The 2026 Calgary Stampede is almost here, and whether it’s your first visit or your 20th, there’s always something new and exciting to experience during this time that fills the city with energy and community spirit.
To help you make the most of this year’s festivities, we asked six Avenue staff members to reflect on their many Stampede memories — collectively, they’ve attended approximately 90 Calgary Stampedes over the years. These are some of their best tips for can’t-miss experiences and ways to make your Stampede adventures go as smoothly as possible.
Tip: This year, the Cowboys Music Festival’s annual drag show is headlined by the one and only RuPaul — and you won’t want to miss it
When I received the ticket link notification that RuPaul would be gracing the Calgary Stampede, I was quite smug about my laser sharp eye for identifying a phishing text. While enticing and suspiciously well-directed, the “Queen of Drag” DJing on my home turf sounded way too good to be true. But thankfully, it is true! This year, Cowboys Music Festival’s annual drag show returns on July 11th, only this time around, it’s headlined by the most commercially successful drag queen of all time. The event will take place at Cowboys Park on 9th Avenue S.W., so step away from the grounds for an afternoon to witness an influential pop culture icon mix tracks in one of Stampede’s most popular tents. RuPaul will also be sharing the stage with household drag names like Sasha Colby, Sasha Velour, and Calgary’s own Karla Marx. —Alicia L’Archevêque, editorial assistant
Tip: If you’re an animal fan, this legendary Stampede dog show is a must-see event
As an introvert and crowd-adverse gal, there is only one event that can always draw me to the grounds without hesitation. The Dog Bowl has been gracing Stampede with a dose of cuteness for over 35 years — with a slight snag in 2016 when the spectacle was removed from the Stampede event lineup. Thankfully, it returned, much to the delight of dedicated Dog Bowl fans like myself. This year, SuperDogs: Full Throttle, hosted in Community Park South, will again showcase the most talented, charismatic pooches (and their trainers) performing their best tricks and stunts. The show runs from July 2 to 12 and is free with admission to Stampede Park. No matter how big the crowds or how cozy the couch back at home, this event will give even us homebodies the serotonin boost we need to make the most of a day at the greatest outdoor show on earth. —Chelsea Cavanagh, editorial intern
Tip: If you go to one Stampede pancake breakfast, make it the Fourth Street Pancake Showdown
There are few things I love to do more during the Calgary Stampede than grab a bite at one of the many (usually free) pancake breakfasts. But as someone who has attended her fair share of pancake breakfasts, I can confidently say that the Fourth Street Pancake Showdown stands above the rest. Taking place on July 2 from 9 to 11 a.m. this year, the free event invites local businesses along 4th Street S.W. to concoct and serve a creative pancake offering. Attendees can bop along 4th Street trying as many of the pancakes as they’d like. What’s great about this approach is that if one pancake line is too long, you can simply head to the next business to try its offering. The creative flavours are a particularly fun touch, with options like bourbon peach pancakes from Joyce on 4th, brûléed cinnamon roll pancakes from Bin 905 Wine & Spirits and a sweet and savoury donair pancake from Blowers & Grafton this year. Try as many as you can and vote for your favourites. —Alana Willerton, digital managing editor
Tip: Heavy Horse Pull is exactly what it sounds like and that’s amazing
The rodeo and the chuckwagon events might get all the glory, but they are not the only horse-related competitions taking place on the Stampede grounds. While the Canadian National Miniature Horse Show, especially the costume class, will always hold a special place in my heart, my favourite horsey event is the heavy horse pull. Taking place in the Nutrien Western Event Centre July 10 to 12, this competition is a true demonstration of actual horse power. And it’s free with entry to the grounds. Teams of two horses and a teamster compete in three weight classes to take home the highest cash prize in the world of heavy horse pulling. Teams get two tries to pull the weight a distance of 14 feet to advance to the next round where 500 to 1,000 more pounds are added, until the winning team is the last one left. Draft horses in the competition can pull up to five times their body weight — as much as 5,000 pounds. It has to be seen to be believed, and when you see it you’ll think — yeah, that’s exactly what it sounded like, and be amazed. —Käthe Lemon, publisher
Tip: Plan your Calgary Transit journey in advance
If you’ve ever tried to get around on Calgary Transit during Stampede season, then you know it can get chaotic really fast. Make it easier on yourself by planning ahead, and knowing what bus routes get you where. There’s two Stampede express routes (405 and 406) that’ll take you right to the Stampede grounds from the north and southeast of the city. Whether you’re taking an express bus, the CTrain or a regular bus route, note that things get pretty busy from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during regular rush hours. Make it easier on yourself by boarding at bus terminals and train stations outside of downtown. You may need to go out of your way, but you won’t need to wait for the next bus because they’re all full. And don’t forget that during Stampede, the CTrain runs for 24 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy the fun! —Catrina Bowles, events and listings editor
Tip: Keep the kids entertained — without breaking the bank
I’ve been venturing down to the Calgary Stampede since I was a kid. There was always such delight that came from attending such a big and varied event. Naturally, my sister and I loved the midway — the rides, the games, the food! Once I became a parent, I was excited to share the experience with my kids. And boy, did it live up to the hype. Yes, Stampede can be expensive, but when you have littles, there’s so much you can do that’s included with admission. The agriculture zone has tons of activities and hands-on interactions with adorable farm animals. My kids love Horse Haven where you can get up close and personal with all kinds of horses. Climbing aboard Canadian Armed Forces’ equipment is another cheap thrill, not to mention watching the freestyle motocross shows or the SuperDogs. Bring lots of water and snacks, and wrap up the day with hot mini doughnuts and cool popsicles. —Colleen Seto, executive editor