Explore Stampede-inspired sand sculptures
When: July 2 to 12
Where: BMO Centre
New this year, you can peruse three-dimensional, large-scale sand sculptures throughout the BMO Centre Concourse, Community Square and The Market, depicting historical elements of Stampede. Among the pieces are detailed scenes of chuckwagons, six-horse hitches and the Stampede Showband. To add an interactive element to your experience, stop by the BMO Centre’s Western Oasis to watch artists create these sculptures live each day.
Thrill your taste buds with this year’s new midway food
When: July 2 to 12
Where: Stampede Midway
One of the most highly anticipated aspects of Stampede is the diverse and bold food line-up showcased along the midway. If your sweet tooth needs satiating, try the Cheesecake Taco, Bacon Lasso’d Mars Bar or the 24K Matcha Minis (a spin on classic mini doughnuts with matcha drizzle and edible gold flakes). If savoury and salty is more your speed, the Crispy Ginger Beef Perogies and Flamin’ Hot Turkey Drumstick could be right up your alley. For the boldest foodies out there, try the Crunchy Critter Corn in a Cup, UFO Pickled Green Cheese Burger and more inventive creations on this year’s list.
Get your adrenaline going by watching a new high dive show
When: July 2 to 12
Where: BMO Centre (outdoor plaza)
Prepare to be amazed by this new high-energy show held in the BMO Centre Plaza. The Flying Fools High Dive Show combines athleticism with comedy as fearless divers launch into a three-metre pool from heights as high as 25 feet. Each 20-minute show packs a punch with jaw-dropping acrobatics and a fiery finale promising edge-of-your-seat fun for the whole family (but mind the splash zone). The event is free to attend with park admission.
Check out the Nashville North tent upgrades
When: July 2 to 12
Where: Nashville North
The original Stampede party tent is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever thanks to several upgrades and new events. To kick off the festivities, the Nashville North Night Shift, fuelled by Monster Energy, will light up the tent each night of the first weekend with DJs on stage from midnight to 3 a.m. following the headliners. The tent also boasts a larger space this year, with increased capacity for up to 7,000 people. To top off the experience, there’s also new seating, upgraded decor and increased food service on the patio.
Celebrate talented local chefs at the new Taste of Stampede
When: July 3 to 12
Where: BMO Centre
Experience culinary magic in the BMO centre as chefs put their skills to the test in a lively roster of events. Enjoy the Culinary Cup competition series — a high-stakes tournament where Alberta’s top chefs face off for a $10,000 championship title over 10 days of timed challenges — as well as community cook-offs, live chef demos and more. Each day of the experience highlights a different Alberta-based agricultural product, which acts as the star ingredient for the day’s competitions. Featured ingredients this year include Alberta bison, Alberta lamb, Alberta grains and more.
Enjoy the world-class rodeo and evening shows from a new rooftop patio
When: July 3 to 12
Where: North Infield
Located at the new North Infield, the new Corona Skydeck is an elevated four-story rooftop equipped with a full-service bar, complimentary chef-crafted bites, soft drinks and juice and other amenities. Guests can purchase Skydeck tickets (which include admission to the grounds for the day) and watch the rodeo and evening shows from its stellar viewpoint or on the live-action screens. Semi-private bookings are also available at the Skydeck for groups of nine or more.
Reap the benefits of some one-night-only Stampede offers
When: July 9 after 5 p.m.
Where: Stampede midway
This year, a new Midway Twilight Offer will appeal to those who want to enjoy the grounds starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 9. Entrants can purchase a discounted Ride All Day Pass for $45 plus GST for the evening. Plus, participating midway vendors will have sample-size food items available for $5 each. The delectable lineup includes hot dogs, fries and pizza, as well as sweet treats like mini doughnuts, cotton candy and soft serve.