Going to the Calgary Stampede for the first time? I’ll be honest—nothing fully prepares you for “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” When I went for the first time on my own 10 years ago as a Brit who had never been to a rodeo, I had no idea what I was walking into. Ten days of Cowboy hats, live music, deep-fried everything, big crowds, and adrenaline-pumping World Class rodeos…it’s a lot. Stampede Park itself is also huge, making it easy to miss things or get overwhelmed by it all. But if you know how to navigate this Western extravaganza, it can be one of the most fun and unforgettable trips you’ll ever take.
From figuring out what’s actually included with your park admission to knowing which entrances to use, how to avoid the worst crowds, and what rookie mistakes to avoid, this guide will walk you through all the things I wish I’d known before attending the Calgary Stampede.
So, whether you’re going all in with Western outfits, the rodeo and country concerts, or you want to sample pancakes, eat fried food, and take cute Midway pics, here’s everything you need to know to make your first Calgary Stampede experience unforgettable—not overwhelming.
Not Everything Is Included With A General Gate Admission
To get into the Stampede, you need a general gate admission. Many first-timers assume one ticket gets you into everything—it doesn’t! You can access almost all of the Stampede fun with your Stampede Park gate admission.
Here’s a rundown of what is included:
- The Midway; you have to buy ride tickets separately, though.
- The agriculture shows (Nutrien Western Event Centre, Northern Lights Arena, and Country Trail)
- Coca-Cola stage
- Nashville North
- Big Four Roadhouse
- BMO Centre
- Stampede Cellar
- Western Oasis
- Elbow River Camp
Everything else at the Calgary Stampede requires a separate ticket:
The Calgary Stampede Evening Show
How To Get Your Calgary Stampede Gate Admission
You can purchase this in advance on the Calgary Stampede website or buy it at the gate.
Visit During Value Days To Enjoy The Stampede For Free
You can save a lot of money by attending the Calgary Stampede during one of the “value days.” which includes the “Sneak-a-Peek” on the first day.
You Can Get A Pass For All 10 Days Of Stampede
If you will be going to the Stampede for more than two days, buy a Superpass. It costs the same as two days of entry into the park, only it will give you unlimited entry during the 10 days of the Stampede. So even if you are only going for 3 or 4 days, you will save at least $25. For all 10 days, it’s a saving of about $200.
For more cost-saving tips, including when to visit for the best value, head to my guide on how to save money at Stampede.
Best Entrances To Use At Stampede Park
One thing I had no clue about before going to Stampede? There are multiple entrances to Stampede Park, and some are way better than others, depending on where you’re headed.
Victoria Park/Stampede Station CTrain Entrance (Main/North Gate)
This is the most common entrance, which is located right by the Victoria Park/Stampede Station. Although it’s the most convenient entrance, especially if coming to the Park via the C-Train, it is the busiest entrance, and it gets very crowded.
This is the entrance closest to the BMO Centre, Scotiabank Saddledome, Western Nutrien Event Centre, and the food areas.
Stampede Trail Entrance
This entrance at 12 Ave and Stampede Trail is just a short walk from the main entrance at Victoria Park. It is just around the back side of the BMO Centre, and you come into the grounds near BMO and Scotiabank Saddledome.
If you want to be near BMO Centre, Scotiabank Saddledome, Western Nutrien Event Centre, and the food areas, this entrance is generally a lot quieter than the main entrance.
The Stampede Trail entrance is also one of the two entrances with dedicated drop-off/pick-up areas for Uber, Lyft, and Taxi drop-offs and pick-ups.
Erlton Station C-Train Entrance (South Gate)
This is the entrance to use for the GMC Stadium and the Coca-Cola stage. It does get very busy, but generally never quite as busy as the Victoria Park main entrance, so if you come to Stampede Park via C-Train, I’d recommend using this entrance unless you need to be at the other end of the Park for something.
If you are at Nashville North or any of the other music venues in the park late at night, you will use this exit if you want to get an Uber or Lyft home. For heading downtown on the C-Train at busy times, you will also generally have a better chance of getting on a train if you leave from Erlton.
MacDonald Avenue Entrance (Elbow River Camp)
If you want to start your day at the Elbow River Camp or the agricultural exhibits, this is the best entrance to use. It will also be quieter than the Victoria Park and Erlton Station entrances.
