For many Calgarians, Stampede is the best 10 days of the year. The “Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth” brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Businesses are done up with Western décor, and everyone dusts off their boots, hats, denim and plaid to attend events happening throughout the city. Whether it’s the corporate Calgary events, the grounds, midway, scores of beer tents, or concerts, there is something for everyone and every age at the Calgary Stampede.
Here are my top 5 favourite things to do at Stampede.
#5 – The Corn Dogs!
Stampede just isn’t Stampede without a corn dog! These are a staple every year. Hitting the midway and getting a corn dog along with a bucket of mini-donuts is a MUST. The Stampede corn dogs have seen many different variations over the years but nothing beats the original. Check out this link for all the crazy food the Midway offers and a map to find it all. https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/attractions/food
#4 – The Dogie Do Rodeo
The Legendary Dogie Do Rodeo, put on by the Canadian Progress Club, has turned into a tradition for many Calgarians. If you can manage to get your hands on tickets, you will get the chance to enjoy awesome amateur events for a great cause. The rodeo includes 5 events where you ride a horse, wrangle a calf, get in a tube, chuck race, and even win some new jeans to wriggle on.
https://cpccalgary.com
#3 – Cowboys
You can’t talk about Stampede without mentioning the infamous Cowboys Dance Hall – there’s a reason why they call it “The Most Fun You Can Have with Your Boots On”. The Cowboys Tent is arguably one of the biggest and best parties in the city, with non-stop dancing, a lively atmosphere, and the Cowboys Music Festival. The Cowboys Tent is located just North of the Stampede Grounds, allowing for easy access from the midway, Nashville North or the rodeo. If you only visit one tent this year, make it this one.
Here’s a list of all the events happening at Cowboys this year.
http://cowboysnightclub.com
#2 – The Calgary Stampede Rodeo
Where it all began! Since 1912 the Calgary Stampede Rodeo is one of the world’s richest rodeos. Enjoy bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback and junior events. Catch all the action daily at 1:15pm.
https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/rodeo
#1 – The Chucks
My number 1 favorite thing to do every year at Stampede is watching the famous Chuck Wagon Races. The Chucks started at the Calgary Stampede in 1923 and offers insane action over nine nightly heats as 36 chuckwagon drivers, supported by their outriders and 216 horses vie for over $1.15 million in total prize money! The GMC Rangeland Derby takes place every night at 7:45pm, followed by the Grandstand Show (which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!).
https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/shows/evening/gmc-rangeland-derby