Top 5 MUST DO's at the Calgary Stampede

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth officially kicks off today. There's so much to see and experience over the 10-days of cowboy fun:

Check out the Stampede Parade

The annual parade will get going this morning being led by parade marshal Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. More than 150 entries with a Western theme are displayed in the parade each year, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses, and 4,000 spectators.

Feast on the amazing & unique Midway food

A Kool-Aid chicken burger, neon hotdogs and ketchup or mustard ice cream are just a few of the items only found at The Calgary Stampede.

The Stampede will showcase all the usual food favourites but there is always something new and exciting. 

"It's a new experience for everyone, whether it's your first time coming to Stampede, or whether it's your 50th time coming to Stampede," said Kyle Russell, director of Stampede programming.

Go to one of the amazing free shows

Snagging your Calgary Stampede ticket at the gates unlocks a variety of daily and nightly shows and concerts.

"One of those is the Stage of Wonders which features The Grand Illusionist Magic Show and an aerial circus show called the Soar Aerial Circus." 

The Calgary Stampede is known to play host to some of the biggest and best country acts.

"Nashville North is of course one of the most popular venues. Not only at Stampede Park but across Calgary and across Canada. It's a really renowned music venue and a really renowned party tent."

Some of the performers this year include Billy Currington, Dallas Smith, Elle King, High Valley, James Barker Band and Tenille Arts. 

"The Big Four Roadhouse is one of the greatest parties that we've got on Stampede Park," said Russell, "You'll have a chance to see today's hitmakers like Cheat Codes or Lil Yachty or some favourites from the past like Cypress Hill. And of course, we've got some great DJs coming in like DJ Pauly D and Diesel (AKA Shaquille O'Neal)."

Saddle up for cowboy action

The rodeo is one of the Calgary Stampede's biggest events. It attracts some of the top rodeo contestants in the world for events like saddle bronc, bull riding, and barrel racing.

We're really excited about the Cowboy Up Challenge.

"It is a multi-faceted equestrian sporting event. This showcases both horses and riders as they manoeuvre through a series of obstacles. It's held in the Nutrien Western Event Centre. If you are a first-time Stampede goer, this really shows some of our western heritage but also some of the modern cowboy that you would love to see."

Finish with a boom and the Grandstand Show

You name it, the Bell Grandstand Show has it; fireworks, music, dancing, acrobatics, and more. As the sun sets over Stampede Park, an incredible scene takes place on the grandstand as part of an exciting double-header evening performance that also features thunderous chuckwagons.

For more information on the Calgary Stampede, check out their website.