Calgary Stampede First-Timer Tip: If you’re solo and want to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, either go to the Park early in the morning or use the quieter entrances (Stampede Trail or MacDonald Ave)
The Afternoon Rodeo Requires A Separate Ticket
The World Famous Rodeo has 6 events with prize money of $ 1.85 M. It attracts some of the World’s best rodeo cowboys, and it is a must-see during your time at Stampede.
If it’s your first time at Calgary Stampede, you might be surprised to learn the afternoon rodeo isn’t included. But like I just explained, you will need to book it separately.
Ticket prices also vary significantly from about $44 to $700+ for a seated ticket for the Rodeo if you are fussy about where you sit. You can get seated tickets in advance online (link below) or on the day of from the ticket office near the GMC Stadium in the park on the day of.
Buy Your Rodeo Ticket In Advance
Same Day Afternoon Rodeo Tickets
You can also buy tickets at the ticket office inside Stampede Park near the GMC Stadium every day during the Stampede. You can choose a standing area ticket (a great option if you are by yourself, want to be closer to the action, or are on a tight budget) or the best-seated tickets they have left for that day only.
Standing tickets get you much closer to the action and will cost you $19.50, inc fees (2024 & 2025 price). You can only get standing tickets from the ticket office near the GMC Stadium in the park on the day of.
The rodeo starts at 1:30 p.m., so aim to go to the ticket office by about 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the latest. But don’t panic if you run late, you can still get a ticket once the rodeo has started.
The Evening Show Requires A Separate Ticket Too
Just like the afternoon rodeo, the evening grandstand show also requires a separate ticket. It includes the famous Chuck Wagon Races, so it always sells out. Ticket prices vary significantly from about $60 to $700+. If you are high up or on either side of the stadium, your view might be limited.
Just like the rodeo, you have two main options for buying your ticket. You can buy a seated ticket in advance, or you can buy a ticket at the ticket office, where you can choose between a seated or standing area ticket.
Buy Your Evening Show Ticket In Advance
You Won’t See Much Of Stampede In A Day Or Two
There are 8 main attractions, multiple agricultural areas, a big fairground, numerous shows, and tours to experience. Unless you constantly take the WestJet Skyride back and forth, it also takes a little while to get from one end of the park to the other, so you have to factor in travel times between attractions when planning your schedule.
It’s the Greatest Show on Earth because of the sheer scale of it. There is so much to do that after 10 days of Stampede, I still always miss things.
Plan Your Days At Stampede
There is so much to see and do at Stampede. There are always many overlaps between the different shows, so you will need to plan accordingly. For example, during the day, equestrian events will run in different places at the same time as other shows and activities.
Then in the evenings, at least 2 or 3 musical artists are performing at different stages that you will need to choose from – and that’s not including all of the Stampede tents outside of Stampede Park.
How to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed (Especially If You’re Alone)
As a first-timer, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on things or being pulled in a million directions. So it can feel like a lot, especially when you are also solo travelling—but trust me, you can have an amazing time without the overwhelm.
Calgary Stampede First-Timer Tips:
- Start with slower mornings – When you first get to Stampede Park, ease yourself into the fun with calmer and less crowded activities. Some good, quieter options are the agriculture exhibits and shows, Elbow River Camp, Western Oasis, and Stampede Cellar.
- Pace out your big-ticket events – If you get over-stimulated easily or struggle with big crowds, it’s OK if you only do one big thing a day. Try just doing the afternoon rodeo or a concert each day, rather than doing both.
- Don’t Pre-Plan Every Hour – Leave time for exploring, eating, and catching surprise performances.
- Find chill zones when the crowds or heat get too much: Western Oasis, Stampede Cellar, and Big Four are all great spots to cool off and recharge.
- Go in with a “can’t see it all” mindset – The Stampede is massive, and it’s better to enjoy a few things than try to do everything in one day.
Download the Stampede App In Advance
One of the best things that you can do ahead of the Stampede is to download the Stampede app onto your phone.
It will make it much easier to see as much as possible without getting extremely overwhelmed.
This will be your map and itinerary planner for the entire time you are there. You can see the daily schedule at a glance and create your schedule.
