The Best Calgary Stampede Event Roundup – 2018
Can you hear the cheering from the Grandstand, or the happy screaming from the Midway rides? Do you smell the pancakes and mini donuts? The Calgary Stampede hits the city from July 6-15, 2018 and we can’t wait for another round.
As longtime members of the Calgary community, the team at Maple Leaf has chosen some of our favourite events we think you’ll enjoy this year:
Best pancake breakfasts
Best western events
- Bareback Riding
- July 5-15 at the Grandstand
- With no saddle–and only holding on with one hand–riders must stay on the horse for at least 8 seconds. You’ll be on the edge of your seat!
- Heavy Horse Show
- July 5-11 at the Northern Lights Arena
- Get a taste of the Old West as you watch some of the world’s biggest horse breeds compete in halter and driving classes. You can also take the kids to visit the gentle giants between shows in the Agriculture Barn.
- Working Cow Horse Classic
- July 12-13 at the Nutrien Western Event Centre
- Watch experienced riders and horses manoeuvre a cow with agility and skill.
- World Stock Dog Championship
- July 10-11 at the Nutrien Western Event Centre
- Watch these dogs herd sheep through a challenging course in just a couple of minutes.
Best family fun
- BMO Kids Zone
- July 5-15 at BMO Centre by the Stampede Corral
- Face painting, costumed characters and cool performances make this the perfect rest stop for any family.
- Shepherds Haven
- July 6-15 at Victoria Pavilion
- This free area comes with old-fashioned fair games, wool washing, and other exhibits for kids.
- Canine Stars at the Dog Bowl
- July 5-15 at the Stampede Corral
- Watch these talented, well-trained pooches run and jump through obstacle courses and agility challenges.
- Traditional Storytelling
- July 8-9, 11, 13, 15 at the Indian Village
- Relax, close your eyes, and listen to traditional storytelling.
Best musical acts
- Luke Bryan
- July 14 at the Saddledome
- One of today’s biggest country stars, tickets to Luke Bryan start at $59.99.
- DJ Shub
- July 14 at the Coca-Cola Stage
- Best known for his work with A Tribe Called Red, DJ Shub merges traditional tribal music with electronic dance jams.
- The Road Hammers
- July 10 at Nashville North
- The ‘highest selling Canadian country band in history’ has won multiple awards over their career and keeps making Alberta proud with its blend of classic rock and country.
- Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
- July 6 at the Coca-Cola Stage
- This talented duo recently won CTV’s ‘The Launch’ with their memorable vocal style and unique songwriting that defies genres (you’ll hear electronic, pop, hip-hop, jazz and more).
Best daily events
- The Grandstand Show
- July 6-15 at the Grandstand
- The show turns 50 this year, and you can expect every night’s performance to feature even more incredible singers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, and athletes than ever before. Don’t miss the Evening Show and chuckwagon races beforehand!
- The Stampede Market
- July 6-15 at BMO Centre
- From food and drinks, cowboy hats, western wear and souvenirs to handmade local goods and cooking demonstrations, the market has something for everyone.
Get in for free
Cenovus Family Day is Sunday, July 8, and everyone gets free entry and food from 8-11 am!
- For kids: BMO Kids Day: Wednesday, July 11
- Kids 12 and under (and their parents!) get free entry from 7-9 am, or $2 entry for kids under 12 the rest of the day
- For seniors (65+): McDonald’s Community Day: Tuesday, July 10
- Free admission all day
- For all other adults and teens: McDonald’s Community Day: Tuesday, July 10
- $2 admission from 10-2
How many days will you attend Stampede this year? We hope to see you there!
Share