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A large outdoor event setup for the afternoon rodeo at the Calgary Stampede, featuring a giant screen displaying a cowboy-themed image. Bleachers filled with spectators, a red "Outdoor Show of Earth" banner, and various event structures are visible under a bright blue sky.
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Best Things To Do Alone At Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is one of the most exciting events in Canada, drawing people from all over the world to experience its unique blend of rodeo action, live music, cultural exhibits, and Western spirit. If you’re a solo female traveler, the Stampede offers a safe, welcoming environment to immerse yourself in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. It’s also a great way to build up your confidence to go to big music festivals like Stagecoach alone or do some solo traveling overseas.

Whether you’re excited about the adrenaline-packed rodeo events, the lively entertainment at Nashville North, Cowboys and other party tents, or just soaking in the local culture, there’s no shortage of things to do when attending the Calgary Stampede alone. I have done all 10 days of Stampede on my own for two years in a row, and I still miss activities and events, so you will not be bored. This guide will walk you through my top picks of the best activities for solo female travelers at the Stampede, along with some quick tips for navigating the event and making the most of your time in Calgary.

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.

The Afternoon Rodeo

This is my all-time favourite thing to do at Stampede. Whether you are into Cowboys or not, this World-Class rodeo is well worth the time and money. From bull-riding, bareback and saddle bronc to barrel racing, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping, it’s a non-stop. action-packed show.

It goes on for 3 hours from 1:30 pm, with the final running a little longer, and you can buy tickets online in advance or near the GMC Stadium on the day of.

Get ready to hold on tight as we dive into the heart-pounding world of rodeo events and competitions. Calgary Stampede is renowned for its exhilarating world-class rodeo showcases, where fearless cowboys and cowgirls display their skills and bravery. From bull riding to steer wrestling, barrel racing to tie-down roping, the rodeo events at Calgary Stampede are non-stop action.

As a solo traveler, you have the freedom to choose the best seats. If you want to get closer to the action and be more social, you can get a standing ticket on the day of the event.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

If you are OK standing in the heat for hours, I highly recommend getting a standing ticket because they are the cheapest at around $20-$25, and get you closer to the action (and bars). When you’re alone, it’s also the most sociable area to be in, so it’s a good way to meet people.

A view of the Nashville North stage during a performance, with vibrant green and blue lights illuminating the band. Large banners with "Nashville North" and "Budweiser" branding flank the stage, and a crowd watches the show from the foreground.

Nashville North

Nashville North is a must for every solo Stampede experience. If you like Country music, this is the number 1 spot for live Country music – you will see pretty big-name artists for nothing. But regardless of your musical tastes, this is the original party tent of the Stampede that attracts a diverse crowd. It is also completely free every day unless you want the VIP experience or to avoid the queues by skipping the line.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

Nashville North is very popular, especially on the days when the most popular artists of the lineup are headlining. So head there early to avoid long queues, especially if there is a headliner you want to see.

Wear something you feel good in for the party tents.

A group of cowboys on horseback inside the arena of the Nutrien Western Event Centre , participating in a rodeo event or training session. The arena is surrounded by empty stands.

Agricultural Exhibitions

The Stampede is a celebration of Western culture, and specifically Alberta’s rich agricultural heritage, so the 10-day event includes a variety of exhibitions showcasing ranching, livestock, and farming.

Many of the competitions and shows in the Nutrien Western Event Centre are well worth watching – and they are all free.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

If you love animals, go and visit all the horses, donkeys, cows and other animals in the petting areas. Often times you can also chat to their owners and learn more about their care.

Pay attention to the signage, owners put signs up to say when animals are resting, and also generally whether they are OK to pet or not.

The times of all events and competitions will be listed in the schedule on the Stampede app. You can also get the daily schedule at the park entrances or guest services.

Two Calgary Stampede volunteers and a professional cowboy stand together, smiling for a photo outside the VIP area of the GMC Stadium. They are dressed in Western attire, with cowboy hats, jeans, and button-up shirts. Behind them is a sign for "Plains Junction at the Hitchin' Post" and part of the outdoor VIP event area with tents and the GMC stadium in the background.

Go Behind The Scenes Of The Stampede

The free historical tours run daily by the Historical Committee are well worth it. They generally last about an hour, and you will get to go to areas of the grounds that are for staff and participants only. They are small group tours with a maximum of 10 people per tour (first-come, first-served basis).

They run fairly regularly and usually start near the ‘Our Land Our Future’ statue near the entrance of the Nutrien Western Event Centre. For the tour times and meeting spot, go to the information booth closest to the Nutrien Western building. You can also get details about them on the Stampede App schedule.