It will also help you avoid missing things that you want to see. The only thing to note is that it only includes the events and activities happening at Stampede Park.
For more tips on navigating Stampede Park like a pro, make sure to refer to my ultimate guide to Calgary Stampede for solo travelers.
You Will Do A Lot Of Walking
Stampede Park is huge. This is something no one told me before my first Stampede—I walked over 20,000 steps every day! On average, after 4 Stampedes, I now do 12K to 18K steps a day…and that’s after sitting to watch any shows, grab drinks, etc. So the biggest tip I can give you is to wear comfortable shoes.
Do not wait until Stampede to break in your cowboy boots – your feet will be in agony.
Instead, get your boots at least a week or two beforehand and break them in till they feel nice and comfy. You can thank me later.
For more tips on what to wear at Stampede, including footwear, check out my popular guide on Stampede outfits.
You’ll Need To Stay Hydrated
July in Calgary can get hot, and when you are not in any of the buildings, there are not many shady spots in the park. So with the heat and the amount of walking you’ll be doing, plenty of water is required, especially if you are partial to a nice cold beer or tequila mixer in the sunshine like me.
If you are on a budget, avoid buying bottled water in the park as it is pricey. Instead, you can bring a water bottle and fill it up at the water fountains around the park.
For soft drinks, some of the food trucks around the midway will offer free refills. It’s worth it to find one of these food trucks because you will save a lot of money on soft drinks this way.
Alcoholic beverages in the Stampede Park venues are quite expensive – around the same price as you’d pay at a large concert or sporting venue. Expect to pay $10 – $15 for most drinks.
Where To Find The Best Washrooms in Stampede Park
It may not sound like a big deal, but knowing where to find the clean, accessible bathrooms will make your Stampede experience more enjoyable, especially when you are alone.
There are nice indoor washrooms in the following places:
- The BMO Centre – They are on the ground floor as you come into the building from the different entrances. There are women-only, men-only, and gender-neutral washrooms, which never seem to get ridiculously long queues.
- The GMC Stadium – When you come into the main entrance of GMC, turn right, and you will see women’s and men’s washrooms next to the indoor bar. Keep walking right, past the store, and you’ll find more washrooms. These washrooms get very busy, especially in the 30 minutes before the rodeo and when the rodeo finishes, so expect to queue.
- The Nutrien centre – You’ll find washrooms near the AG Grill.
- The Big Four Roadhouse – There are a decent number of washrooms in this building in different locations.
- Nashville North – You do not need to use the porta-loos! There are indoor women’s washrooms that are pretty well maintained. If you are in the tent facing the stage, they are to your right outside the stage. There will usually be a short queue to get in them.
Calgary Stampede First-Timer Tip: The queues for women’s washrooms will always be long within the last 30-60 minutes of the rodeo, concerts, and evening show starting.
Gender-Neutral Washrooms
If you need gender neutral washrooms, save this short list for later:
- Erlton Gate entrance.
- South of the Erlton entrance tent.
- BMO Centre
- Weadickville
- Sam Centre
Leave Your Car At Home & Use Public Transportation
You don’t need a car for Stampede once you are in Calgary.
Public transit in Calgary is generally really good, and during Stampede, the city steps it up by providing 24-hour CTrain (Calgary’s light rail system). Plus, day passes for the transit system are offered at a discounted price during Stampede, so it’s also pretty cheap to get around.
Parking is also very limited on the grounds. So you can spend your precious time driving around trying to find somewhere to park, or you can go have more fun in the park.
Using Calgary’s efficient and cheap public transit system will also help you avoid expensive parking fees — more ways to save money during your Stampede trip can be found here.
Try At Least One Weird Food At Stampede
Have you truly experienced the Stampede if you don’t try at least one ridiculous food in the park? I don’t think so. It’s part of the fun and festivities. Every year, food trucks seem to try and outdo each other with weird and wonderful creations exclusively for the Stampede. Get the lowdown on the midway food and drink creations over on the Calgary Stampede Website here.
You also need to sample at least one extremely unhealthy deep-fried or sweet treat. My all-time favourite is deep-fried Oreos. Deep-fried cheesecake is a good option too, as it’s usually so big that you won’t want to eat anything else.
