Stampeding In Calgary

By alantvuong on July 24, 2017

Stampede parade to kick-start the event

The Calgary Stampede takes place every year in July in Calgary and is a rodeo, carnival and festival. I go every year a few times during the 10 day event. It considers itself as “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth” and has over 1 million visitors every year. I go every year to watch the parade, free shows, free concerts and eat carnival food. Plus, I live close to where it’s located so it is very convenient for me to get to. The carnival rides are not wheelchair accessible but I have had friends lift me on some rides so that I can experience the thrill too. Just because you don’t do the carnival rides, there are so many things to do even if you are in a wheelchair. Here are my top reasons for spending time at the Stampede.

it can be quite busy at the Stampede

Great Place To Meet Up With Family and Friends

With so many things to do like concerts, shows, parade, carnival rides, games, beer gardens, casinos. There is always something that someone in your group would like to do. It’s a great social event and a great big party for families and friends to enjoy. Free pancake breakfasts are a good way to meet up with people too.

great family time

Free Concert at The Coca-Cola Stage

There is 10 straight days of musical performances that are free with admission to the Stampede. They showcase all types of music acts that include new and old performers from local, national and even international acts. This year’s line up includes Nelly Furtado, Alessia Cara and Marianas Trench. They even have an accessible elevated platform at the back, right in the middle of the stage so that wheelchair users won’t have to be crammed in with everybody. It definitely helps us see better when on this platform.

raised accessible platform at The Coke Stage

Free Shows Every Year

They have some free shows that repeat every year. These include a motorbike show at the Bell Adrenaline Ranch, a dog show at the Dog Bowl and a Bollywood dance show at the Big Four Building. Of course, there is the free parade to kick start the first day. There is a band performance every day and kids shows at select times at the kids center.

free dog show

Interesting and Crazy Foods

There is always something unique for everyone to try every year besides the regular carnival food. There is the usual corn dogs, hamburgers, fries, cotton candy, candy apples and mini donuts. They also deep fry anything. They have deep fried oreos, snickers, pop-tarts, pickles, butter and even new to this year: deep fried chicken feet. Other new foods this year include: one meter long sausage, unicorn white hot chocolate and rabbit pizza. Hungry yet?

getting ready to eat deep fried chicken feet

Rodeo and Grandstand Show

The rodeo is definitely one of the main attractions and is the heart of the Stampede. It is one of the most famous and largest rodeo in the world. There is large cash prizes and as much as 20,000 spectators see the rodeo daily. There is even a wheelchair section for those who use one can watch. The Grandstand show follows the rodeo and features spectacular musical performances and fireworks. These 2 events require an extra paid ticket however.

the signature rodeo

Lots Of Things To Buy

The Stampede Market has almost 200 vendors selling everything from artwork, toys, household products, food and more. The Western Oasis part of the market offers western artwork, statues, craft, foods and wine. Since more than a million visit the Stampede every year, there is a wait list for vendors looking to sell at the Stampede.

visiting a friend at her Tupperware booth

So the Stampede grounds are very wheelchair accessible themselves and have lots of things for every person to do even if they can not physically do the rides. From free shows, to shopping, to the rodeo and to really great interesting foods to try, it is always worth it to visit the Calgary Stampede every year!