A nearly empty section of the GMC stadium rodeo stadium behind the action, showing rows of seats, a track, and black umbrellas with the Calgary Stampede logo in the foreground.

Past Calgary Stampede Historical Tours

Stampede 101 – Covered the history of Stampede and the rodeo. It included a BTS of the GMC Stadium during the rodeo and the animal care.

Chuckwagons 101 – A longer tour that covered the Chuckwagon races in detail. It included a meet and greet near the VIP area with a competing demo rider, giving us more behind-the-scenes of the rodeo.

GMC Stadium Tour – Last year, it was a special BTS tour of GMC Stadium, which they had never offered before. We went where TV cameramen were recording the rodeo as well as to the judges’ area. So we watched some of the rodeo for free from some of the best seats.

A collage of shirtless cowboys and firefighters at Ranchman's posing on a wooden balcony wearing cowboy hats and jeans, with blue skies in the background.
A Cowboy and a Firefighter climbing tall poles on the Ranchman's patio during the Cowboy's versus Firefighters pole climb competition, with clear skies in the background.

Cowboys Vs Firefighters Auction & Pole Climb

For the last 42 years at Ranchmans Cookhouse and Dance Hall, Cowboys competing in the Stampede have gone head to head with local Calgarian firefighters in an auction and pole climb to raise money for the CPRA Cowboy Benefit Fund and the Calgary Firefighters’ Burn Treatment Society

It is on the same day of the Stampede every year: Monday. So if you plan to do the first weekend of Stampede, or days during the week, include Monday evening in your plans.

Details of the 2025 Annual Pole Climb are here

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

The auction starts at 6 pm. Get to Ranchman’s early to get a good spot.

This event is free. If you’ve never been to Ranchman’s before, just ask how to get onto the patio when you arrive.

It’s a very popular event, so it will be pretty busy. Wear something you will feel comfortable and confident in.

The Calgary Stampede band performing on the steps outside of the BMO Centre with the conductor dressed in black, facing away from the camera, leading the ensemble. The band is wearing cowboy hats and "CS" initials are on the bass drums. The musicians are dressed in coordinated uniforms with white cowboy hats, and the scene captures the grandeur of a formal band performance.

Watch The Calgary Stampede Band

The Calgary Stampede showband, comprised of talented young musicians, mixes traditional marching music with contemporary songs. During the Stampede, they perform at the parades, afternoon rodeo (before the rodeo action starts), ceremonies, and at different locations around Stampede Park, including the large staircase outside the BMO Centre.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

Get the Calgary Stampede Band schedule on the Calgary Stampede app.

An aerial view of the bustling Calgary Stampede midway, featuring a large Ferris wheel, a colorful slide, and a carousel. Crowds of people are seen enjoying various attractions, with tents and other rides spread out across the area.

Random Stampede Eats

Throughout the midway, you will find an array of food and drink vendors, offering everything from traditional fairground food to truly weird and wonderful creations made exclusively for Stampede.

Every year, the adventurous sweet and savory eats change yearly. They are always listed out ahead of the Stampede here on the Calgary Stampede website.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

Also, try some local favorites like mini donuts, corn dogs, and poutine. If you love Oreos, deep-fried Oreos are my favourite popular sweet treat.

Prices, food options, and portion sizes vary greatly between food trucks. Take a walk around the midway before buying any food. The same goes for drinks, with some food trucks offering very cheap soft drinks; some even with free or heavily discounted refills.

A group of people dressed in western attire, including cowboy hats, serve pancakes from a traditional chuckwagon setup during an outdoor event surrounded by trees.

Stampede Pancake Breakfasts

Start your day off right by indulging in a traditional Stampede breakfast. Throughout the city, various venues offer complimentary pancakes, sausages, eggs, and more. It’s not just about the delicious food—it’s a chance to join the local community in a lively celebration of Stampede spirit. So grab a plate, mingle with the crowd, and fuel up for the day ahead.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

Some breakfasts are very popular, so if you hate queuing you’ll need to get there early. It’s also always first-come first first-served until they stop serving.

Pancake breakfasts are very friendly and social events. Make an effort to chat to locals who will be happy to share stories or helpful tips with you.

Don’t shy away from taking part in activities just because you are alone. It’s unlikely that you will be the only one there solo anyway.

A view from a WestJet Skyride chair lift at Stampede Midway, looking down at the crowds and colorful rides below, including a Ferris wheel.

Take The WestJet Skyride Across The Park

The Westjet Skyride will take you from one end of the park (near the Coca-Cola stage) to the other (near the BMO Centre). You can also do a return trip for the fun of it.