Don’t Miss Out On The Free Pancakes
Speaking of food, there are over a hundred free pancake breakfasts during Stampede. If you can manage to get up early, start your Stampede day off the traditional Stampede way with fluffy pancakes soaked in maple syrup.
To find out when and where all the free pancake breakfasts are happening, you can download this handy pancake breakfast app…yep, they take their free breakfast events very seriously. You can also learn more on the Stampede website here. I like the Fluor Rope Square one in downtown Calgary. It’s at the Olympic Plaza, 237 8 Ave.
Calgary Stampede Doesn’t Just Happen in Stampede Park
The entire city of Calgary gets involved. There will be events all over the city at different venues, bars, pubs, and restaurants.
Every night of Stampede, there is also a big fireworks display, which is the finale of the Grandstand Show. You don’t need to be on the park grounds to see them. You can watch from pretty much anywhere in the city.
There Is A Lot Of Live Music During Stampede
If you love live music, especially country music, you are in for a treat because there is so much live music to choose from during the Calgary Stampede. In Stampede Park, there are 4 music venues: Nashville North, Coca Cola Stage, and The Big Four are all free with your general gate admission. The fourth venue is the Scotiabank Saddledome, where bigger artists will perform as part of the Stampede Concert Series. You will need to purchase a separate ticket via Ticketmaster for these shows.
Outside of Stampede Park, there are lots of other venues with live music every single night of Stampede, including Cowboys Music Festival, Ranchmans, Whiskey Rose Saloon, Wildhorse Saloon, and National Saloon. You will need to buy separate tickets for all the Stampede tents and venues that aren’t on the park via the venues’ websites.
If you love live country music, you can find all the details on Cowboys Music Festival, Nashville North, Ranchmans and Whiskeyt Rose Saloon in these dedicated guides:
Ultimate Guide To Calgary Stampede’s Nashville North Tent
Cowboys Music Festival: Complete Guide For Solo Travelers
Ultimate Guide To Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dance Hall
Solo Traveler’s Guide To The Whiskey Rose Saloon In Calgary
You Will Need Two Forms Of ID For Nashville North
Do not go to Stampede Park without two forms of ID if you want to go to Nashville North. They are extremely strict and will not let you into the tent without an ID, regardless of how old you are. There are no exceptions because they keep a record of everyone in there, just in case of any security incidents or emergencies. So just always carry your ID.
Cowboys Music Festival Always Has A Good Line Up
Alongside all the music in Stampede Park and the concert series, Cowboys Dance Hall puts on its music festival for the 10 days of Stampede in a huge tent. Every night is a ticketed show, with mostly Country artists. For most shows, you have to go there late in the afternoon/early evening to get in, especially if you buy any of their lower-priced fan tickets.
I got a cheap fan ticket for Sam Hunt in 2023, and I think it was at least 5 or 6 hours at the front before he came on, and about 4+ hours before any acts came on.
Unless you manage to get a fan ticket, expect to pay at least $100-$150 inc taxes for most of the concerts.
If, like me, you often want to be at the front for shows, you will have to be prepared to go a long time with no drinks or bathroom breaks, especially if you are alone. You will also need to deal with being pushed and shoved… a lot.
Make sure you’re fully prepared to enjoy the Cowboys Music Festival by reading my complete guide.
Ranchman’s Is A Club
If anyone tells you to “come to Ranchmans,” they are talking about a famous country music club in Calgary that is open until late. It’s been in Calgary for decades, and it’s also solo traveler-friendly.
They will have a lot of events during Stampede, including a Cowboys Vs Firemen battle for charity, which is on the Monday of Stampede, and a Stampede afterparty.
Find out everything you need to know about this popular honky tonk bar including when to go, what to wear, and how to have a great time there on your own.
The Weather In Calgary Is Very Unpredictable
In years past, during Stampede, I have gotten drenched in a sudden torrential downpour, sheltered from Hailstones, and danced in a slightly flooded Nashville North tent. The weather in Calgary can change in an instant, and if it does bucket it down, it will usually stop just as fast as it started. You may just get the odd shower in your clothes.
