Countdown to the Calgary Stampede: Less than one month until Canada’s ultimate summer celebration

Experience rich traditions and cultural celebrations

While the rodeo may be the main attraction, the Calgary Stampede is also a powerful celebration of cultural identity, storytelling and Western heritage, offering an experience that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.

At the heart of this is Elbow River Camp, a vibrant and evolving space dedicated to honouring the traditions of the 26 tipis representing the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations. Formerly known as Indian Village, this reimagined cultural showcase features authentic tipi living, daily dance and music performances, artisanal crafts and cultural demonstrations, all led by members of Treaty 7 Nations. It's a rare and respectful opportunity to engage with Indigenous cultures directly, learn about traditional knowledge and appreciate the living legacy of the peoples whose land the Stampede takes place on.

This isn’t a tourist photo-op. It’s an immersive, educational and welcoming space that reflects the Calgary Stampede’s broader commitment to truth and reconciliation through storytelling, visibility and mutual respect.

Elsewhere on the grounds, the opening ceremonies and daily parades provide a spectacle of Western pride and community spirit. Crowds gather for marching bands, chuckwagon outriders, First Nations dancers, mounted police and themed floats, all flowing through Calgary’s downtown in a colourful display of tradition and showmanship. The atmosphere is one of shared celebration, where newcomers and locals alike can take part in something larger than themselves.

These moments, steeped in history and expressed through music, movement, and community pride, give the Stampede its soul. For visitors, it’s a reminder that amid the entertainment and excitement lies a deep, enduring connection to place, culture, and people, and that’s worth every step through the gates.

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Fun on a stick: Midway food is part of the adventure

For many, Stampede food is just as memorable as the rides and rodeos, and it’s anything but ordinary.

Each year, food vendors compete to outdo themselves with wild, creative and indulgent treats. From deep-fried OREOs to pickle lemonade, grilled cheese soft serve and Korean squid ink corn dogs, the midway offers over-the-top culinary experiments that are as Instagram-worthy as they are outrageous. Stampede staples like mini donuts, BBQ ribs and poutine remain crowd favourites, while new offerings push the envelope of edible innovation.

This year’s lineup includes over 50 new menu items, according to the Calgary Stampede’s official site, with themes ranging from spicy international fusions to over-the-top desserts. Sampling the midway eats can be a budget-friendly adventure too. Many vendors offer snack-sized portions or food share combos that help visitors stretch their spending without missing out on the flavour.

And if you're early enough, many pancake breakfasts around the city are free, a Calgary tradition that mixes Western hospitality with great value.

Savvy spending: How to enjoy the Stampede on a budget

The Calgary Stampede may be a marquee summer event, but it doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. With smart planning and a little insider knowledge, visitors can experience the excitement, culture and food of the Stampede without overspending.

Plan around Value Days and free programming

Even with early bird discounts now closed, there are still great ways to save. The Stampede offers several “Value Days” throughout the event that can dramatically reduce your costs:

• Sneak-A-Peek (July 4): Get in before the official opening day with half-price admission starting at 5 p.m. — ideal for a preview of the grounds and midway
• Family Day (July 7): Free admission from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., plus a free pancake breakfast, live family entertainment and early access to rides and exhibits
• Seniors Day (July 9): Free park entry for seniors (65+) and exclusive morning events
• Kids Day (July 10): Children 12 and under get free admission until 11 a.m., with kid-focused activities and performances throughout the day

Free fun all day long

Beyond headline concerts and rodeo events, there's a surprising amount of no-cost entertainment across Stampede Park:

• Catch daily shows on the Coca-Cola Stage — showcasing Canadian and international music acts, all included with general admission
• Explore agriculture and animal showcases, try hands-on exhibits and watch live demonstrations
• Visit Elbow River Camp for Indigenous dancing, storytelling and crafts — a culturally rich and fully accessible area of the park
• Wander through zones like the BMO Centre or The Market, where vendors, demonstrations and performances keep the energy high without added cost

Stretch your dollars at the midway

Midway games and wild food are part of the experience, but small choices help keep spending in check:

• Set a game budget ahead of time and stick to it: Or challenge your group to compete for bragging rights, not prizes
• Split food items to sample more without overdoing it: Some of the midway’s outrageous eats are big enough to share
• Look for value combo deals: Some vendors offer bundled meals or family-sized portions
• Bring your own water bottle: Free refill stations are scattered across the park

Transit and transportation tips

Avoid the hassle and expense of parking downtown by taking Calgary Transit, which runs extended hours during Stampede. The CTrain Red Line drops riders off directly at the Stampede grounds (Victoria Park/Stampede Station). A day pass or multi-day fare option can help frequent visitors save.

Budget-friendly accommodations still possible

Hotels near the Stampede grounds book up early, but cost-conscious travellers can still find savings by staying just outside downtown, in areas such as Sunalta, Inglewood or even along the CTrain line. Some accommodations offer Stampede specials, free breakfasts or transit passes. Call ahead to ask.

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Calgary Stampede delivers economic impact and community support

The Calgary Stampede isn’t just one of Canada’s biggest festivals, it’s also a powerful economic driver and a vital contributor to Alberta’s cultural and financial ecosystem.

In 2019 alone, the Stampede generated more than $191 million in economic activity, supported over 3,500 jobs, and created a measurable ripple effect across tourism, hospitality, retail and transportation sectors. With over a million visitors pouring into Calgary each year — many from outside the province or country — the event fuels local spending at hotels, restaurants, shops and transit services.

But the economic benefits don’t stop at the gates. Hundreds of local businesses, food vendors and artisans rely on the Stampede for exposure, foot traffic and income that can carry them through the year. For small enterprises and startups, the Stampede often serves as a launchpad — a chance to connect with new customers, test products and scale visibility in front of an international audience.

The Calgary Stampede also gives back in ways that go beyond dollars. Through the Calgary Stampede Foundation, the organization invests in youth development, agricultural education, scholarships and community partnerships. Programs like The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, Stampede School and 4-H on Parade nurture the next generation of leaders and artists, while ongoing charitable efforts support everything from rural mental health initiatives to Indigenous youth programming.

In other words, attending the Stampede doesn’t just support a day of fun. It helps fuel Calgary’s year-round economy and empowers community-building efforts across the province.

Plan your trip for a unique Canadian experience

Whether you’re riding into the Stampede for the first time or you’re a seasoned cowboy (or cowgirl) of the festival, there’s something here to rope in everyone. From pulse-pounding rodeo showdowns to rich cultural experiences, foot-stomping concerts featuring Canadian and international artists, plus plenty of family-friendly fun, the Calgary Stampede packs its ten-day run with non-stop action.

So saddle up and mark your calendar for July 5 to 14, 2025. Head over to calgarystampede.com to wrangle your tickets, plan your route through the grounds, and check out the full lineup of entertainment and events.

Whether you’re hanging on tight during the wild chuckwagon races, soaking in stories from Indigenous performers or sampling the infamous midway treats, the Calgary Stampede delivers a true-blue Canadian tradition. It’s a high-energy rodeo of history, culture, entertainment and community spirit all rolled into one unforgettable ride for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Sources

1. Calgary Stampede