A Local’s Guide to the 2023 Calgary Stampede

When the wafting scent of pancakes hangs in the air and locals and tourists alike don cowboy boots and ten gallon hats, you know the Calgary Stampede has arrived. As the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and Calgary’s most iconic event, the Stampede marks the pinnacle of summer entertainment in the Alberta city. As a born-and-raised Calgarian, here’s my 2023 insider’s guide to the familiar, the fresh, and the funkiest events at the 2023 Stampede.

Immerse Yourself in the Stampede Parade

The festivities start off at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 7 with the annual Stampede Parade, always one of the best ways to get into the Stampede spirit. The parade leads through downtown and ends at the gates of Stampede Park. One of the best spots to watch the parade is in front of the Fairmont Palliser. Hotel guests are treated to reserved parade seating and a private Stampede breakfast that’s coveted because of the quality of the food and live music, and that sensational view.

With your feet already aching from your cowboy boots, why not ease the pain in your wallet and take advantage of free admission? Following the parade, free admission to the Stampede is granted for any parade-goers from 11 a.m/-1:30 p.m. Trailing the parade down to Stampede Park is an excellent way to experience the energy of the event while also getting the most bang for your buck.

Savour Stampede Breakfasts

Another great way to kick off any Stampede morning is with a hot plate of pancakes. Ever since Wildhorse Jack began flipping pancakes from his chuckwagon back in 1923, holstering a hotcake has been an annual tradition. This year marks the 100th anniversary of every Calgarian’s favourite breakfast. While scouring the city for a plate piled high with butter and syrup may leave you with sticky fingers, nothing beats a stack of golden pancakes flipped by friendly faces in the community. To participate in this generous, fun-filled tradition, you only need to show up at one of the dozens of pancake breakfasts that are held across  the city.

Want some lively entertainment to go with your pancakes and maple syrup? Make a reservation at Cowboys Music Festival for Drag Me to Brunch (Saturday, July 15), featuring local talent and stars of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

Take in the Action at Stampede Park

Once you’ve filled up on your fair share of pancakes, mosey down to  Stampede Park for new and classic events.

The rodeo fun takes place daily, starting from 1:30 p.m., at GMC Stadium. Thrilling events include bull riding and barrel racing.

A variety of agriculture competitions are held at the Nutrien West Event Centre, including the Heavy Horse Show, Vintage Tractor Pull, and World Stock Dog Championships. With agriculture showcases of livestock from miniature donkeys to draft horses, learning about the diverse agriculture industry of Alberta has never been more fun and hands-on. After spending a significant proportion of my childhood Stampedes dragging my parents through the Horse Haven showcase, I guarantee you’ll be leaving the attraction with a half-baked plan to adopt a miniature pony (if you promise to walk it twice every day and clean up the carpet).

Be sure to check out the Competition Powwow in the Saddledome on July 12 and 13. Everyone is invited to the spectacular showcase of drumming, dancing, and signing from Indigenous competitors across Canada and the United States. Visit Elbow River Camp to see 26 tipis, eat bannock, support local artisans, and watch traditional dancing from the Kainai, Pikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations of Treaty 7. With the variety of cultures showcased at the Stampede, Elbow River Camp’s interpretive program can guide you through the traditions and culture of the Treaty 7 nations.

Still looking for more events at Stampede Park? Trade in your cowboy hat for a motorcycle helmet and watch the death-defying stunts at the Monster Energy Compound, cheer on canine athletes at the Dog Bowl, or appreciate the talents of the Stampede Showband.

Marvel at Midway Munchies

If all of the entertainment and agriculture fuels your hunger for saturated fats and dubious sugar-filled concoctions, follow your nose to the Stampede’s Midway food vendors. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, spicy, or completely out of this world, the Midway has you covered. Try a mash-up of a Canadian classic with a fairground staple like the Poutine Colossal Onion from Colossal Onion, or Elkeroni Pizza for a new flavour sensation. Don’t forget to balance your diet with some veggies in the form of Pickle Fries from Mr. Vegetable or Mexican Corn Ribs from Veggie Junk Food.

Craving some Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream to pair with your Neon Hot Dog? So Cute Ice Cream and Lil Pocket Dogs have you covered. Can’t decide between a refreshing boba tea or a sweet bag of mini donuts? Fret no more and try the Mini Donut Boba Lemonade from Family Squeezed Lemonade. While you’re at it, gulp down a Spicy Pickle Lemonade from Drink from a Fruit after a cheesy cup of Quesabirria Ramen from Salt Spring Noodle Bar. When it comes to Midway food, the only limit is your imagination (and the well being of your digestive system).

After your sugar crash hits, sit back and relax at the Bell Grandstand Show to witness the 100-year anniversary of the chuckwagons or the riveting bareback relay races with musical performances, acrobatics, stunts, pyrotechnics, and fireworks to follow. A new high-profile event for 2023 is pro wrestling’s AEW Collision (July 15).

Listen to Everything (Especially Rap and Country)

To get down and get funky, this year’s concert lineup is sure to get you on your feet. Mr. Worldwide himself, the only and only Pitbull, hits the Saddledome on July 7. After Pitbull, you’ll be “in a hurry” to recover and see Alabama perform on the same stage the very next night. If that’s not enough star power for you, head over to the Big Four Roadhouse to see DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neal) perform on July 7. Other Big Four Roadhouse performers include Lil Yachty and the X Ambassadors. In addition, Nashville North, the original Stampede party tent, boasts a jam-packed lineup and offers free entry with your admission to Stampede Park.

Looking for an all-ages concert? You’re in luck, because this year’s Coca-Cola stage lineup is absolutely stacked with popular artists. Watch Vance Joy, Tegan and Sara, Jimmy Eat World, Mother Mother, AJR, Death from Above 1979, Jessie Reyez, and Gayle at the venue that is conveniently located in Stampede Park. Best of all, there’s no admissions fee for the shows.

With so many new activities and the return of classic events, you should be eager to dust off your cowboy hat, shine your boots, and two-step down to partake in the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

MORE ABOUT THE 2023 CALGARY STAMPEDE

Dates: July 7-16
Ticket Prices: General admission (13-64 year olds) is $23; children under 7 can enter for free. Visit the Stampede website for full details.