Well, cowfolk, it’s that time again! The Calgary Stampede has officially kicked off and like so many of you, we’re ready to giddy it up – but not without a little prep work.
Over these next 10 days, the city will be abuzz with a TON going on day and night, no matter the weather and to some that might be a tad overwhelming, but we’ve got you.
Here’s your complete guide to the ‘2023 Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.’
PANCAKE BREAKFASTS
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From city’s end to city’s end, Calgary runs on maple syrup and flapjacks during the Stampede. Luckily, there will be no shortage of fluffy cakes to go around.
For a complete list of pancake breakfasts happening this week and the next hit the link above – and don’t forget to wear your stretchiest pants!
WHAT TO WEAR
From modern cuts to futuristic fabrics, the Stampede is your chance to seriously embrace fashion. While many will opt for a timeless Western look, quirky trends, fabrics and vintage finds are also ‘in’ this year.
If of course, you’re in need of a fit, we’d recommend checking out the following stores:
REFORMATION POP-UP
When: Until August 27th, 2023
Where: 510 8 Ave SW, Calgary
Instagram: @reformation
ALBERTA BOOT COMPANY
Where: 121 10th Ave SE, Calgary
Instagram: @albertabootco
HEIST BOUTIQUE
Where: 430 Na’a Common SW, Calgary
Instagram: @heistboutique
LAMMLES
Where: See locations here
Instagram: @lammleswesternwear
CONCERTS & EVENT TENTS
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Whether you choose to hit one of the FREE-with-admission events like the Coke stage, Nashville North and the Big Four Roadhouse or one of the many, MANY concerts happening at the Cowboys Music Festival or the Badlands Music Festival – you are in for some incredible performances.
For our complete rundown of tents and concerts check out the link above, but here are just a few artists that you can catch in Calgary this year:
- Elle King and Robyn Ottolini – Nashville North
- Ashanti – National Saloon
- Big Boi – Big Four Roadhouse
- Alabama – Scotiabank Saddledome
- Orville Peck and Charley Crockett – The Coca-Cola Stage
- Lil Yachty – Big Four Roadhouse
- The Kid Laroi and Thomas Wesley – Cowboys Music Festival
- DJ Diesel – Big Four Roadhouse
- Tegan and Sara, Death From Above 1979 – The Coca-Cola Stage
- Broken Social Scene, Manchester Orchestra, Jimmy Eat World – The Coca-Cola Stage
- Zeds Dead, Capozzi, Keys N Krates, Nghtmre, Mauvey, Ikky – The Coca-Cola Stage
- Rick Ross and Tyga – Badlands Music Festival
- Lord Huron, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Donivan Woods, Wild Rivers and Begonia- Big Four Roadhouse
- Jack Harlow – Cowboys Music Festival
FIREWORKS AND SHOWS
If you know – then you know. While much of the fun is found on the midway, the coolest sights can be sought out at one of the many shows happening on the grounds and around the city. Here’s when and where you can catch some of the action in 2023.
FIREWORKS
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When: Friday, July 7th-16th, 2023
Where: See link above
Time: 11 pm
Cost: FREE
GRANDSTAND
When: Friday, July 7th-16th, 2023
Where: GMC Stadium – 3 St SE, Calgary
Time: 7:45 pm
Cost: $60+
RODEO
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When: Friday, July 7th-16th, 2023
Where: GMC Stadium – 3 St SE, Calgary
Time: 1:30 pm
Cost: $50+
STAMPEDE POWWOW
When: Wednesday, July 12th-13th, 2023
Where: Calgary Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
Cost: FREE with admission
PARKING
While we’d actually recommend taking the C-train to the Stampede, parking is available to those who need it.
For a spot close to the grounds, the Calgary Stampede does has public parking available for day use for $30 per entry.
Vehicles can be left overnight but must be removed by 8 am the next day.
You’re also able to park in and around downtown – but prices and availability vary.
MIDWAY AND FOOD
FOOD
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From corndogs to lemonade, this year’s Stampede Midway has an insanely unique menu of deep-fried and daring foods that will both delight and concern you. Hit the link above for just some of the wacky eats you can indulge in at this year’s event.
MIDWAY
For classic games like whack-a-mole and exhilarating rides, the Midway is THE place. This year, take a spin on the Ferris Wheel, put your luck to the test and work together to win prizes. You’ll probably lose – but hey, that’s half of the fun.
Here’s how much it’ll cost to climb aboard coasters and carts at the Stampede this year:
- 1 Coupon – $1
- 11 Coupons – $10
- 22 Coupons – $20
- 55 Coupons – $50
CURING YOUR INEVITABLE HANGOVER
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We’re not going to lie, while the event itself is a grand time – the morning after can be unkind.
Our advice? While there’s not a one size fits all approach to a wicked hangover, we’d recommend that you drink one glass of water for every beer you have at the garden, don’t take your first sip until AFTER you’ve hit the Polar Express ride, and keep your liquor to greasy food to electrolyte ratio relatively even.
If all else fails though, mobile service, Numi, offers IV Nutrient Therapy for hydration, recovery and more. Good luck!
It’s going to be a wild 10 days, friends. Please be safe, be smart and enjoy yourselves! It’s not every day that the Stampede comes around.
