Everyone loves free things! Especially in this economy. Below we’ve put together a list of free things to do at the Calgary Stampede which will hopefully help someone in figuring out their plans. This list is assuming you’re already on the Stampede grounds, either by utilizing free gate admission or by paying to get in.

Is it missing something? Comments at the bottom

Free Calgary Stampede Admission

Free Calgary Stampede gate admission can make quite a difference in your budget for the day, especially if you’re heading down to the grounds as a family. Calgary Stampede value days offer up several ways you can get in for free, or at least for a discount.

Value Days

• July 4 – Sneak-A-Peek
  Half price gate admission from 5 PM – Midnight
  
• July 5 – CS Parade To Park
  Free gate admission from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
  
• July 7 – Tim Hortons Family Day
  Free gate admission until 11:00 AM.
  
• Tuesday, July 9 – TC Energy Community Day
  Free gate admission from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  Free gate admission all day for seniors (65+) and military veterans.
  
• Wednesday, July 10 – BMO Kids Day
  Free gate admission until 10:00 AM.
  Free gate admission all day for kids 12 & under.

Free Re-entry: Get Your Hand Stamped!

As you leave the Stampede grounds, they’ll offer to stamp your hand, which will allow you to get back in for free later that day. Each day they have a unique stamp so you can’t use it for multiple days, only the day you were stamped.

Tip: head down early and take advantage of free gate admission, turn around and head home but get a stamp on the way out, get back in for free later in the day/night.

Stampede Pancake Breakfasts

While technically not at the Calgary Stampede, there’s always lots of free Stampede pancake breakfasts all over the city throughout the first half of July. You’re here because you like free things. Find them here: https://stampedebreakfast.ca/events/

Charge up and giddy-up with TransAlta

What’s better than a block party?! TransAlta is powering the party at their Generation Station for Stampede this year. Head to Macleod Trail + 11th Avenue SE on July 5th and July 11th for an energizing experience and cool swag giveaways. Get charged up for Stampede with line dancing, boot shines, photo-ops, bedazzling, cotton candy, and freezies! This event is open to all.

• Where: Macleod Trail + 11th Avenue SE
• When:
  • Friday July 5th (10:00AM – 1:00PM – between the parade and 1:30, when Stampede is still allowing post-parade free admission)
  • Wednesday July 11th (4:00PM – 6:00PM)

Calgary Stampede Parade

The Calgary Stampede parade is something a lot of people look forward to, even if they don’t attend the Stampede, everyone loves an epic parade. Enjoy the awesome floats, marching bands, and cultural displays as they make their way through downtown Calgary to kick off Stampede festivities. The Stampede parade is free to watch but be sure arrive as early as possible to get a good spot. People start showing up at like 5am! It’s crazy (we live directly on the parade route).

Parade Information

• Parade Marshall: Owen Crow Shoe
• Parade pre-lude: 7:30 AM
• Parade begins: 9:00 AM

Free Stampede Events

Things to do while you’re on the grounds, put on by the Calgary Stampede.

Stampede Concerts

Admission to the Calgary Stampede also includes free access to several concerts and shows.

Coke Stage Lineup

Some legendary acts have rolled through Calgary on this stage. For some Calgarians, some of the best concerts we’ve ever seen have been at the Coke Stage.

• July 4: G-Eazy (9:00 PM)
• July 5: Ocean Alley (8:00 PM) , Dean Lewis (9:45 PM)
• July 6: Logic (9:15 PM)
• July 7: Billy Talent (9:30 PM)
• July 8: Jessie Murph (9:30 PM)
• July 9: The Beaches (9:30 PM)
• July 10: Metric (9:30 PM)
• July 11: Bryson Tiller (9:30 PM)
• July 12: Noah Cyrus (8:00 PM) , Orville Peck (9:30 PM)
• July 13: Dillon Francis (9:00 PM) , Alison Wonderland (10:15 PM)
• July 14: Benson Boone (10:00 PM)

Le Cirque de la Nuit: STARSLINGERS

Step into the whimsical world of trapezing cowboys and acrobatic aliens through spectacular shows at the Stage of Wonders in Hall B at the BMO Centre — with multiple daily showtimes.



Dog Bowl presented by Haribo

Catch the Canine Stars on the south side of Stampede Park, in the Dog Bowl Arena at Community Park South, with multiple daily show times! This year features new tricks and even bigger jumps from our furry, four-legged stars!

Freestyle Motorcross Show at the Monster Energy Compound

Experience electrifying stunts and motor-crossing mavericks on the north side of Stampede Park, just inside the Stampede Trail Entrance.



Community Stage at the BMO Centre Market

Immerse yourself in international culture with performances of dance, music and tradition from around the world on the Community Stage at The Market in the BMO Centre.

Fleurs de Villes

Stop and smell the roses in the newly expanded BMO Centre! Fleurs de Villes COUNTRY is bringing twenty-two of their famous floral mannequins, meticulously created by local florists and inspired by superstars of Country Music. Don’t forget to vote for your favourites to become the winning floral display.



Kitchen Theatre presented by Safeway

Watch, taste and marvel at flavourful creations in The Range Food Hall, located on the lower level of The Big Four Roadhouse.

Stampede Powwow

Featuring the best dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States, the extraordinary Powwow will highlight the diversity of First Nations dancing, singing and drumming on July 7 and 8 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Saddledome.

Agriculture Competitions at the Nutrien Western Event Centre

From stock dogs to the robot rodeo, catch action-packed western competitions every night from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Nutrien Western Event Centre.

Heavy Horse Shows

The majestic heavy horses have been showing at the Calgary Stampede for over 130 years – ever since the inception of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth in 1886. Not only is it the longest running agricultural competition on Park, it is also the oldest heavy horse show in North America.

• July 4th, 2024
• July 5th, 2024
• July 6th, 2024
• July 7th, 2024
• July 8th, 2024

• Full Schedule (PDF)

Weadickville Stage Performances

Round up the whole family and head over to Weadickville Stage! Enjoy mouthwatering food, scenic picnic spots, and family-friendly entertainment featuring stunts, comedy and acrobatics.

• THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER SHOW
  Join Molly as she brings her hoops, loops and her country boots from the farm to the stage. Farmtastic gymnastics, rowdy rope tricking, and homegrown humour combine for an udderly amazing show (filled with corny humour). This one woman show harvests bales of belly laughter and truck loads of unique tricks. Yeehaw!
  
• THE HOCKEY CIRCUS SHOW
  Laughter makes the world go round, so strap on your helmet as Paz takes you on a hilarious journey filled with outrageous one-of-a-kind circus tricks acrobatics, and comedy – All while in his hockey gear. Game on!

People Watching

Never know whatcha gonna get. Stampede time is pretty legendary for people watching, almost anywhere in the city. While you’re on the grounds, find a nice shaded spot and just chill out for a bit. Also a good time to charge your phone, if you bring a USB battery.

Visit the Agricultural Show

Head to the Agriculture Zone to see livestock displays, check out farm equipment demonstrations, and learn more about Alberta’s agricultural industry.