworks begin at 11 p.m. every evening, so get there early to grab a prime spot.
Two-step into the night
When the sun goes down, it gets wild! Alongside all the concerts, local bars like Ranchmans, Cowboys and Wildhorse throw stampede parties that are basically boot-stomping festivals: complete with live country music, line dancing and never forget: mechanical bulls.
There’s really something for everyone
Whether it's the music, party, rides, food, or rodeo, the best thing about the Calgary Stampede is that there really is something for everyone. And when you need a breather, by all means, take one. One of my favourite alternative ways to take a break from the overwhelming crowds is to head to the Wine Garden in the BMO Centre to sip a cold beverage and people-watch. I also like to walk through the Elbow River Camp, where you can learn about Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations of Treaty 7. Here, you can explore 26 tipis and meet local Indigenous artisans who offer jewellery, art, authentic snacks, and traditional dancing or rituals.
The Calgary Stampede is a big deal and one of Canada’s most iconic festivals. Between pancake runs, line dancers and late-night cowboy karaoke, you’ll need your hostel bed more than ever. So hydrate, snooze, repeat. The wild west will still be waiting for you tomorrow.
For all the details and to check out other Calgary Stampede offerings head to the official website.
Want to be close to the Stampede?
Stay at HI Calgary. It’s only 10 minutes on foot to the grounds… no Ubers, no stress. Plus: free breakfast and a chance to meet travellers (aka new friends!) from all over.
