From July 4 to 13, Calgary transforms into “Cowtown” for ten days of rodeo thrills, live music, carnival rides, and a genuine taste of Western hospitality.
The Calgary Stampede isn’t just a fair; it’s a world-famous celebration of cowboy culture, attracting over a million visitors eager to watch chuckwagon races, root for rodeo champions, and sing along at nightly concerts.
To make the most of your Stampede experience—and skip the headache of hunting for parking—download the Indigo Neo app. With a few taps, you can pre-book a spot near Stampede Park before you even leave home, so you’ll roll in ready to explore.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to park, the best restaurants and bars within easy reach, top hotels for every budget, and the can’t-miss Stampede events—so you can saddle up, kick back, and enjoy everything Calgary Stampede 2025 has to offer.
JUMP TO:
Must-Do Stampede Events and Attractions
Places to Park
Finding a great parking spot at Stampede Park can set the tone for your entire day. Whether you’re racing to catch the opening ceremony or winding down after a rodeo performance, parking close by means less stress and more time enjoying the festivities.
Here are some top Indigo Neo lots within walking distance of Stampede Park.
1501 Macleod Trail Southeast
8-minute walk to venue
This 24/7 surface lot has 65 parking spaces. This lot sits across from the race track entrance, making it an ideal spot for catching the chuckwagon races.
1150 3 Street Southeast
10-minute walk to venue
This parking location is open 24/7, offers 150 spots, and is very close to the park’s western gates.
1331 Macleod Trail SE
11-minute walk to venue
This underground lot is open 24/7, offers 312 parking spaces, and is just steps from the Saddledome entrance.
1327 Macleod Trail Southeast
11-minute walk to venue
This 24/7 surface parking lot offers 70 spaces. You can park here for quick access to the BMO Centre and midway rides.
1919 Macleod Trail South
13-minute walk to venue
This 24/7 parking lot offers 271 spaces and is to the rodeo grandstand.
Where to Eat
When it comes to the Calgary Stampede, the food is just as much a part of the experience as the rodeos and concerts. From deep-fried carnival creations on the Midway to gourmet sit-down meals with wine pairings, the Stampede offers something for every appetite and vibe.
Ag Grill
Agriculture Building
$$
Take a break from the Midway chaos at Ag Grill, located inside the Agriculture Building. Serving cowboy breakfasts with scrambled eggs and sausage, hearty bison burgers, and fresh grab‑and‑go snacks, it’s a great mid‑day stop.
Bar Nineteen Twelve
In The Big Four Roadhouse
$$$
Nestled in The Big Four Roadhouse, Bar Nineteen Twelve offers a relaxed lounge atmosphere with curated cocktails, craft beer, and small plates. This spot is ideal for a chill evening before or after live shows—close enough to catch any nearby performances.
Midway Food
Midway
$$
The Midway brings the true carnival spirit with everything from deep-fried classics to bold global bites. Try treats like tempura‑fried nori tacos, lobster tornado rolls or Spam‑pede baos at booths throughout the Midway, offering adventurous eats on the go.
The Range Food Hall
Big Four Lower Level
$$
This indoor food hall offers shaded seating, family‑friendly vibes, and live entertainment daily. Grab food from multiple vendors serving burgers, BBQ, tacos, and more—it’s the perfect refuge for multi-foodie groups and families.
The Big Four Roadhouse
Upper Level
$$
Just above The Range, this open‑plan roadhouse serves BBQ, sandwiches, and snacks. With close proximity to live music stages, it’s a smart spot to fuel up before catching evening performances or rides.
Wine Garden
In the Western Oasis
$$$
Sip your way through Canadian and international wines paired with artisanal cheese boards, charcuterie, pasta, and made‑to‑order paninis. Located in a shaded oasis, this is the go‑to for those unwinding with a glass and upscale festival vibe.
Ranahans
GMC Stadium
$$$
This premium venue—part of the Stampede’s hospitality options—offers classic textures of the west and the timeless warmth of friends and family gathered around a table. Fine dining, expertly crafted cocktails, exceptional wine, and top-tier service come together.
Hotels to Stay
Whether you’re flying in for the festivities or planning a staycation, choosing the right hotel can make your Calgary Stampede experience more comfortable and convenient. These top picks are close to the action, offer great amenities, and suit a range of budgets and preferences. Here’s where to stay if you want easy access to the midway, rodeo, and all the excitement.
Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
635 Confluence Way SE
26-minute walk to Stampede grounds
$$$
A modern boutique hotel just minutes from Stampede Park and the scenic RiverWalk, perfect for travellers looking for comfort and cool, contemporary design.
Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown
610 10 Ave SW
8-minute drive to Stampede grounds
$$$
Ideal for longer stays, this all-suite hotel is within walking distance to Stampede grounds and downtown dining, with kitchenettes and complimentary breakfast.
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
255 Barclay Parade SW
13-minute drive to Stampede grounds
$$$$
Located by the Bow River and Prince’s Island Park, this upscale all-suites hotel blends luxury with convenience for those wanting a calm retreat after a day of Stampede fun.
