After a year of anticipation, it’s finally here! The Stampede kicks off on Friday, July 5th and there is a ton happening in and around the city. From the midway and concerts to festivals and the parade, here are 15 of the very best things to do in Calgary this weekend.
Mexifest
If you love to dance, eat, and shop, but don’t want to hit the grounds, check out Mexifest! From the 4th to the 7th, enjoy live performances, luchador wrestling, authentic food and drink, an artisan market and a kid’s area – you’re going to have a blast!
When: Thursday, July 4th – 7th, 2024
Where: 311 8 St SW Along the river pathway on the corner of 4th Ave and 9 Street
Cost: Free
The Calgary Stampede Parade
There’s no better way to welcome the 2024 Stampede than with live entertainment, vibrant colours and special guests! This weekend, check out the annual Calgary Stampede Parade – a must-see event featuring floats, performers and crowds of people.
When: Friday, July 5th, 2024
Where: Downtown Calgary – see route here
Time: 9 am (prelude starts at 7:30 am)
Cost: Free
Sponsored pick: ACE High Stampede Kickoff
The Ace High Stampede Kickoff is back for its 3rd year with a mission of serving up great bites and good times. Kick-off Stampede in style with an upscale Western garden party that raises money for the Trellis Society, a local nonprofit that provides community services in Calgary. The event will take place in Inglewood at the historic Deane House and features live music along with tasty food and drinks. Get your tickets before they sell out!
When: Friday, July 5th, 2024
Where: The Deane House, 806 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Cost: $275 per person
Discovery Canyon
Can’t take the heat? If you’re up for a drive, hit Discovery Canyon and sail the lazy river or go golfing on their course. There’s an entire day’s worth of fun stuff to do – for less!
When: Open now
Where: 3800 River Bend Drive Red Deer County, Alberta
Cost: Free + $6 tube rentals
Sponsored pick: Burwood Music Festival
Calgary’s biggest outdoor party is only a few months away, and if you’re planning your tent visits, you need to add this one to your list. The Burwood Music Festival is the Stampede’s newest tent. Located at the Currie Barracks and only 6 minutes from downtown, the lineup includes artists like Buckcherry, Gary Levox from Rascal Flatts, Tim Hicks, and more to be announced!
When: Thursday, July 4th – Sunday, July 14th, 2024
Where: 2520 Caen Ave SW
Cost: General admissions tickets start at $15
The Calgary Stampede
The main event! This weekend you can get down and dirty at the most anticipated event of the year – the Calgary Stampede. Want to save a few dollars? Check out FREE days Friday, July 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 2024.
When: Friday, July 5th – 14th, 2024
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $23+
Sponsored pick: Spruce Meadows – The ‘North American’
The ‘North American’ at Spruce Meadows offers fun activities for the whole family! From July 3 to 7, experience top show jumping, the CGI Kids Zone with bouncy castles and mini barn animals, face painting with Pinnovate, live music and more! Plus, brand new this year: Huntley Oaks at the Sun Life Derby! Don’t miss the social party of the year, with a limited number of tickets in the Canada House VIP venue next to the International Ring! Tickets start at just $10 for general admission, with reserved seating and VIP options available.
Where: Spruce Meadows
When: July 3 to 7
Cost: $10.00 and up
Cowboys Music Festival
Dance, drink, and sing along. The Cowboys Music Festival is back and this year’s lineup features Tate McRae, Big Sean, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Metro Boomin (just to name a few). Get your tickets now!
When: Thursday, July 4th – 14th, 2024
Where: Calgary, Alberta
Cost: Varies
Sponsored pick: Goodwill Thrifting Hall Of Fame 2024
The Goodwill Thrifting Hall of Fame is back for its 3rd year and they’re currently accepting nominations! There are six different categories including Antique Finds, Fashionable Finds, Donor of the Year and more. Nominate a thrifting legend you know (Pro tip: it can be you). Winners will take home a grand prize package and trophy and the chance to attend a live award ceremony in their honour. Talk about bragging rights!
When: Nominations open until July 28, 2024
CF Chinook Mall 64th Annual Stampede Breakfast
Nothing beats the sweet smell of maple in the morning and this summer, hungry grounds-goers will be encouraged to check out CF Chinook for a plate of FREE flapjacks Enjoy!
When: Saturday, July 6th, 2024
Where: 6455 Macleod Trail SW
Time: 7 am – 11 am
Cost: Free
Sponsored pick: IHOP introduces new breakfast pancake tacos to celebrate Stampede week
Pancake lovers rejoice! IHOP is celebrating the upcoming Calgary Stampede by introducing new limited-edition pancake breakfast tacos. Inspired by Western-style cuisine, this new menu item will be available for foodies and rodeo lovers to try from July 5 to 14 at select locations across Calgary
When: July 5 to 14
Where: Select IHOP locations in Calgary
Cost: $12.99 for each Pancake Taco Creation
Canyon Ski Resort Summer Tube Slide
Seeking an adrenaline rush but don’t want to wait in line at the SuperWheel? Canyon Ski Resort is an action-packed destination with Alberta’s first and only alpine coaster and the longest summer tube slide in Western Canada!
When: Open now
Where: 38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer, Alberta
Cost: $5+
Sponsored pick: Liquid I.V. at Badlands
Don’t miss a beat this summer! Summer is all about the essentials and festivals, so make sure to stop by the Liquid I.V. activation at the Badlands Music Festival. You can try delicious flavours like Lemon Lime and Strawberry, visit the LIV More Store and earn exclusive swag by posting social content. With just one stick and 500 ml of water, the Hydration Multiplier® is convenient, delicious, and a festival must-have to keep you hydrated and fueled for all the fun!
When: Thursday, July 4 – 14th
Where: Badlands Music Festival
Honky Tonk Market
Still don’t have the perfect hat, pair of boots, or accessory for the Stampede? Featuring live music, a ton of vendors, western-inspired vintage clothing, accessories, decor and more, Calgarians are encouraged to check out the big Honky Tonk Market this weekend.
When: Saturday, July 6th-7th, 2024
Where: 314 12 Ave SE, Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
Cost: Free
The Badlands Music Festival
Lace up your dancing shoes, Calgary. The Badlands Music Festival has returned and 2024 features a ton of incredible artists including Thomas Wesley (AKA Diplo), John Summit and many more.
When: Thursday, July 4th – 14th, 2024
Where: 840 9 Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: Varies
Winsport’s Mini Golf
Looking for a day of fun and sun? Head to Winsport’s 18-hole course, where a competitive spirit is rewarded. Good luck and enjoy.
Where: 168 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary
Cost: $13+
