Saddle up, YYC! Bigger and better than ever, the Calgary Stampede is back and only days away. Despite the historic cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will go on without a hitch (fingers crossed) – solidifying its place as the very first major in-person event held in Canada since last year.
That’s crazy, but we’re willing to bet that you didn’t come here to reminisce. You want the deets, so without further adieu, for those of you who are ready to giddy up for a rowdy time – here are 12 things that you have to do at this year’s Stampede!
EAT YOUR WAY DOWN THE MIDWAY
From pickle lemonade to Flaming Hot Cheeto mini donuts, this year’s Stampede Midway has an insanely unique menu of wild, sweet, spicy, and saucy foods that will completely blow your mind – of course, that shouldn’t be at all surprising. It is tradition! For the complete list of food and drinks, you can check out The Calgary Stampede’s official website above.
CHECK OUT NASHVILLE NORTH
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Live music? It’s been so long! This year, check out the COVID-safe Nashville North tent for a lineup of incredible country artists from all over Canada. Not sure who’s hitting the 2021 stage? You can view the complete rundown of all 40 musicians here.
HIT THE STAMPEDE SUMMER STAGE
We get it. For some of you, country music just isn’t your vibe – even during Stampede week. Luckily, this event has an entirely different stage where you can sway and bop along to artists like The Trews, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and Mariana’s Trench (to name a few).
GRAB SOME GRUB AT A STAMPEDE BREAKFAST
Is there a better way to kick off a day of Stampeding than with a pancake breakfast? Covered in butter and syrup, flapjacks are the Stampedes unofficially official food, ask anyone! Though most totally FREE events are held off-park, it was still worth adding as part of the list.
CATCH THE FIREWORKS
An explosive display of resilience and community, the Calgary Stampede fireworks are a ‘can’t-miss’ item. Every night just like clockwork, Calgarians can catch an incredible show high above the grounds guaranteed to take your breath away.
WATCH THE RODEO
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This is where it all started, folks! Get ready, because the ICONIC Calgary Stampede rodeo (the largest of its kind in the world) is back again and you have to check it out. There’s nothing quite like it, folks!
SCREAM YOURSELF SILLY ON THE RIDES
From the Zipper to our long-time favourite, The Crazy Mouse, the greatest outdoor show on earth is so much more than horses and BBQ – it’s also rides and games! Even if you choose to only ride one or two this year, do not miss your chance to buckle in and get your adrenaline going.
STREAM THE PARADE
Despite looking a little bit different this year, the Calgary Stampede parade is THE way to kick off the 10-day celebration. Year after year, Calgarians flood the streets to wave at floats passing by, listen to music and appreciate the incredible marshall (hand-chosen every year) and their incredible accomplishments but this time around they’re going virtual! For more information check out the link above!
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SNAG A TICKET TO THE EVENING SHOW
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Dancing, Singing, Acting, pyrotechnics and Country legend, Terri Clarke. This year’s (first ever) evening show is expected to be an amazing spectacle of talent and pride – celebrating the very best of the Calgary Stampede and everything it stands for. We can’t wait to see what they have hidden under their hats!
CATCH THE DOG BOWL
In the event that horses just aren’t your thing, you have to check out the Dog Bowl. Here you’ll be able to watch the sweetest angel babies jump, attempt to break records and saunter around with wth cute little noses and more grace and coordination than we’ll have in our entire lifetimes. This is definitely worth checking out.
PET THE FARM ANIMALS AT THE AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE
Already checked out the dog bowl? Miss one of their three daily shows? Instead hit the agriculture showcase! From sheep and cows to pigs and more get up close and personal with some of the sweetest fur-babies in and around the grounds.
SIP ON A STAMPEDE THEMED CAESAR
Alright, so this is another one that won’t be found on the grounds but is worth checking out! This Friday, until the 18th restaurants all over the inner city, will be selling their takes on the caesar all for a good cause. Yum. Want to know who will be putting their one-of-a-kind flavours on the market? Visit the link above!
There you have it, Calgary! 12 things that you have to do at this year’s Stampede! Have fun, be safe and enjoy!
