One of Canada’s biggest and most flamboyant festivals, this year's Stampede will take place between July 8-17, 2016.
The Calgary Stampede draws over a million visitors every year for this ebullient celebration of Western culture, values and heritage. And it’s absolutely packed with high-spirited, foot-stompin’, peoplepleasin’ Western hospitality!
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The success of the Stampede is in part due to the sheer diversity of attractions and entertainment. From Country Singers to Rodeo Riders, from First Nations displays to Agricultural displays and from Fireworks to Deep Fried Cookie Dough on a stick - it doesn’t get any more Canadian than The Calgary Stampede!
The Calgary Stampede boasts the richest outdoor rodeo in the world - the best cowboys and the toughest stock go head-to-head for over $2 million in prize money. Each afternoon of the 10 day festival brings an action-packed display of skill and grit as you watch bareback horseback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc, ladies barrel racing and more.
Following after the rodeo - pounding hooves and trembling ground can only mean the GMC Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races - a key “must-experience” event at the Stampede. It’s been described as “NASCAR for cowboys”. During nine nightly heats, featuring a new Semi-Final Saturday, you’ll witness all the heart-stopping action as 36 drivers, 216 horses and their teams of outriders vie for over $1.15 million in prize money! Chuckwagon Racing is an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower - a challenge that ignites thousands of fans each night.
The TransAlta Grandstand Show, takes place each evening for the 10 days of the Stampede. It gets bigger and better each year and includes more and more new technology - and it ends each night with a huge fireworks display.
The TransAlta Grandstand show assembles a world beating team of designers, choreographers and set designers for the show each year. Hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians will dazzle and delight audiences of all ages. Alongside International Artists, the Grandstand Show also gives a talented group of Young Canadians a chance to become involved in the performing arts. And the youngsters do a fabulous job!
The Calgary Stampede is also one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with some of the hottest entertainers on the charts performing on several stages throughout Stampede Park. The entertainment is non stop for the 10 days of the Stampede.
Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series
This year the Virgin Mobile Stampede Concert Series features Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum and Jeff Dunham performing at the Scotiabank Saddledome stage.
Three-time GRAMMY winners and multi-platinum artists Zac Brown Band will rock the Scotiabank Saddledome stage on Thursday, July 14. Zac Brown Band’s latest album JEKYLL + HYDE, marked the band’s third consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart.
Grammy Award winning Lady Antebellum, the first artist in CMA Award history to receive the Single of the Year honor for two consecutive years, will be at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday, July 15. The group’s recently released 747 Album has taken the charts by storm. The band’s fifth album captures the speed and spirit of its critically-acclaimed live show in 11 new songs.
Hilarious comedian and skilled ventriloquist, Jeff Dunham, described by Time Magazine as, “the most popular comedian in the United States” will hit the Scotiabank Saddledome stage on Sunday, July 17. Dunham’s television specials and series have been the highest rated programming in Comedy Central history, his DVD sales have reached seven million units, his videos have received almost a billion views on You Tube, and his live concerts have become mega-events played in front of sold-out arenas worldwide.
Coca Cola Stage
The Coca-Cola Stage showcases many of today’s hottest artists and is free with your Park admission.
Nashville North
Nashville North is a live country music paradise, including some of the most exciting live acts in country. It is open to those 18 years of age and over with Park admission.
Nashville North also offer a “Buck the Line” ticket option, giving you no-line access to the best Country Music Party in Canada.
The package includes:
- VIP, no-line, access to Nashville North for date of purchase
- Buck the Line passes admit to Stampede Park for date of purchase
Elevate your experience by including Stampede Rodeo or Evening Show tickets and pre-purchasing Food & Beverage Vouchers.
ENMAX Corral Show
The Enmax Corral Show is always an exciting area of the park to visit. In previous years entertainment has included everything from Peking Acrobats, a troupe of gifted tumblers, contortionists and gymnasts from China, to Family Feud Live - a battle of wit and intelligence as two random teams of five are put together from the audience as a family to work together to beat the other team.
Check back to www.calgarystampede.com for further programming announcements. Or sign up to become a Calgary Stampede Insider and receive email updates.
There is a spectacular Parade through the city of Calgary to kick off the Stampede festival. The whole city embraces the Stampede with a city-wide celebration – it is not just a great event on Stampede Park alone. Don’t miss events in the city during the Stampede such as the free pancake breakfasts.
And Calgary is such an amazing city that it is worth a visit in its own right! |
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The Stampede’s Indian Village offers a wide range of opportunities for visitors to get an insight into First Nations’ music, dance and culture. The Indian Village represents the five tribes of the Treaty 7 – the Siksika, T'suu Tina, Nakoda (Stoney), Piikani (Peigan) and Kainai (Blood). The First Nations have been an integral part of the Stampede since the very first event in 1912.