A group of chuckwagons racing on a dirt track at the Calgary Stampede, with riders in cowboy hats guiding the horses. Spectators in cowboy hats watch from the stands.

Watch The Chuck Wagon Races

When the sun sets, get ready to be dazzled by the Grandstand Show—a mesmerizing display of performances and live music. Each year, the Grandstand Show features a unique theme, combining spectacular choreography, breathtaking aerial acts, and live music performances by renowned artists. From traditional country music to contemporary hits, the show offers something for everyone. Arrive early to secure a good spot and get ready to be swept away by the spectacle of lights, sounds, and entertainment.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

The Chuckwagon races are really fun to watch and worth checking out at least once, but the rest of the Grandstand show is heavily geared towards family.

If you want Cowboy action and can only afford to do the rodeo OR the Chuckwagon races, do the rodeo.

Just like the rodeo, you can get day-of tickets for the Grandstand show, both seated and standing.

Fans in cowboy hats gather under the tent for a daytime live performance at Cowboys Music Festival.

Cowboys Music Festival

For all 11 nights of the Stampede, the Cowboys Music Festival is one of the most popular spots for both locals and visitors. It’s known for its jam-packed schedule of popular performers, including country music, rap and pop stars, huge tent, big outdoor stage, and lots of food and drink options.

The tent is easy to find as it is right by the Stampede grounds, close to the Cowboys Casino. The nearest C-Train station is Victoria Park/Stampede Station

Every night is a ticketed event. The standard tickets will usually range from $50-$100, and then you can add on things like the front PIT areas. Tickets for all 11 nights are available from their website: cowboymusicfestival.com.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

Sign up for their subscriber list – you will get updates on artist announcements, tickets, and special offers such as very cheap fan tickets which are always first-come first-served.

Buy your tickets in advance because popular events can sell out quickly.

Five acrobats in matching black vests and white shirts perform a daring human pyramid during a Stampede Cellar cabaret show, with one performer balanced upside down on another's head under dramatic stage lighting.

Stampede Cellar: Dueling Pianos & Cabaret

Take a break from the heat and crowds and head up to the top floor of the BMO Centre to the Stampede Cellar for a glass of wine or pricier spirits. Last year’s dueling pianos and Cabaret shows were really good and well worth checking out. The decor is also pretty, and the wine list is vast, with many seating options.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

The comfy seating near the stage in the centre is the perfect spot for solo travelers.

A colorful display of fireworks lighting up the night sky during the Calgary Stampede. The fireworks are bright and vibrant, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

Stampede Fireworks

End your day at Calgary Stampede with a bang—literally! The nightly fireworks display is a spectacular show of lights, colors, and explosions that will leave you in awe. Find a comfortable spot to sit or stand and enjoy the dazzling spectacle lighting up the night sky. It’s the perfect way to conclude your solo Calgary Stampede experience with a sense of wonder and joy.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

If you go to Nashville North, you don’t have to leave the tent to see the fireworks, as you’ll be able to see a lot of the fireworks from there.

Gemma Lawrence wearing sunglasses and a blue tank top takes a selfie in front of the "GMC Stadium Main Entrance." on Stampede Park in Calgary. Behind her, a large crowd, many in cowboy hats, is entering the venue.

Other Fun Things to Do at Calgary Stampede Alone

While the rodeo events, Grandstand Show, agricultural exhibitions, and the Midway are the main attractions at Calgary Stampede, there are plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy as a solo traveler. Here are some additional suggestions to make the most of your time at the Stampede:

A row of vibrantly colored tipis at Elbow River Camp at the Calgary Stampede, each decorated with different Indigenous artwork, with people sitting and relaxing on the grass in front.

Elbow River Camp

Learn about the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Tsuut’ina, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations of Treaty 7 at Elbow River Camp. There are 26 tipis to explore, and local Indigenous artisans selling jewelry and art. You can also try traditional treats like bannock.

A display of various cowboy hats in different colors and styles at a vendor booth in the BMO Centre during the Calgary Stampede.

Retail Therapy At The Market

If you love Western clothing, accessories, and unique handmade items, check out The Market in the BMO Center during Stampede. It always offers a really wide range of vendors, and its never just Western apparel either.

Calgary Stampede Solo Tips

The marketplace is a great spot to hang out in for a little while if you need a break from the intense Alberta heat.

Lots of the companies in the marketplace offer free demos. They will invite you over to do your hair, makeup, eyebrows, etc, and then very aggressively try to sell products to you, especially when you are alone. So always just say no to them. The cute curls or eyelashes are not worth the heavy sales push.

