A World-Class, Year-round Gathering Place for Over a Century
The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit and produces its own annual event that transforms the city into a wild west-inspired playground for ten days in July. It's The World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo, and a time when regular people become cowboys, and cowboys become heroes. But its roots run much deeper than that.
The first Stampede was held over 100 years ago when settlers and Indigenous peoples gathered to share knowledge. It has since grown to a celebration of our community and western heritage. With over a million visitors every year, there's nothing in the world quite like it. It also equips us with the expertise and amenities needed to realize spectacular events of every size.
Over $540 million
Yearly contributions into Alberta's economy from events on Stampede Park.
Over 110 Years
Of large event-planning experience
3,000 volunteers
Create memorable experiences through their efforts
Connecting Over 50,000 Youth
To programs around food sustainability, land and ecosystem management and animal care.
One of Canada's iconic experiences
Indigenous Connection
The Calgary Stampede is located on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Kainai, Piikani, Siksika), Stoney Nakoda (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Wesley) and Tsuut’ina First Nations Peoples, and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3. These lands have always been a gathering place, and we are proud to continue this tradition.
Treaty 7 First Nations Peoples have been a part of the Calgary Stampede since the very beginning in 1912. Stampede Founder, Guy Weadick, invited more than 1,800 First Nations Peoples to lead the first parade, camp at what is now known as Elbow River Camp, and compete in the rodeo. The Stampede remains committed to creating safe spaces for Indigenous Peoples to celebrate and practice their cultures and for non-Indigenous people to engage, appreciate, and understand.
Youth Programming
The Calgary Stampede empowers young people to pursue their passions in the performing arts. Programs like The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, Calgary Stampede Showband, Band of Outriders, and Calgary Stampede Showriders teach valuable skills and provide opportunities to perform around the world.
The Calgary Stampede Foundation supports Alberta’s youth by providing dynamic programming that promotes citizenship and education, and enhances leadership skills and personal growth. The Foundation creates spaces that connect with the arts, heritage, and education to make a vibrant and engaging community.