This year the Indian Village is moving to a new location in in ENMAX Park. Situated along the Elbow River, the vast green space will be a tranquil area in Stampede Park. Visitors can experience a number of activities at Indian Village including daily dance demonstrations and tipi raising competitions, cooking demonstrations over a an open fire and traditional arts and crafts created by Treaty 7 artisans.
Also new this year is the Dog Bowl - promising canine excitement from some of the most talented dogs you will find anywhere!
The Stampede also includes fascinating agriculture events throughout the 10 days. There can be as many as 7500 animals on the Park at any time during the Stampede. The Stampede began as a way to preserve the ideals and values of the western way of life. True to its roots, agriculture is showcased in fascinating ways that will educate and entertain young and old. Thrill to the skill and speed of a cutting horse competition, the World Championship Blacksmith’s Competition or the World Stock Dog Championship. Or admire the majestic Heavy Horse Show presented by Halliburton. A multi-faceted world of agriculture opens up to you during 10 days in July.
Another Stampede favourite is Triple B! It will feature the “World’s Largest BBQ” with Burgers, mechanical Bull riding, and of course - Beer.
There’s enough white-knuckled exhilaration to satisfy any adrenaline aficionado on the main Midway and there are specially sized kids’ rides in the kids’ midway of “the Great Funtier” located alongside the Agriculture Zone! If you prefer skills to thrills, your favourite games are all there to challenge your hand-eye coordination and bestow bragging rights.
The Midway is also synonymous with eclectic food choices - prepare your taste buds to experience a burst of exotic flavours and textures at this year’s Calgary Stampede. Every year there are new food options and with choices like deep fried cookie dough or crocodile sliders - there is sure to be something sweet or savory to keep you satisfied. The most talked about food choice in 2015 was the Cockroach Pizza! The final line-up hasn’t been announced yet, but these are some possible contenders for 2016....
A Sampler of classic Midway Foods!

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Almost 2ft. Long Sausage
This sausage takes “jumbo” to a whole new level! Just imagine being served a sausage served up on a fresh toasted French baguette that comes in at nearly two feet!
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Bacon Wrapped Corn
A cowboy’s corn on the cob – Corn on the cob wrapped in a piece of smoked bacon and served with sweet maple syrup butter.
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Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly – On a Stick!
Delicious roasted pork belly wrapped in perfectly sizzled and crisp bacon, and conveniently served on a stick!
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Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog
A barbecued hot dog wrapped in crispy bacon and served with grilled onions and bell peppers on a soft bun.
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Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ Skillet
A delicious blend of savory, onions, bell peppers, Cowboy Potatoes, and sausage with just the right amount of seasoning added then cooked to perfection on a large 48 inch paella pan.
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Garlic Chicken Kebabs
Tender barbecued garlic chicken and fresh veggies served kebab style; this is a summer BBQ favourite.
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Chocolate Dipped Cookie Dough – On a Stick!
Balls of rolled cookie dough, dipped in chocolate, hardened to the perfect temperature and served on a stick!
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Tokyo Teriyaki & Shanghai Sweet Chili Corn Dog
This chicken corndog has returned from Asian with two corndog twists – Tokyo Teriyaki and Shanghai Sweet Chili!
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Creole Cajun Chicken Po’ Boy Sandwich
A traditional Louisiana submarine sandwich served with spicy creole Cajun chicken and dressed with cooling coleslaw
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Crocodile Sliders
Looking for adventure? This exotic crocodile patty is served on a bite sized bun with lettuce and tomatoes. Crikey!
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Deep Fried Cheezies
Take the classic crunch of aged cheddar cheezies and coat it in a light doughy batter and deep fry it.;
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Deep Fried Cookie Dough
Rolled cookie dough is dipped in pastry batter and deep fried. This treat is a childhood dreams come true!
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Deep Fried Donut Bacon Cheeseburgers
The name says it all. Two melt-in-your-mouth donuts stacked together with a burger, cheese and bacon served in-between!
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Deep Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
A deep fried snack made of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, dipped in batter and deep fried!
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Deep Fried Sushi
This is a unique twist on a traditional Sushi roll. It’s breaded in Japanese Panko with a drizzle of creamy Cusabi sauce and Green Onions.
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Flower Cotton Candy
This cotton candy is a unique experience for everyone; watch your cotton candy be spun into a beautiful flower. Each stick is unique and considered a piece of art.
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Fried Pickle Pizza
Slivers of pickles chips, deep fried, and placed on top of a bed of cheesy pizza.
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Spicy dry-rubbed Jamaican chicken is served with traditional Jamaican style rice and freshly tossed salad.
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Juicy’s Full Rack Ribs
Mouthwatering full rack barbecued ribs are ready to be roped in at the Outlaw Grill.
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Kawabanga Corn
This isn’t your average corn dog. Take a delicious giant sausage, put it on a stick, dip it in corn batter and deep fry it.
