CALGARY STAMPEDE 2023: WVT’S MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMER
Stampede awaits! Yeehaw!
Get ready for an explosion of excitement, and buckle up your boots! Calgary Stampede, the wild, wild event of the West, happens every July for 10 days! The 2023 dates are July 7-16, and it’s a rodeo ride you won’t want to miss. This quick guide has got you covered from the brim to boot with all the juicy details and insider info to turn your trip into the best dang adventure you’ve ever had. So grab your cowboy hat and saddle up – the Calgary Stampede isn’t just an event; it’s THE event that deserves a gold-star spot on your bucket list.
Strap in for an action-packed adventure with countless sights and things to do at the Calgary Stampede. No matter what, there are some experiences you can’t miss. If you’re a rookie to “The Greatest Outdoor Show” on Earth, this blog post is your golden ticket to a memorable first trip. For the seasoned attendees, consider this a friendly reminder of all the fun in store!
Quick heads-up for the lucky West Village Towers residents, you’re practically neighbours with the event. Just minutes away, you’re in prime position to kick off the Stampede with a front-row seat to the parade on opening day. And let’s not forget the icing on the pancake – yes, we’re talking about the traditional pancake breakfast hosted at the Towers, exclusively for the residents. Now, how’s that for a Stampede starter pack? Let’s get this party started!
The Pancake Breakfasts
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede
Pancake breakfasts and Calgary Stampede go hand in hand – they’re as much a part of the tradition as the rodeo itself. Not only do these breakfasts serve up some mouth-watering pancakes (bacon pancakes, anyone?), but they’re also perfect for mingling, fundraising, fueling up for the day, or simply enjoying a hearty meal with the family.
Every year, you can find around 100 of these delightful events scattered across the city, each bringing its unique flavour to the table. Some even come with a side of bouncy castles for the kiddos!
Pro tip: With so many Stampede breakfasts, planning can be a maze. Use the Stampede breakfast calendar for easy organization.
Calgary Stampede Parade
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede
Since its debut in 1912, the Calgary Stampede Parade has been a cornerstone of Calgary’s most exciting traditions, perfectly setting the stage for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Downtown Calgary comes alive, and traffic pauses as a sea of 350,000 spectators immerse themselves in the festivities.
This two-hour spectacle dazzles with vibrant floats, majestic horses, and electrifying marching bands. The parade has had its fair share of illustrious marshals – from Walt Disney and William Shatner to Jann Arden and Kevin Costner, it’s quite a star-studded list!
Calgary Stampede Rodeo
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede
Prepare to witness the true stars of the Calgary Stampede – the rodeo! This is where the finest cowboys and cowgirls showcase their incredible skills and compete head-to-head in a thrilling arena showdown. From the heart-pounding bull riding to the electrifying saddle bronc events, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as these fearless athletes give it their all. Get ready for a jaw-dropping display of talent and a wild ride of excitement!
The Concerts
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede
Don’t miss out on the incredible lineup of concerts at the Calgary Stampede! With so many fantastic performances, it’s practically impossible not to attend at least one. From intimate shows in various tents to larger venues like The Big 4 and the Saddledome, the options are endless. Keep your eyes peeled for lesser-known acts rocking the stages of local pubs and bars. While many concerts require tickets, here’s a little gem for you: The Coca-Cola Stage, located right on the grounds, offers free admission and hosts various popular shows every night. This year, we’re in for a treat with Tegan and Sara taking the spotlight. Get ready to sing along and dance the night away!
Calgary Stampede Tents
📸Credit: DailyHive
Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate party atmosphere as you explore all the great tents at the Calgary Stampede. These vibrant spaces are where the true spirit of celebration comes alive. With live music, bustling bars, refreshing beer tubs, and countless other delights, each tent offers a unique experience while staying true to the cowboy vibes.
Be prepared for extreme crowd excitement, as many of these tents can accommodate over 2,000 enthusiastic party-goers. It’s common to see lines stretching down the block, showcasing the high demand and undeniable allure of these Stampede hotspots. Located right in the city’s heart, these tents are impossible to miss.
