An essential family guide to all the fun of the Calgary Stampede

The world famous Calgary Stampede runs from 5 to 14 July this year. Get prepped with our essential guide to 10 days of family fun from local expert Jody Robbins.

Sharing corndogs, Calgary Stampede

Unlike most Canadian cities, Calgary boasts not three or four but five distinct seasons: fall, winter, spring, Stampede, and summer. Summer doesn’t officially begin here until the Calgary Stampede, one of Canada’s most iconic festivals, has wrapped.

For 10 days every July, Calgary returns to its western roots and celebrates the people, animals, and traditions that make up the unique spirit of the West. What started as a tribute to the Old West over a century ago has morphed into The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

While the Calgary Stampede happens to be roped around a rodeo, it’s so much more than that. Here’s how families looking for authentic Western experiences can make the most of this iconic event.

Stampede Parade, Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede kicks off with one of the world’s largest parades

The Calgary Stampede kicks off with a two-hour parade beginning at 8:55 a.m. sharp, always on the first Friday in July (unless that first Friday is Canada Day). At 4 km (2.5 miles) in length, this is one of the largest parades in North America, with participants from around the world.

Those expecting a spectacle are not disappointed! The extravaganza boasts over 700 horses, 20 bands, and 20 floats of all shapes and sizes. The parade draws in a staggering crowd of approximately 250,000 people, with even more viewers tuning in to watch it on TV.

Locals get up at the crack of dawn to snag a prime curbside seat along the downtown route, but you can guarantee yours by pre-booking a bleacher seat.

All the fun of the Midway, Calgary Stampede

Don’t miss the Midway at Stampede Park

Most of the action occurs at Stampede Park, just south of downtown and conveniently accessible via the city’s Light Rapid Transit Line (LRT). Of course, North America’s largest mobile midway can offer plenty of thrills.

For the younger set, the BMO Kids’ Zone is where you’ll find tamer rides, midway games and even Mounties strolling about in their handsome Red Serge.

Lighting up Calgary from 5 to 14 July 2024 © Calgary Stampede

Turn the Calgary Stampede into a learning experience at the Sam Centre

The Stampede story comes alive in a modern ranch house on Stampede Park.

This new year-round experience at the Sam Centre offers a fun stealth learning experience for families. Features rotating exhibits with tactile, hands-on experiences; kids delve into the rich history and culture of the Stampede without realizing it.

For those new to the Stampede, the Sam Centre is the perfect starting point to get a sense of place.

Chuckwagon race, Calgary Stampede

Rodeo and Chuckwagon Races are right at the heart of the Stampede

At its core, the Stampede is a festival where cowboys and cowgirls throughout North America throw their hats in the ring during a tournament-style rodeo. The action kicks off each afternoon at 1:15 p.m. and includes barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull riding.

The chuckwagon races are what makes the Stampede stand out. With hooves thundering down the track, dirt flying in the air and thoroughbreds whizzing past your eyes, the GMC Rangeland Derby is the world’s most engrossing and famous chuckwagon race. During these nightly heats, chuckwagon drivers race what’s known as the half-mile of hell.

Top family tip: Standing Room Tickets go on sale each day of Stampede at the Ticket Office starting at 11 a.m. and are a more affordable way to experience both the rodeo and the chuckwagon races.

Indigenous performers, Elbow River Camp

Immerse in Indigenous Culture at Elbow River Camp

A section of Stampede Park is always reserved for the Indigenous Peoples who’ve been an important part of the Stampede since its inception. At Elbow River Camp, the Tribes of Treaty 7 set-up their tipis and camp out for the duration of the 10-day festival.

At this special section, families are not just spectators; they are invited to immerse themselves in the First Nations culture. They can step into an actively used tipi or try bannock, a Native American flatbread.

For a rare opportunity to experience a Powwow, head to the  the Saddledome (also at Stampede Park) on 7 and 8 July from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m to witness the best Indigenous dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States.

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Agricultural Zone, Calgary Stampede

Come to the Calgary Stampede to meet all sorts of critters

Animal lovers will want to base themselves inside the Agriculture Zone in the Nutrien Western Event Centre at Stampede Park. Here, families can meander through the horse stalls, pet all kinds of farm animals, and watch draft horse demonstrations.