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Million Dollar Baby Mac & Cheese
Freshly made gourmet macaroni and cheese, infused with white truffle oil. Topped with sautéed crab meat and sundried tomatoes, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
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Papri Tot
An infusion of Indian and Western takes the tater tot to a whole new level. Layers of tater tots topped with pico, dates, tamarind chutney and sweet yoghurt.
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Polish Poutine
These potato and cheddar cheese filled perogies are pan fried in butter, topped with loads of fresh sour cream, crispy bacon and caramelized onion. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper, take a bite and you’re hooked.
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Porcupine Corn Dog
A hotdog is skewered, deep fried in corn batter, and then rolled in French fries. These French fries make the corndog look just like a porcupine!
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Poutine Burger
Why order a side dish when you can have it all in one? It’s a juicy burger stacked with fries, drenched in gravy and cheese curds, and topped with a Kaiser bun.
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Red Velvet Mini Donuts
Everyone’s Midway favourite has a new twist! These mini donuts are made of moist red velvet cake batter and warm cream cheese glazing.
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Scorpion Pizza
This pizza is for the most daring of foodies. Add a little crunch to your pizza topping with a few seasoned scorpions – if you dare.
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Skittles Candy Apple
Get ready for a sugar rush- your favourite classic candy apple is coated with a deep red candy coating and rolled in Skittles
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Tequila Fries
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FRIES! These fresh cut fries have a hint of zesty lime and a zap of tequila. This is one tequila decision you won’t regret.
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Thai Noodle
Choose from chicken, beef or vegetable protein, sautéed with a combination of fresh veggies and Thai style steamed noodles. When hot and ready, a sweet and savory Thai sauce is added and finished off with a garnish of crunchy bean sprouts and cilantro.
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Turkey Dinner Poutine
The full turkey dinner- thick slices of turkey meat, mashed potatoes, cranberries, peas and delicious gravy all on a bed of poutine.
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Vicious Fish – On a Stick!
They shook it up and dunked Joey’s famous fish in Frank’s RedHot sauce. You’ll delight in the hand-battered fried fish on a stick, served a bed of fries. Extra sauces are available for those who like it extra hot.
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Getting to Calgary
Calgary is very accessible by air with flights from Toronto and Montreal on both WestJet and Air Canada. Stampede Park is conveniently located just southeast of downtown Calgary and walking distance from a number of hotels. As well, the Stampede is accessible by Calgary’s C-train transit system, making it easy to get to hundreds of hotels, motels and more. Click here for accommodation information, including RV parks and campgrounds.
Planning your Stampede visit
There is so much going on at the Calgary Stampede you have to plan your time well to get the most from your visit. There is lots of great information at www.CalgaryStampede.com – and you can also download a smartphone app available for iPhone & iPad, Android and Blackberry.
There are a number of great value packages to consider as you plan your Stampede visit.
The Evening Show comprises the Chuckwagon races and the TransaAlta Grandstand show. There are two great packages available for the Stampede that include both the Rodeo and the Evening Show – plus you get general admission to all of the attractions of the Stampede Park and more.
TWO-DAY THRILL
A wild west double-header that needs two days to fit it all in. Not only do you get two days of all the great on-Park events and entertainment, you'll also get a prime Rodeo for one day and an Evening Show ticket for a different day along with mementoes that will help you relive the thrill forever.
This package includes:
One Main Level Afternoon Rodeo Ticket for one day
One Balcony Evening Show Ticket for a different day
Souvenir Program for both events
Two WestJet Sky Ride Tickets
Golf Shirt
Tote Bag
20% Discount at Stampede Store
20% discount voucher at all Lammle’s Western Apparel locations
Package Price - $293.00 per person (includes all fees and taxes)
Ticket admits to the Stampede Park.
CHAPS AND CHUCKS
Enjoy two great days on the Park; Catch all the heart stopping Rodeo and Evening Show action from great seats; and enjoy special Stampede mementoes including useful vouchers and discounts all in one great package.
This package includes:
One Main Level Afternoon Rodeo Ticket
One Main Level Evening Show Ticket
Souvenir Program for both events
Two WestJet Sky Ride Tickets
Two $5.00 Food Vouchers
20% Discount at Stampede Store
20% discount voucher at all Lammle’s Western Apparel locations
Package Price - $213.00 per person (includes all fees and taxes)
Ticket admits to the Stampede Park
Click here to buy or call the Calgary Stampede Ticket Office at 1-800-661-1767.
Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes!
Chris writes extensive Travel Notes for each show that will help you plan your next trip. Find out more about the Destination; Climate; Getting Around; Accommodation; Kids to Seniors; History; Sports and Activities; Attractions; Culture; Cuisine; Special Deals and where to go to get even more information!
Click on the Travel Notes icon to download a pdf file that you can read, print out and even take with you on your travels! |
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