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Pink suitcase and striped weekender bag packed for Calgary Stampede solo travel trip
Canada

Calgary Stampede Packing List As A First Timer

The Calgary Stampede is one of my favorite solo trips every year, but packing for it can be a bit of a puzzle, especially if you’ve never been. After attending Stampede multiple times, I’ve learned what to bring to stay comfortable, enjoy the events, and still feel like I fit in with all the Western vibes.

Between long days in the sun, cool evenings, packed music tents, unpredictable weather, and a lot of walking, you want to arrive prepared. Overpacking is easy, but you don’t need much if you pack smart. This is my Calgary Stampede packing list based on what I always bring, what I wish I’d packed the first time, and what you’ll see just about everyone else carrying around.

If you’re wondering what to pack for Calgary Stampede, whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here’s everything I recommend — plus a few optional extras you might not have thought of!

A pink Michael Kors tote bag placed on top of a matching pink suitcase, both on a wooden porch with an open gate in the background.

What I Always Keep In My Bag During Calgary Stampede

Here’s what I keep in my crossbody bag every single day during the Calgary Stampede — and what I’d suggest every solo traveler bring too.

  • A day-to-night bag
  • A portable phone charger
  • Sunglasses
  • Pepto Bismol & Painkillers
  • Hand sanitizer and/or a little pack of wipes
  • Make-up setting spray (for party tents)
  • Chewing gum or mints
  • Mini perfume and/or mini deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Plasters
  • Cash as well as cards
  • Two forms of ID (essential to get into any of the tents, like Nashville North and bars like Ranchman’s)
Gemma Lawrence taking a selfie while on the WestJet Skyride at the Calgary Stampede. She is smiling and wearing a straw cowboy hat, sunglasses, and a strapless blue dress, with the green seats of the skyride visible in the background.

Western Outfit Ideas For Stampede

You will spend many hours each day in your outfits, and likely doing a wide range of activities from pancake breakfasts, walking around the park trying random foods, rodeos and party tents to checking out indoor venues like the marketplace and going on fairground rides. If you are anything like me, you also might be in your outfits for at least 12 hours a day.

So your outfits all need to work for day and night, for long hours, walking, and dancing. You will want to be comfortable and feel good in everything you pull together, so you can just focus on having fun.

To pull your outfits together, the best advice I can give you is to figure out your basic outfit for each day: skirt and top, pretty dress, shorts and top as examples, and then add a light optional cover-up like a thin denim shirt or cardigan. Then add accessories from there.

You do not need to buy loads of new outfits for Stampede to create Western looks. I bet you have at least a few pieces that will work, especially if you add some Western accessories, cowboy boots, and/or a cowboy hat to the outfit. So just start with a few items out of your wardrobe and build your Stampede outfits from there.

Gemma Lawrence taking a selfie while seated in a stadium, possibly at the Calgary Stampede. She is wearing sunglasses and a white and denim lace top, with others in cowboy attire seated behind her.

Stampede Outfits: Pack A Few Extra Options

Calgary Stampede can be unpredictable, and some days you just won’t feel like wearing what you planned. So I always pack an extra dress and a few extra tops so I’ve got some choices.

How To Dress For Calgary Stampede In Hot Weather

Alberta’s weather is unpredictable, but one thing that is always consistent is that it gets very hot there in July. The chances of you being at the Stampede on a hot day are pretty high, so you’ll need to factor that into your outfits.

A woman, Gemma Lawrence, smiles for a selfie inside the Nashville North tent at the Calgary Stampede. The background shows a crowd of people mingling, some wearing cowboy hats, in a lively festival atmosphere.

What I Pack For My Stampede Outfits

I’m all about skirts and dresses, and Stampede is no exception. Here’s what I usually pack:

  • Some summer sundresses: Simple, neutral, or floral — perfect for dressing up or down in the heat.
    • If you want to get new dresses for Stampede, I recommend starting your search with Boho, Cottage Core, and Floral dresses on sites like Shein or in thrift stores. You could also get a leather or faux leather belt to go with any dresses you find.
  • Versatile skirts; For 10 days, I usually take 2 or 3. Black, white, and floral are my go-tos.
  • Variety of tops; I pick ones that work with multiple skirts. Off-the-shoulder styles are my favourite. Off-the-shoulder and halterneck styles are my favourites, and usually a mix of plain and floral tops.
  • Accessories: Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that mix and match. Each piece has to work with at least two outfits.
  • Cowboy boots; I wear mine daily at Stampede.
  • Cowboy hat: I bring a cheap one — they look cute but get annoying in party tents, so I don’t worry if I lose it.

Need outfit inspo? Check out my full Calgary Stampede outfits guide for ideas on what to wear to fit in.