There are loads of events, so grab a timetable to watch the heavy horse pull, cow milking demonstrations, and trick riding, or sign the kids up on-site to participate in mini-chuckwagon races atop plush horses on wheels.

And definitely, don’t miss the chance to witness the canine stars of the Dog Bowl presented by Haribo at the Dog Bowl Arena. Multiple shows each day, showcase the intelligence and agility of these four-legged stars and their impressive tricks.

Harry the Horse mascot, Calgary Stampede

All new live entertainment your kids will love

The Grandstand Show is the Stampede’s version of the Super Bowl halftime show. This nightly performance dazzles the crowd with marching bands, performing artists, and Canada’s most talented youngsters, The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, before culminating in an explosion of fireworks.

The show takes place after the Chuckwagons and might be too late for some children, but if your brood can handle staying awake until 10:30 p.m., it’s a worthy performance. Admission is included with Chuckwagon tickets.

For families with young children, the Coca-Cola Stage is a must-visit. Here, they can catch their favourite TV characters in action. Additionally, there are numerous other shows, both indoor and outdoor, that are perfect for family enjoyment. The best part? The majority of performances are free with Park admission.

New for 2024 are trapezing cowboys and acrobatic aliens performing on the Stage of Wonders in Hall B at the BMO Centre. Also, Immersive Disney Animation is a ticketed event that brings the art and music of Walt Disney Animation Studios to life.

Pancake Breakfasts at Calgary Stampede

Get into the great tradition of Pancake Breakfasts

Ever since 1923, pancakes have been a Stampede tradition. Over 200,000 flapjacks are flipped at community breakfasts every day during Stampede.

It’s worth saddling up to one of these easy-to-find breakfasts, as it’s a convenient way to fuel the family while getting a slice of Stampede. After getting your fill of pancakes and sausage, you can meet chuckwagon drivers, watch marching bands and Indigenous dancers, and visit a mobile petting zoo. Did we mention Stampede Breakfasts are free?

Calgary’s largest Stampede breakfast is held at CF Chinook Centre on the first Saturday of Stampede, but there are smaller community events that are ideal for meeting locals and learning how to two-step to a live band.

Trying new tastes at Calgary Stampede

Find tastes for all tastes at this year’s Stampede

You can’t go to the Stampede and not sample some mini donuts and Alberta beef. It’s just unheard of. Each year, dozens of new foods make their debut at the midway (think cheeseburger ice cream and Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Pickle Pizza). Over 15,000kg (33,069 lbs) of sugar, 2 million mini donuts, 50,000 candy apples and 96,000 corn dogs are consumed each Stampede.

Fortunately, families looking to stabilize blood sugars can easily find beef and vegetable kebabs, massive King Henry VIII inspired turkey drumsticks or corn on the cob at Stampede Park.

For something a little different, The Palomino Smokehouse is a well-known downtown honky-tonk joint that welcomes children until 4 p.m. (7 p.m. on certain weekdays). Sporting the city’s biggest smoker, families can feast on proper smokehouse cuisine such as beef brisket or Kansas City ribs.

For tweens and teens who aren’t easily impressed, gross them out with an order of deep-fried prairie oysters, AKA bull testicles. Found at Buzzards and Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub (located side by side), the pub is licensed for minors until 9 p.m. That ewww factor might be the highlight of their trip or at least what garners the most Insta-engagement.

Hotel Arts, Calgary

Where to stay for the Calgary Stampede this July

Situated steps from Stampede Park, Hotel Arts is a pet-friendly boutique property offering complimentary city bikes. It’s also one of the few hotels in Calgary with an outdoor pool. While the vibe is slightly more Vegas than Disney, that doesn’t stop families from taking a dip. They don’t offer a children’s menu, but the onsite Yellow Door Bistro serves up one of the best breakfasts in the city and happily customizes meals for younger guests.

If the Stampede Parade is at the top of your hit list, it makes sense to book into a hotel located along its route. Both the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel and the Fairmont Palliser sport indoor pools, children’s menus and prime private areas for guests to watch the parade.

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