Happy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wearing a black vest labeled "Nickel" sits on a platform at the Calgary Stampede Dog Bowl, looking up with a big smile and wagging tail.

The Dog Bowl

From agility poles and dock-diving to frisbee and freestyle dancing, a group of very cute canine stars show off their skills and then enjoy lots of pets from the audience afterward.

A floral sculpture of Carrie Underwood wearing a vibrant red top with a wide black belt and a voluminous skirt made entirely of orange and pink flowers, displayed inside the BMO Centre during Calgary Stampede.

Fleurs De Villes COUNTRY 

Fleurs de Villes COUNTRY in the BMO Centre is well worth checking out. It turns the building into a floral wonderland with eleven beautiful floral mannequins made out of fresh flowers.

A large indoor venue at the BMO Center in Calgary filled with people walking around and exploring various booths and displays. The space is modern with high ceilings and plenty of lighting. Some of the booths feature artwork, including large murals of animals like bears, creating a vibrant and creative atmosphere.

Western Art Show

Immerse yourself in the beauty and creativity of Western art at the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show. This exhibition showcases the works of talented artists who capture the essence of Western culture through their paintings, sculptures, and other art forms. Take your time to admire the pieces, appreciate the craftsmanship, and perhaps even find a unique artwork to bring home as a memento of your Stampede experience.

Gemma Lawrence smiling and taking a selfie at the entrance of the Calgary Stampede, with a red archway that reads "Welcome to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" in the background.

How to Enjoy Calgary Stampede Alone as a Female Traveler

Navigating Stampede Park and Calgary with Confidence

Navigating a large-scale event like the Calgary Stampede can feel overwhelming when you’re traveling solo, but with a little pre-planning and the use of technology, you can confidently enjoy the event without any stress.

Firstly, there are tons of guides and practical tips and useful information here on the blog in the dedicated Calgary section. You’ll find everything you need to plan your solo Stampede adventure. There’s also a list of all the blog posts at the end of this post for easy reference.

Secondly, download and use the Stampede mobile app (just search for Calgary Stampede in the app store). The official website also provides real-time event schedules, maps, and updates.

A tall, multi-directional signpost at the Calgary Stampede, featuring colorful directional signs pointing to various attractions. A crowd of attendees is gathered nearby, with a bright sky and some trees in the background.

Once you are at Stampede, you will find that the park is very well signposted. Buildings like the BMO Centre, Big Four, Scotiabank Saddledome, and GMC Stadium are easy-to-spot landmarks, making navigation even easier.

Embracing The Stampede Spirit As A Solo Traveler

One of the best things about the Calgary Stampede is the freedom to embrace the spirit of adventure and allowing yourself to get swept up in the festivities. Whether you’re watching the rodeo, enjoying live music, or exploring the various exhibits, the energy around you is contagious, making it easy to feel part of the crowd—even as a solo traveler.

So don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with locals and fellow Stampede-goers. Most people are eager to share their experiences and tips, making it a fantastic way to connect with others and make the most of your time. Solo travel gives you the freedom to go at your own pace and focus on what excites you most—whether it’s watching a rodeo event, discovering new food, or listening to live music.

The Calgary Stampede offers something for everyone, and each experience will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.

The Calgary Stampede: Perfect for Solo Female Travelers

The Calgary Stampede is truly a dream for solo female travelers. With its mix of thrilling rodeo action, vibrant live music, cultural experiences, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s an event where you can enjoy everything on your terms. Whether it’s your first time at the Stampede or you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ll find plenty of solo-friendly activities and opportunities to meet like-minded people.

So, grab your cowboy boots, throw on a cowboy hat, and dive into the excitement of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. There’s no better place to embrace your solo adventure and make unforgettable memories.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to enjoy the Calgary Stampede as a solo traveler, be sure to check out my ultimate guide to enjoying the Stampede alone. It’s packed with insider advice, must-see attractions, and everything you need to make your solo trip a success.

Learn More About The Calgary Stampede

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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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2 Comments

  1. Hi! Thanks for your question. If you prefer to get a seated ticket rather than a standing ticket without booking in advance, I’d recommend going to the ticket office near GMC Stadium close to its opening time on the day that you want to do the rodeo so around 11am. At the rodeo, if you get a standing ticket and watch from the ground floor standing area it’s pretty easy to meet other people. I’ve only met a handful of solo travelers though so I’d say it’s easier to meet travellers who are in groups rather than alone.

  2. Great rundown of all the solo activities at the Calgary Stampede! I’m curious, how early do you recommend arriving to get good seats at the afternoon rodeo without booking in advance? Also, is it easy to meet other solo travelers there?

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