Calgary Stampede is a huge event; your time there will fly by. There is so much to see and do, that you will miss things. After experiencing the entire 10 days of the Stampede two years in a row, I’ve learned a few things about how to maximize the time at my favorite event of the year.
So if you’re planning to attend, these are my top Calgary Stampede tips to help you make the most of your Stampede experience.
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Just Dress For Yourselfย
Although the Calgary Stampede is a Western event, there is no dress code. You will see lots of people wearing cowboy hats and cowboy boots, but you will also see lots of people in trainers and baseball caps. Some get very dressed up, while others go really casual.
So just dress however you want to, because the most important thing is that you are comfortable in whatever you wear. Most of the Stampede happens outdoors. In Calgary, in July it can get seriously hot. Do not underestimate how scorching hot it can get. The weather in Calgary can also be a bit random. In years past it’s gone from hot to rain or hail to hot again in a matter of hours.
AlsGet dressed up, donโt get dressed up. People do not care that much really. If you are stuck for ideas on what to wear, here are some helpful tips on how to create Stampede outfits.
Your Footwear for Stampede
You will be on your feet for hours, especially if you stay out from day to night like I always do. So, you need to wear comfortable footwear. That means that if you donโt want to wear cowboy boots, just don’t wear them. If they are uncomfortable for you or you can’t afford to buy some that’s OK. If you do want to wear a pair, break them in before Stampede. From personal experience, you will mess up your feet if you wear brand-new boots without breaking them in a bit first.
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Pack Your Bag Wellย
Of all my random tips for Stampede, this is the hill I will die on. You will thank yourself later for taking the time to gather some essentials.
You will be out and about for hours, potentially from day to night, and just like for a festival, you will need essentials.
Iโd recommend putting all of these things into your bag:
- 2 forms of photo ID
- Fully charged portable phone charger
- Hand sanitizer
- Makeup basics
- Mini perfume and/or deodorant
- Chewing gum
- Sunscreen
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Prioritize The Events That You Are Most Excited Aboutย
It is impossible to see and do everything unless you are there all 10 days and treat it like a military operation. Even then, you will miss things.
So whether you have limited time at the Stampede, or will be there the entire time, pick the things that you most want to do and prioritize those.
If you want to try and do as many things as possible, go for it. Just be realistic about the time that you have.
Also, itโs OK if things like the Rodeo and/or Grandstand show (the evening show) or the party tents are not your jam. It is not compulsory to do any of these things. For example, I like the chuckwagon race but I find most of the evening show pretty boring, so I prioritize live music in the evenings instead.
Before you get to Stampede take some time to think about what you want to get from attending Stampede, and what you are most excited about. A few days before the event starts you will able to see the schedule of all the programming to start picking and choosing what you want to do as everything overlaps.
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The Food Options Vary Greatly In The Park
If you are on your own, or not in a rush to eat, do a lap around the park and look at all of the food options before you buy anything. There are so many different food options to choose from.
Some food trucks are very overpriced, some have mediocre food, while others are great, so take the time to look at all the options.
Think about what you want to eat before you commit to anything. There are so many cool things to eat at Stampede, donโt waste your limited stomach space on rubbish food.
Quick Tip: If you see someone eating something that looks great, ask them which truck itโs from.
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Be Ready To Line Up For Everythingย
Do not underestimate the lineups. It is really easy to get screwed over by how long the lineups get, especially later in the day, for popular places like Nashville North and Cowboys.
Be aware of what time it is, and always go to popular places earlier rather than later. It will be a difference of queuing for 20 minutes versus up to 3-4 hours. So for Cowboys or Nashville North go late afternoon or dinner time at the absolute latest if you want to get in before the headliners come on. Even at 5 pm or 6 pm, you could have a 2-3 hour wait to get in for popular headliners and busier days.
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Enjoy The Free Concerts
There are so many free concerts during the Stampede. There are also many big-name artists who you would easily spend $100s of dollars to see elsewhere. So if you are a live music lover like me, take advantage of all the free shows.
You have Nashville North for country music, and then the Big Four and the Coca-Cola stage will be a mix of music genres.
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Have Free Pancake Breakfastsย
The free pancake breakfasts are a Stampede tradition. I never manage to make it to many of them because I struggle with the early mornings but they are worth getting up for.
Plus food in Stampede Park is expensive so itโs a great way to save money during Stampede.
Recommendation:
Check out the Fluor Rope Square in Downtown Calgary. You will get a Chuckwagon breakfast, live music, old-time rigs, cute mascots, square dancing, and a First Nations parade. It’s the best Stampede pancake breakfast that I have been to.
Fluor Rope Square Location: Olympic Plaza, 8 Avenue SE (across from City Hall).
2024 Times:
Pancakes: 8.30 am to 10.30 am
Square Dancing: 10 am to 12 pm
Watch The Calgary Stampede Showband
The Showband is good, and one of the best things to watch during the Stampede. They usually play multiple times a day at different locations in Stampede Park such as the large staircase outside the BMO Centre.
You will also see them if you go to the rodeo and arrive about 30 mins before the rodeo starts.
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Keep Yourself Safe
Generally, the Stampede is a safe event. For starters, you will see security personnel and police officers all over Stampede Park and around Calgary. But there are still many things that you can do to stay safe while you are having fun.
Top Stampede safety tips:
- Use a cross-body bag close to you rather than a backpack or shoulder bag for your belongings.
- Keep your phone charged, and have a portable phone charger on you all the time.
- Take breaks from the Calgary heat to avoid getting heatstroke or just really burnt.
- Watch your drinks, and be cautious about taking drinks from new people.
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Be Sociable
You will find that most people you encounter at the Stampede are pretty friendly, especially local Albertans. Everyone is just happy and excited to be at the Stampede, and the energy can be pretty contagious.
So it’s really easy to meet new people and make new friends. You just have to get out of your comfort zone a little and talk to strangers. Often they will speak to you so it’s not as daunting as it sounds! You never know, you might leave with lots of new friends.
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Get Into The Spirit Of Stampedeย
Calgary Stampede is such a fun, city-wide event. You will see the Western vibes everywhere you go.
If you lean into the spirit of it all, and let your hair down a little, you will have the best time whether you are on your own or with friends.
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Be In The Present & Capture Memories
There is so much going on at the Stampede all the time. The days and nights also always fly by so stay in the present and soak it all up. , and the time always flies by so capture the great times that you have. Donโt forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the excitement. The Stampedeโs vibrant atmosphere makes for great photos and videos.
The Calgary Stampede is an unforgettable experience like nothing else I have ever experienced. Whether you go to the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth’ on your own or with other people, these helpful tips will help you to have an amazing time. Embrace the excitement, make some new friends, and enjoy the Stampede spirit.
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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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