From newly minted sport games to impressive music festival lineups, this year’s Calgary Stampede is going to be a big one.
1. SEE THE CANADIAN QUEEN OF COUNTRY (WITH A LOCAL OPENING ACT)
Good news fans of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” Shania Twain is performing during the Stampede on July 5. Not only is Twain singing at the Scotiabank Saddledome, but the five-time Grammy winner will also be this year’s Calgary Stampede Parade Marshall. Notably, Twain’s opening act, Devon Cole, is a Calgary local making waves in the pop-world for tracks like “W.I.T.C.H” and “I’ve Got You.” Learn more at calgarystampede.com/stampede-concert-series.
2. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN INDIGENOUS CULTURE
The Calgary Stampede Powwow, presented by TC Energy, returns to the Scotiabank Saddled- ome on July 12 and 13 from 12 to 6 p.m. Bringing together top dancers, singers and drummers from across North America in a powerful cele- bration of Indigenous culture, community and artistry, the Powwow builds to a thrilling finale as performers compete for various prizes total- ling $200,000. Learn more at calgarystampede.com/powwow.
3. CHEER ON THE STAMPS AT THE FIRST-EVER STAMPEDE BOWL
Touted as a new tradition that is setting the scene for Calgary to host the Grey Cup in 2026, the Stampede Bowl is a regular-season contest held on July 3 at 7:00 p.m.. The Calgary Stam- peders host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at this “sneak-a-peek” event hosted on Stampede Eve. The Stampede Bowl also features a “Presidents’ Wager” between Jay McNeil of the Stampeders and Wade Miller of the Blue Bombers, with a $25,000 donation to the Purolator Tackle Hunger program by the losing team. Learn more at stampeders.com.
4. HONOUR AN “ELBOWS UP” START TO THE STAMPEDE
Coincidence? We think not. Slap on the sunscreen and secure a spot along the Calgary Stampede’s legendary Parade Route on the fourth of July. In the most Canadian way possible, politely celebrate the kick-off to a Canadian institution on our prickly neighbour’s Independence Day. Learn more at calgarystampede.com/stampede/parade.
5. TICKLE YOUR TASTEBUDS WITH THE NEW MIDWAY FOOD LINEUP
Some folks head to the Stampede for the rodeo, others for the music festivals. And then there is that special echelon of grounds-goers who are only there for the food. From delicious dishes such as Dumpling Hero’s Cowboy Bao at booth #2103 to consume-at-your-own-risk delights like deep-fried pickle Oreos, this year’s new midway cuisines do not disappoint. Learn more at calgarystampede.com/new-midway-food.
6. WATCH A CALGARY SURGE GAME
Not a football fan? Worry not. Basketball enthusiasts can also sit courtside and cheer on the Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League as they take on the Montreal Alliance on July 9 at 7:30 p.m. This historic game is the first team-up between the Surge and the Stampede. Learn more at calgarysurge.ca/Surge2Stampede.
7. CATCH A BOILER ROOM SET AT THE BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Beginning as a webcam taped to a wall in a London warehouse in 2010, Boiler Room is a global cultural institution known for its raw, immersive broadcasts of underground DJ sets and live performances. EDM fans can’t miss this show, which is headlined by ISOxo and HorsegiirL. Learn more at badlandsmusicfest.com.
8. DON’T MISS MUSIC FOR THE MILLENNIALS
Whether your teenage angst was fuelled by listening to Fall Out Boy or Simple Plan, or the likes of Akon and Lil Jon marked your earliest clubbing day, it’s time to party like it’s 2005 again. Millennials, don’t miss this opportunity to relive your youth by catching all four performers at the Coca-Cola Stage, The Big Four Roadhouse, and Cowboys Music Festival. Learn more at calgarystampede.com/coca-cola-stage, calgarystampede.com/the-big-four-roadhouse, cowboysmusicfestival.com.
9. GET YOUR FURRY LITTLE FRIEND FIX AT THE ANNUAL DOG BOWL
This year’s Dog Bowl, with events running from July 3 to July 12, features a brand-new show: Wild Wild Woof! It is a western-inspired adventure set at the SuperDogs Ranch, where fun, friendship, and furry talent steal the spotlight. The 2025 lineup features eight Calgary-based trainers and more than 25 local dogs. Learn more at calgarystampede.com/stampede/shows/dog-bowl.
10. WIN YOUR DREAM HOME
Who can afford to buy a house these days? Constructed in partnership with Homes by Avi, the 2025 Rotary Dream Home is the most valuable Dream Home package to date, valued at $1.49 million. Try your hand at winning this 2,480-square-foot home, located in the coveted southwest Calgary community of Sirocco. Learn more at calgarystampedelotteries.ca.