Hyatt Regency Calgary
700 Centre St S
24-minute walk to Stampede grounds
$$$$
Right on Stephen Avenue Walk and a short hop to the Saddledome and Stampede Park, this downtown landmark offers luxury, a spa, and stunning skyline views.
Coast Calgary Downtown Hotel & Suites by APA
610 4 Ave SW
12-minute drive to Stampede grounds
$$
Centrally located with spacious suites, this hotel is perfect for families or groups wanting easy access to Calgary’s downtown and Stampede activities.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown
239 12 Ave SW
21-minute walk to Stampede grounds
$$
A reliable favorite for both comfort and convenience, located just steps from Calgary’s vibrant Beltline District and a short walk from Stampede Park. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, modern rooms, and easy access to local dining, shopping, and transit.
Must-Do Stampede Events and Attractions
From heart-pounding rodeo action to festive parades and nightly entertainment—these are the highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Rodeo
Daily at 1:30 p.m.
Root for the world’s top cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping and more at GMC Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, especially when adrenaline-fueled competitors vie for a chance at Showdown Sunday glory.
Feel the thunder as teams and their trusty horses storm around the track in what’s called “the half-mile of hell.” With championship-level prize money on the line, the race combines speed, grit, and wild energy that you have to witness live.
Evening Show & Grandstand Extravaganza
GMC Stadium
As the sun sets, the Grandstand comes alive with a blend of live music, fireworks, and multimedia production. A true spectacle showcasing everything from country music to cultural performances—don’t miss this highlight of your day.
Stampede Parade
July 4, 9 a.m
Kick off Stampede Week with more than 150 floats, marching bands, classic horses and dignitaries. Expect a vibrant, high-energy procession through downtown Calgary—over 350,000 spectators watched in 2024.
Stage of Wonders & Live Shows
Inside BMO Centre
Catch a mix of high-flying aerialists, magic acts, Indigenous performances and comedy at this intimate outdoor amphitheatre. It’s family-friendly, frequently free, and often includes surprise artist sets.
Stampede Stand-Up
July 11
For one night only, the Stage of Wonders turns into a comedy club with a lineup of top Canadian comedians. It’s all laughs, all night—ideal if you’re craving a little adult humor mid-festival.
Stampede Powwow & Elbow River Camp
Experience authentic Indigenous culture at this century-old tradition. From dancing and drumming to storytelling and crafts, it’s a moving celebration of First Nations heritage and one of Calgary’s most meaningful Stampede experiences.
Monster Energy Compound
(Midway Stage)
The pulse of the Midway—this energetic stage delivers rock and hip-hop acts, influencer meetups, and late-night party vibes. It’s where the carnival and concert worlds collide.
Dog Bowl
Evenings
Toss your cowboy hat into the ring at Stampede’s hilarious dog talent contest. Watch pups race, fetch, and strut their stuff in this crowd-favorite event that delivers big laughs and cuteness overload.
Stampede Music Lineup
Eleven days, four stages, and hundreds of acts: Here’s your guide to the live music scene at Calgary Stampede 2025.
The outdoor main stage is free with park admission and features global stars like Khalid, Diplo Presents: Thomas Wesley, Arkells, Charlotte Cardin, Simple Plan, Bleachers, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Alesso. Set alongside the Midway, it’s perfect for dancing under summer sky, discovering new talent, and vibing to pop, hip-hop, EDM, and rock.
This legendary party tent is a country music hub with acts like Tenille Townes, Jade Eagleson, Drake Milligan, Midland, Koe Wetzel, Cole Swindell, Chase Rice, The Reklaws, and more. Open 18+, ticketed or with rodeo combo packages, it’s your go-to for barn-swinging evenings and a true Stampede country dance vibe.
The Big Four Roadhouse
Bud Light Stage
A casual downtown-style stage offering free performances before 6 pm and 18+ after. Headliners include Natasha Bedingfield, Smino, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, TLC, De La Soul, Lil Jon, Boys Like Girls, Tom Morello, MJ Lenderman & The Wind, The Paper Kites and more. Opt for the Roadhouse Rush Pass to skip lines and dive right into the music and refreshments.
Stampede Concert Series
Scotiabank Saddledome
A highlight of the Stampede, the Saddledome hosts arena-worthy headline shows. Shania Twain is scheduled as the big show, with special guest Devon Cole on July 5. For large-scale pop and country fans, these ticketed concerts are not to be missed.
Conclusion
The Calgary Stampede is more than just a rodeo; it’s a full-on city-wide celebration of culture, music, food, and community.
From heart-pounding shows and concerts to epic midway eats and cowboy energy everywhere you turn, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or soaking it all in as a local, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Book your parking with the Indigo Neo app for a smoother, stress-free Stampede experience.
With lots close to all the action, you’ll spend less time circling and more time enjoying everything the Stampede has to offer.
You May Also Like This:
