It’s not too late to mosey on over to the 10-day Calgary Stampede, Canada’s longest and largest rodeo and exhibition. Dating back to 1912, the Stampede will attract more than a million visitors this year and bring an estimated economic impact of more than $2.00 spent in the surround areas for every $1.00 dropped inside the actual event boundaries.
And with a star-studded line-up of cowboys, concerts and entertainment slated for this year’s Stampede, it’s looking like a big win for everyone in Alberta and beyond. So, round up your boots and Wranglers™ and let’s find out more about the fun in store at Calgary Stampede 2015.
Getting Through the Gates
If at all possible, either carpool or take a shuttle to attend the Calgary Stampede. Not only is parking limited and a bit competitive, it can also get pricey, ranging from $25.00 to $30.00 per day. Locals can bike or take a bus. Those visiting from out of the area can generally take advantage of public transportation or shuttles more affordably. Admission to the park is only charged to those who haven’t already purchased tickets to other specific events like the Parade Day event, a rodeo event or a concert. These ticket packages include admission costs. For those who don’t have tickets to other events or are only there for the rides and carnival games at the Midway, General Admission rates are $18.00, with lower fees for senior citizens, children and others. For deals and discounts, be sure to check out Value Days or Deals to round up the savings.
Making Your Way Around
Stampede Park covers a lot of ground – more than 200 acres. Getting around may require a little personal logistics. The good news is that you can start out by planning ahead with this map of the Park that helps you locate the main areas. Once you arrive at the Park, there are maps posted and available for your convenience. Even though more than 70% of those who attend are locals, the event can change from year to year. You’ll likely need a little help getting around. There are four different ATMs located throughout the Park, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available for guests who need them.
You’ve Never Had a Better Free Breakfast!
Most people plan to spend anywhere between $150-400 during their stay at the Stampede. The good news is that, while you’re there, you should NEVER have to spend a penny on breakfast. There are a ton of places hosting free pancake breakfasts, often including extras like sausage and bacon and juice. There’s an app out there just for that called Flapjack Finder that will help you hunt them down. The Stampede is also famous for being on the cutting edge of fair food trends. In addition to all of the typical funnel cakes and corndogs, local foodies and vendors are always looking for the opportunity to unveil the next fried sensation. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find out where – exactly – to look for it using this Food Map created by the folks at the Stampede.
Concerts, Rodeos & Other Entertaining Events
It’s hard to think about cowboys without thinking about country music, and the Calgary Stampede has plenty of both. This year’s musical headliners include: Jason Greeley, Miranda Lambert, Alberta’s own Trevor Panczak, John Michael Montgomery, and Jason Aldean – just to name a few. Rodeo events happen daily in the Grandstand, from 1:15 until 4:00 in the afternoon. For information on other events – ranging from Tractor Pulls to Miniature Horse Shows – that will be underway on the days you’re planning to attend, you can check out the free event schedule online to break down your options by day and by hour. If you dig deep enough, you’ll find a ton of unexpected events that will appeal to a number of visitors who might be a little outside of the typical rodeo-event “box.”
Whether this will be your first visit or your five hundred and first, you’ve got until the 12th to giddy up on over to the Calgary Stampede.
By Jennifer G.
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