A close-up shot of a pair of worn cowboy boots, with a street fair scene below featuring people walking and gathering.

Cowboy Boots For The Stampede

Cowboy boots aren’t mandatory, but they help you feel like you belong — and they’re practical for dusty fairgrounds and packed dance floors. I break them into three types:

Fast Fashion Western Boots – Great for a tight budget. Faux leather, short-term wear. Try SHEIN or ASOS.

Higher Quality Western Fashion Boots – Usually 100% leather boots that mimic the Western vibe. Look at brands like Paris Texas or Isabel Marant.

Authentic Western Cowgirl Boots – Real-deal cowgirl boots that can last decades. I’ve had mine for 20 years. If you go this route, wear them in before Stampede — or you’ll be hobbling by day two.

You Will Be On Your Feet A Lot At The Stampede

Whether you decide to wear cowgirl boots or not, comfort is key. Even if you sit for events like the rodeo and use the chairlift to get across the park, you will still walk a lot, and in the party tents, you will most likely be standing around or dancing, as seating is very limited.

Gemma Lawrence stands smiling between two mascots — one a raccoon in a cowboy outfit with a red hat, and the other a brown bison in overalls and a red hoodie, outdoors in front of the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary.

The Best Bag To Bring To Calgary Stampede

My go-to bags for the Calgary Stampede are always fairly small cross-body bags. Firstly, it is way easier to go through the security at the Park entrance – and more importantly, into the party tents if you just have a small cross-body/shoulder or belt bag than if you bring a backpack.

There are also a lot of crowds that are easier to navigate with a smaller bag. As there is the odd pickpocket, like there often is at big events, having a bag that you can secure properly – and ideally see at all times – is a good idea, especially if you’re at the Stampede by yourself.

And if, like me, you will want to do the party tents and dance hands-free, it’s way easier with a cross-body or belt bag.

Regardless of what bag you opt for, a clutch bag is not a good idea.

Gemma Lawrence of This Brits Life in sunglasses and a floral off-the-shoulder top smiling while holding a large military gun, with a crowd of people and a carnival game booth in the background.

Daily Essentials For Stampede

These are the items that I keep in my handbag every single day.

Tickets & ID – Keep your event tickets and identification handy. A small, secure pouch or lanyard can help.

Cash & Cards – While cards are widely accepted, having some cash on hand for smaller vendors is a good idea.

Portable Charger – I generally carry two portable chargers with me most days — between all the photos, videos, and navigating the park, I burn through my phone battery fast. I recommend:

  • Carrying a backup if you’re relying on your phone for tickets/maps, or know you will be taking a lot of videos
  • Keeping it in a zippered pocket or a pouch inside your bag
  • Charging your phone and portable charger overnight
A close-up selfie of Gemma Lawrence with sunglasses perched on her head, taken inside the Nashville North tent during the Calgary Stampede, with a crowd of people and a festive atmosphere visible behind her.

Sunscreen – The Alberta sun can be pretty intense. I always burn even when I wear sunscreen – even inside the tents.

Hand Sanitizer – Keep germs at bay, especially after touching surfaces. Also, the washrooms and portaloos usually run out of hand soap later in the evenings.

Snacks – Healthy snacks like nuts or granola bars to keep your energy up throughout the day. Food is expensive at the Stampede – basically fairground prices, and its also mostly very unhealthy so you’ll be glad for the odd healthy snack.

Mini hairbrush and Hair Ties – I usually keep at least one spare hair tie in my bag, along with a little brush.

Compact mirror – Really handy if you just want to check your appearance or you get a drink spilt on your face (it can happen), as the queues even just to use the mirrors in the washroom can be long.

Travel wipes – I sometimes forget to take some wipes, but they are a good idea for drink spillages.

Optional Items You Might Want to Pack for Calgary Stampede

Except for handy wipes, I never bring any of these items, but depending on your plans at Stampede, you may want to bring some of these optional extras.

  • Clear rain poncho
  • Small cooling towel
  • Mini portable fan
  • Mini sewing kit/fashion tape for outfits
  • Water bottle – If you bring one and want to go into the party tents, you will just have to empty the bottle in the queue.
  • Tissues (napkins can be very rationed)
  • Mini first aid kit (blister pads, etc)
  • Earplugs (for concerts)
A view of the Calgary Stampede midway flooded with water, with people walking through the puddles and food stands selling items like lemonade and mini donuts in the background.

Calgary In July Weather Tips

The weather in July in Calgary can be very random, including really sudden temperature changes, and random rain or hail. The days can get hot, and the evenings tend to cool off.