If you opt to wear cowboy boots, especially expensive ones, make sure to get them conditioned/treated to be a little protected from the rain. I didn’t in past years, and my boots have some significant staining from getting wet a few times at Stampede.
For outfit ideas that’ll help you stay prepared no matter the weather, check out my guide on creating the perfect Stampede outfits.
It’s Yahoo, Not Yeehaw
It’s a Calgary Stampede thing.
If you spend any time on the Stampede grounds or around Calgary during the Stampede, you’ll see giant Yahoo signs like this one.
Using “Yahoo” is a long-standing tradition, and used to describe having a good time.
For more quirky traditions and essential info, head to my ultimate guide to enjoying the Stampede.
Rookie Mistakes To Avoid At Calgary Stampede
Even with the best planning and preparations, your first Stampede can come with a few “oops” moments. Here are a few of the ones I learned the hard way:
- Wearing brand-new Cowboy boots without breaking them in beforehand.
- Underestimating how long it will take to get into the park – You have to do a ticket scan, bag check, and security. At peak times, although queues move fast, it could easily take you 30 minutes or more to get into the park.
- Forgetting two pieces of Photo ID for Nashville North, Cowboys Music Festival, Ranchmans, and other tents.
- Getting expensive seated tickets for the rodeo and evening show – you do not need to spend $100s on either. You also do not have to buy tickets in advance because there are always same-day options available for both standing-only and seated tickets.
- Buying food and drinks from the first trucks you see – The quality of food, and food prices vary a lot. For example, chicken tenders and fries will cost anywhere from $15 to $22+, depending on which food truck or indoor venue you buy from.
- Underestimating how big Stampede Park is – you can easily walk 1000s of steps. You need to factor in time to get between venues for things you want to see and do.
- Not budgeting adequately for drinks and food, especially if you’re staying for night-time shows and concerts, or plan to drink alcohol.
- Not planning your day around the showtimes and music schedules.
Enjoy Every Moment Of The Stampede Experience
If this is your first Calgary Stampede, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience. Yes, it’s wild and sometimes overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most unique, fun, and surprisingly solo-friendly events you’ll ever attend.
With just a bit of prep—booking the right tickets, wearing comfy boots, pacing your day, and knowing what to expect—you’ll be ready to take on the midway, rodeo, concerts, and cowboy chaos like a pro.
And remember: you don’t need to do everything. Just pick what brings you the most joy, and let the Stampede spirit do the rest. But most of all, just enjoy the craziness that is the Stampede. It always goes by extremely quickly, so make the most of your time there.
For more helpful guides, check out:
- Ultimate Guide To Enjoying The Calgary Stampede Alone
- Best Things to Do Alone At Calgary Stampede
- Calgary Stampede Outfits: How To Plan What To Wear To Fit In
Learn More About The Calgary Stampede
- Things You Should Know Before You Attend Calgary Stampede
- 15 Reasons Why You Should Go To Calgary Stampede
- 12 Calgary Stampede Tips To Have A Great Time
- Calgary Stampede Outfits: How To Plan What To Wear To Fit In
- A Guide To Calgary Stampede’s Nashville North Tent
- The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying the Calgary Stampede Alone
- How To Stay Safe At Calgary Stampede
- Easy Ways To Save Money At Calgary Stampede
- Ultimate Guide To Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dance Hall
- Where To Stay In Calgary For Solo Female Travelers
- Solo Traveler’s Guide To The Whiskey Rose Saloon In Calgary
- Calgary Stampede Packing List As A First Timer
- Cowboys Music Festival: Complete Guide for Solo Travelers
- Everything You Need To Know About Calgary Stampede Pancake Breakfasts
- Best Things To Do Alone At Calgary Stampede
- What Happens In Calgary During Stampede (Outside The Grounds)
- How To Enjoy The Calgary Stampede Midway Without The Rides
- How To Get Around Calgary Stampede Park As A First-Time Solo Visitor
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Gemma Lawrence is the creator of This Brits Life. Born and raised in England, she has been living in British Columbia, Canada as a permanent resident since 2016. A solo traveler for the past 9 years, she hopes to inspire and help others to enjoy solo adventures too. As someone who has always struggled with her self-confidence and mental health, she also shares tips and inspirational stories relating to self-love, self-care, and mental health.
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