Things to do at the Calgary Stampede

Take in the Calgary Stampede Parade
The Stampede Parade is the official kickoff of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Giving just a taste of what you can expect at the Calgary Stampede, the parade is full of colorful floats and proud cowboys and cowgirls astride horses, all walking to the beat of a joyous marching band in downtown Calgary. It is a great display of the community spirit that takes over the city during Stampede.

Watch Rodeo Events
Seeing the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo is a must during a visit to the Calgary Stampede. The Stampede Rodeo features the world’s best competitors and animals. Every afternoon at 1:30 pm, watch cowboys and cowgirls face off in 6 different rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, and bareback. Every win builds towards Showdown Sunday where competitors are looking to score their share of $1.5 million dollars in prize winnings to be had.

Sample Some Wacky Food
The food alone (especially the BBQ stations) is worth a trip to the Calgary Stampede! With great food vendors offering traditional midway fare all the way to outlandish creations, it’s definitely a must-stop foodie destination of the summer.

Free Pancake Breakfasts
Rumour is that the Calgary Stampede has been associated with pancake breakfasts since 1923 when a local rancher began serving pancakes from his camp stove during the festivities to anyone who came by.