The Calgary Stampede is one of the funnest parties in Calgary, but it can also be one of the priciest. Thankfully, dear reader, there are many ways to save a few bucks while enjoying the greatest outdoor show on earth.
Save on admission
There are various ways to get in the gates of the Stampede without needing to take out a loan.
Visit a Circle K store during the Stampede, to grab two Coca-Colas and two gate admissions that can be used any time for around $30.
If you’re a super dedicated stampeder, the Superpass is your best friend. For only $49, you gain admission for all 10 days (plus the Sneak-A-Peek) of the Stampede! You can grab a Superpass at participating Safeway, Sobey’s, IGA, FreshCo, and Chalo stores.
The Stampede also offers several discount and free days. On Sneak-A-Peek day, July 4, visit the Stampede grounds for half-price. If you head to the ground straight from the parade on July 5, admission is free. July 7 is Tim Horton’s Family Day with free admission until 11 a.m., July 9 offers free admission between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for TC Energy Community Day. And July 10 has free admission for anyone until 10 a.m. and free entry for kids all day!
Save money on the grounds
With some planning and forethought, you can roam the Stampede grounds without breaking the bank.
If you have a Costco membership, you already know the value of a good deal. So hit your local store during the Stampede and grab a book of Stampede Bucks. You get $50 of coupons redeemable on the grounds for everything from rides to the grandstand, for only $39.99. That’s 20 per cent in savings!
Grab a Ride All Day card from Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, or FreshCo Chalo. Priced at $44.99, these cards grant unlimited access to all N.A.M.E midway attractions, games, and the WestJet Skyride. This is a great deal if your kids want to ride the log ride again and again.
If you’re hungry, cruise to Weadickville for cheap eats and drinks. You can get hot dogs, Slurpees, and other treats here for much lower prices than the rest of the grounds. Or, if you want to truly earn your Cheapskate status, pack your own snacks.
Free events at the Stampede
Once you get past the gates, there are many free things to do, see, and hear at the Stampede.
If music is your jam, keep an eye out for roving performances from both the Stampede Showband and the Band of Outriders. Each periodically marches through the park and performs at various locales, from the Saddledome’s steps to the Agricultural Center’s entrance. The Coke Stage is, of course, also an excellent option for tunes and fun.
The Nutrien West Event Centre is a great time for the kids and kids at heart, as they can walk through and interact with various animals. The BMO Centre Market is also fun to explore, with many vendors offering free samples and mini-shows. Visit the Western Oasis and enjoy beautiful art and music performances including duelling pianos throughout the Stampede. And this year the BMO Stage of Wonders will feature performances by Calgary’s own Cirque de la Nuit… These are also all great spots to escape blistering heat or sudden downpours!
Swing by the Elbow River Camp and take in traditional dances and music of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina First Nations people.
The Monster Energy Compound offers high-octane fun throughout Stampede, without the ticket fee of the rodeo. From stunt motorbike riders to bumping DJs, it’s like enjoying a motocross rally in the middle of the Stampede grounds. Reps sometimes give away free Monster energy drinks, so keep your eyes peeled.
The “exhibition” part of the Calgary Stampede and Exhibition means there’s always lots to look at on the grounds. If you hear some clanging metal while walking past Country Trail in the Agriculture Zone, you’re probably hearing the Blacksmithing Showcase. Other demonstrations and shows include rope making, milking, heavy horse pull and more.
And of course, you haven’t really stampeded if you haven’t eaten a free pancake breakfast or two or three. There are tons to find all over the city, but right on the grounds, you can score a complimentary breakfast at GMC Stadium Courtyard on July 7 and 10.