So slip on your boots and don your finest attire because it’s time to join in on the revelry and let loose at the Calgary Stampede tents!
Ride at the Midway
📸Credit: DailyHive
Get your heart racing by hopping on a ride at the midway! Whether you crave the adrenaline or prefer a more relaxed experience, there’s something for everyone. Ride enthusiasts can tackle as many thrilling attractions as possible while enjoying pizza-on-a-stick and aiming for carnival prizes. If rides aren’t your cup of tea, conquer the mildest and claim victory. And for a touch of romance, don’t miss the world’s giant Ferris wheel, making its debut on the midway in 2022. Prepare for the excitement, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments at the Calgary Stampede!
Food at the Calgary Stampede
📸Credit: DailyHive
Indulge in a gastronomic adventure at the Calgary Stampede! While you can savour all the beloved carnival classics, it’s the innovative and peculiar creations at the new midway food stalls that truly captivate everyone’s attention. These unique culinary delights, often available for a limited time, push the boundaries of taste and imagination. Imagine funnel cake poutine, scorpion pizza, or even mac ‘n’ cheese soft serve! Each spring, locals eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the latest creations. Brace yourself because this year promises to deliver the wildest and weirdest collection yet. Get your taste buds ready for an unforgettable experience at the Calgary Stampede!
Treat Yourself to Free Barbecues
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede/DailyHive
Enjoy the incredible free barbecues at the Calgary Stampede to the fullest! These laid-back backyard-style gatherings, scheduled at a more convenient time, offer a golden chance to indulge in delectable barbecue delights. Embrace the warm communal atmosphere, delight in the fantastic flavours, and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Stampede. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savour the mouthwatering, authentic southern-style barbecue before the festival comes to a close. Your taste buds will thank you!
Grab A Drink (or two)
📸Credit: DailyHive
Make sure you’re in the know about the top spots to grab a drink during the Stampede – it’s a must! Calgary’s bar scene truly comes alive during this time, with a thriving array of options. Pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, tents, taverns, patios, saloons, and more are all within walking distance of the Stampede grounds. The key is to decide on the vibe you’re seeking, as each establishment offers its unique atmosphere. So, get ready to raise a glass and immerse yourself in the vibrant drink scene of Calgary during the Stampede.
Dance Your Heart Out
📸Credit: DailyHive
Put on your dancing boots and head to a honky tonk for some exhilarating line dancing! YYC (Calgary) is home to some of the best country bars for dancing in Canada, and during the Stampede, they are considered the best in the world. With numerous venues, you can two-step, do-si-do, and line dance the night away. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning the steps, there’s something magical about dancing to country music with a crowd of enthusiastic people in the middle of summer. It’s an absolute must-do experience at the Stampede!
Calgary Stampede Evening Show
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede
Get ready for the unforgettable Calgary Stampede Evening Show, taking place nightly at 7:45 p.m. 2023 marks a special milestone celebrating 100 years of the iconic Chuckwagon Races at the Cowboys Rangeland Derby. Since 1923, Chuckwagon Racing has been at the heart of the Calgary Stampede, and this July promises exciting festivities to commemorate this historic sport!
After the thunderous finish of the chuckwagon races, prepare to be dazzled by the Bell Grandstand Show. Featuring elaborate song and dance numbers, mesmerizing acrobatics, and an awe-inspiring fireworks finale lighting up the night sky, this show will leave you in awe! Don’t forget; when you purchase Evening Show tickets in advance, they also include admission to Stampede Park on the same day. It’s an all-inclusive experience you won’t want to miss!
Ready, set, Stampede!
📸Credit: Calgary Stampede
In a nutshell, it’s time to get your Stampede game on! Whether you’re prepping for this year’s festivities or already plotting for next year, these timeless tips will keep you rocking. Here at the vibrant West Village Tower Community, we feel beyond blessed to be smack dab in the heart of all the excitement in our backyard. Life in the towers? Well, let’s say it’s pure perfection for us! So saddle up and join the wild ride – Yeehaw! Stampede’s in town, don’t miss out!