Sun Protection For Stampede

For the scorching Alberta heat, I highly recommend having at least one or two of these items for protection from the sun.

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • A Cowboy Hat
  • Reusable water bottle
A rodeo scene showing a cowboy riding a bucking bronco, with rodeo cowboys and the crowd visible in the stands. The "Calgary Stampede" sign is prominent above the arena.

What To Bring To Calgary Stampede Concerts, Tents, and Rodeo

When I am at the Stampede, I don’t go back and forth between Stampede Park, party tents (Nashville North, Cowboys Music Festival), and my Airbnb. Once I’m out every day, I’m out until I call it night, which is usually way past midnight. So my bag is carefully packed to cover me for all possible activities, including going from the afternoon rodeo to one of the party tents most days.

But if you are only going to the Stampede for the rodeo and/or party tents, this list is the essential items, some recommendations, and optional extras that you might want to have with you to enjoy the cowboys and live music.

Photo ID – Carry two forms of photo ID with you if you can. If you are not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, that means a passport, an international driver’s license, etc. You will not get into any of the party tents without two forms of ID, regardless of your age, so this is essential to keep with you all the time.

Portable Phone Charger – You’ll be using your phone constantly — for photos, tickets, directions, and texting friends. I always bring at least one portable charger, sometimes two. Charge them overnight so you’re never stuck with a dead phone, especially if you’re solo.

Hand Sanitizer – Generally, the washrooms at most venues are pretty clean, but the portaloos at party tents like Cowboys Music Festival can get grim late at night. The sanitizer/hand soap also tends to run out.

Wet Wipes – Drinks will get spilled — it’s just part of the party tent experience. Keep a mini pack of wipes handy for quick cleanups.

Chewing Gum – After a day of eating fairground food, some gum just helps you freshen up before you dance the night away.

Mini Perfume and/or deodorant– After walking miles in the sun and dancing for hours, you’ll want to freshen up. A mini deodorant or perfume is always in my bag.

Plasters – By the end of a day doing lots of walking, you will probably be grateful to have plasters handy….even in the comfiest of footwear, you might end up. 

To Capture All Your Calgary Stampede Moments

Camera: A compact camera or your smartphone with a good camera.

Extra Memory Cards: Bring extra memory cards if you’re using a camera.

Selfie Stick: Get the best angles and group shots with a selfie stick.

A bright daytime view of a large archway that reads "Stampede Park." A Ferris wheel and various food stalls are visible, with a clear blue sky above.

Quick Solo Travel Packing Tips for Stampede

  • Pack light — a small or medium-sized crossbody bag is perfect.
  • Focus on functional, comfortable, flattering outfits.
  • Bring 1–2 backup outfits in case plans or weather change.
  • Use accessories to Western-ify what you already own.
  • Lightweight coverups (like a denim shirt or cardigan) are easy to tie to your bag during hot afternoons.
  • Choose comfortable shoes that you can walk and dance in all day.
  • Keep hangover supplies and basic first aid at your Airbnb — future you will thank you.
A large red entrance tent with white text reading "WELCOME TO THE GREATEST OUTDOOR SHOW ON EARTH" marks the entrance to the Calgary Stampede. A crowd of people wearing cowboy hats is walking through, with a bright blue sky and scattered clouds overhead.

Packing for the Calgary Stampede doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you’ve got your outfits sorted, your boots broken in, and your bag packed with the essentials, you’re ready to go have an amazing time. The Stampede has its kind of rhythm — long sunny days, cool summer nights, music, rodeo, dancing, and a whole lot of fun. Being prepared just means you can relax and enjoy every bit of it.

Whether you’re spending one day or all ten, this Calgary Stampede packing list has everything you need to help you feel comfortable, stay safe, and fully enjoy the experience, without overpacking or stressing about what you might have forgotten.

If you need even more solo travel tips for the Calgary Stampede, don’t forget to check out my other blog posts, including the ultimate guide to enjoying the Calgary Stampede, for everything you need to know before you go.

Calgary Stampede Must-Haves

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Gemma Lawrence is a British expat, solo female travel blogger, and the creator of This Brit’s Life — a travel and lifestyle blog that helps women explore the world confidently, live abroad independently, and stay informed about global issues.
Born and raised in England, Gemma has been living in British Columbia, Canada since 2016 and has been traveling solo for over a decade. With a background in journalism and over ten years of experience in digital marketing and communications — including leadership roles with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/BC) — she brings both storytelling and strategy to her writing.
Through her posts, Gemma shares practical solo travel advice, expat insights, and confidence-building resources, while also covering broader topics like women’s rights, democracy, and self-care. Her goal is to inspire independence, awareness, and personal growth — one adventure at a time

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