Here’s Why Calgary Becomes Stampede City for 10 Days Every Summer

The Calgary Stampede is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, but Western spirit and celebrations aren't restricted only to Stampede Park, where the event takes place. The Stampede is also about community spirit. The entire city gets in on the excitement for the 10-day festival, which has been an annual tradition for locals and visitors since 1912. Stampede Park is where you'll find the adrenaline-pumping midway, adventurous food, world-class entertainment and, of course, the famous rodeo. But the whole city comes alive in a way you won't experience any other time of year.

Western spirit

If you're flying in to the YYC Calgary International Airport during Stampede, get ready to be greeted by friendly volunteers in white cowboy hats and welcoming Western hospitality. That happens all year long, but that Western pride comes out in full force during Stampede. In the downtown core, business suits are replaced by jeans, boots and cowboy hats as everybody gets in the spirit (seriously, newbies to the city often balk at this, only to find themselves as the only suit in the boardroom). Companies host parties throughout the week, and it's the one time of the year it's completely excusable to come in a little late for work because you had a bit too much fun the night before.

For visitors, this means the city is primed for fun and hospitality everywhere. Calgary's popular entertainment districts, like 17th Avenue SW and Stephen Avenue, get in the Stampede spirit with plenty of Western-themed décor, food and drink specials.

Music

The usual Top 40 playlists you'll hear in bars and restaurants are often replaced by country melodies, and it's a great time to discover the talent of local musicians. Sure, the Saddledome, Cowboys Music Festival and Coca-Cola Stage are where you'll find the big-name acts, but check out venues like the Ironwood Stage & Grill, Palomino Smokehouse and The Palace Theatre (to name a few) to find your new favourite artist – country or not. There's also daily live music downtown, most often during lunch hour, on Stephen Avenue and in Fluor Rope Square at Olympic Plaza.

Pancakes, pancakes and more pancakes

Pancake breakfasts are a Stampede tradition. This means different outdoor events where pancakes are dished up for hundreds of people. You could eat pancakes at a different spot for all 10 days. Better yet? Pretty much all the pancake breakfasts held during Stampede are free. Just show up and enjoy – although dressing in Western style sure helps. There's an entire website dedicated to the pancake breakfasts – that's how popular they are. If you happen to be downtown, head to Stephen Avenue and Fluor Rope Square in Olympic Plaza for the famous chuckwagon breakfast. You also never know who you'll run into – like the Prime Minister of Canada.

The West comes downtown

You'll also find daily free activities made possible by a group of dedicated volunteers. The exact lineup changes year to year, but mainstays include square dancing (there's lessons if you need them), a flapjack flip competition and the Stampede Powwow. Members of the five tribes of Treaty 7 dress in traditional outfits and share their heritage. Afterwards, join them in the square for dance performances and demonstrations.