The Calgary Stampede is touted as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This summer festival boasts a midway, agricultural competitions, concerts, Indigenous celebrations, and, of course, the famous rodeo. A lot has changed over the years. The rodeo and evening show now includes exciting Indigenous Relay and chuckwagon races. New this year, the famous rodeo will include women's breakaway roping! This exciting sport is one of the fastest growing rodeo events. It's fast, it's fun, but don't blink or you'll miss it!

This year, the Calgary Stampede is happening July 4 to 13, 2025. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime!

The History

In 1886, the Calgary and District Agricultural Society held a fair that attracted a large number of residents. This became the roots for the Calgary Stampede. In 1912, the first rodeo was included in the event. By the 1920s, Guy Weadick and Flores LaDue, champion trick ropers, grew the Stampede and rodeo towards the annual event it is today. Over the years, Stampede became a high-paying rodeo alongside an exciting 10-day festival that includes chuckwagon racing, a parade, concerts, a midway, a trade show, Indigenous dancing and celebrations, and so much more. Today, Stampede attracts over a million people to celebrate the western tradition and agricultural roots of Calgary and Alberta.

The Excitement

Pretty much everybody in town dons a pair of cowboy boots, a white cowboy hat, and blue jeans for the 10 days of Stampede. In 1923, Guy Weadick and Flores LaDue encouraged people in the city of Calgary to dress up and to decorate their businesses like the wild west. Thus began the tradition of turning Calgary into cowboy central for the 10 days of Stampede. 

The Community

The Calgary Stampede is a community event that reflects the spirit of the city. The whole thing is organized by about 3,000 volunteers. The event has an unpaid board of directors as well as committees for every aspect of the festival. The event provides opportunities for youth in programs like the Stampede Showband, Stampede Showriders, and the Young Canadians School of Performing Arts.

What's more, there are thousands of pancake breakfasts hosted throughout the city. These breakfasts are a great way for everyone to sit down and connect with one another. The spirit of the event is about connection to community. It's a great way to make new friends and catch up with some old ones as well. 

Learn more about the Calgary Stampede by visiting Sam Centre. This immersive museum holds the excitement of Stampede all year long.

Kate Barker