What to check out at the Calgary Stampede grounds
Are you a long time Stampeder? Or maybe it's your first year? Look no further. Find out what to see and where to go from July 5 to 15 to get your Stampede on!
Parade Day
Join us Friday, July 5, for the official kick-off of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth: the Calgary Stampede Parade. Each year the Parade showcases more than 150 western-themed entries, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses and 4,000 people. It's not just a Parade marching down an avenue; it's a march through tradition, history and local Calgary culture. If you can't make it down to the parade, be sure to tune in to CBC Television from 9-11a.m. on July 5 to watch the Stampede Parade hosted by our very own Doug Dirks and Angela Knight.
Elbow River Camp
When you come to Elbow River Camp, know that you are part of a 107-year tradition. Experience the traditions and cultures of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut'ina, and Stoney Nakoda First Nations in Elbow River Camp presented by Enbridge. Every day, a few tipis are open to visitors between 1:00pm and 7:00pm. Tipi owners display family heirlooms like buckskin outfits, intricate beadwork, and other traditional items in their tipis on these days. If you see a "tipi open" sign, please feel free to enter the tipi, see all the items on display, and talk with the folks inside. While you're visiting Elbow River Camp, be wowed by authentic programming, renew old friendships, talk with the Interpreters, taste delicious bannock, and enjoy powwow dancing.
Chuckwagon and Grandstand show
Witness the heart-stopping action of the Chuckwagon Races--with over nine nightly heats as 36 chuckwagon drivers, supported by their outriders and 216 horses vie for $1.45 million in total prize money. Races start nightly at 7:45 PM and are followed by the world-famous Bell Grandstand Show.
Bulls After Dark
You won't want to miss the first ever Bulls After Dark. When the sun goes down, the bulls will come out for the ultimate adrenaline-fueled party at Stampede 2019. Prepare yourself for 60 seconds of pure adrenaline as you witness this daring dance in the dirt. In this popular extreme sport, the cowboy's goal is to pull off risky flips, jumps and outrageous stunts all while dodging the bull's powerful charge.
Rodeo
The calibre of a rodeo comes down to two things: the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses, bulls and steers. The Stampede Rodeo features the world's best competitors and animals. Every afternoon at 1:30 PM, cowboys and cowgirls face off in a furious display of skill and grit, with every win building toward Showdown Sunday—the World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo.
Western Events & Agriculture
From the majestic beauty of the Stampede horses to the adorable clumsiness of the farm goats, animals are the heartbeat and passion of the Calgary Stampede. Check out all of the Calgary Stampede Western Events & Agriculture here.
Western Oasis
Escape the heat! Surround yourself in a cool oasis of beautiful plants and water features at the Western Oasis and enjoy local music, art, crafts, and food and wine selections.
And the best part about these events? We're giving away tickets to each of them. For your chance to win, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You can also win by tuning in to CBC Radio One's the Calgary Eyeopener and The Homestretch on 99.1 FM or 1010 AM in Calgary.