Fun Stampede Events to Check Out Around Calgary

From an art exhibition inspired by contemporary cowboy culture to a chef showdown, there are plenty of ways to get in the Stampede spirit beyond the festival grounds.

An art gallery with paintings and sculptures.
The G'ddy Up! exhibition runs at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art from July 1 to 31. Photo courtesy of Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art.

From July 4 to 13, 2025, the Calgary Stampede grounds will be packed with rodeo action, amusement park thrills, live entertainment, fun treats and more. But the western celebrations aren’t just contained within the Stampede grounds — here’s how you can soak up some western-inspired fun around the city.

 

Wild West & Campy Cowboys Trivia Night

When: June 26

Test your western knowledge at Lougheed House’s themed trivia night. Over three rounds, teams will be quizzed on the Wild West, cowfolk in pop culture and country tunes in a toe-tapping musical finale. This 18+ event is free to attend, so round up some pals and get ready to tune your brains into the Stampede wavelength.

707 13 Ave. S.W. lougheedhouse.com

 

G’ddy Up!

When: July 1 to 31

This group art exhibition at Newzones draws inspiration from contemporary cowboy culture. The artists consider the ever-changing image of the “Wild West,” reaching past classic cowboy iconography and into a contemporary “West” filled with world-class artists. The theme is explored through a variety of mediums ranging from sculptures to paintings.

730 11 Ave. S.W. newzones.com

 

Wildhorse Saloon Concerts

When: July 3 to 12

This downtown party tent isn’t letting the Coca-Cola Stage have all of the live music fun. If you need a break from the Stampede grounds but still want to listen to great tunes, Wildhorse Saloon will be featuring several all-star artists on its stage this year, including The Strumbellas, Dallas Smith and The Violent Femmes.

500 6 Ave. S.W., wildhorsesaloon.ca

 

Buckaroos Cabaret

When: July 4 to 6

Inspired by an authentic rodeo cabaret experience and good ol’ western hospitality, this annual event offers something for everyone. You can expect cold drinks, makers and vendors to shop from, a classic pancake breakfast and live music from artists like Bob Sumner and Vancouver’s North Country Collective. To top it all off, The Littlest Honky Tonk, a mobile country music museum, will be hosting a wrap party filled with more live entertainment and country fun.

117 8 Ave. S.W., yahoobuckaroos.com

 

Easy Corral Market & Patio

When: July 4 to 6

A partnership between Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. and Easy Days, this Stampede-inspired event is half market, half party. Held in front of the brewery, this event is free to attend and features a rotating lineup of local vendors, a drag brunch hosted by Anne Xiety and more.

1070, 2600 Portland St. S.E., @eightyeightbrewco

 

The District at Beltline Stampede Chef Showdown

When: July 7

Fuel up for Stampede season at the third annual chef showdown at The District at Beltline. Backed by live entertainment, a lineup of the city’s top chefs will create Stampede-inspired delicacies in hopes of getting the judges’ stamp of approval and your audience vote.

227 11 Ave. S.W. showpass.com

 

Platform Calgary’s Tech Stampede Social

When: July 10

The city’s tech community is once again gearing up for Platform Calgary’s Tech Stampede Social. This is the place to meet like-minded innovators and create meaningful connections over tasty bites and local drinks, all while enjoying the spirit of western festivities.

407 9 Ave. S.E., showpass.com

Want more suggestions for the best things to do in Calgary? Sign up for our Weekender Newsletter.

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