Your Essential Guide to the 2025 Nashville North Tent

Written by Visit Stampede / Image Credit: Calgary Stampede

Experience the electrifying heart of country music at the Calgary Stampede’s Nashville North tent – the ultimate destination for live performances, dancing, and authentic western atmosphere. As the original Stampede party tent, Nashville North has a storied history of hosting top-tier country artists, making it a must-visit venue for both die-hard country fans and newcomers alike.

The Essentials: Hours, Location, Age Restrictions

Nashville North swings open its doors daily during the Stampede, with live music typically starting around 4pm and continuing into the early morning hours. It is conveniently located between the GMC Stadium and the Nutrien Event Centre. Please note, entry is restricted to guests aged 18 and over, and a valid photo ID is required for admission no matter your age.

Admission and VIP Experiences

Access to Nashville North is included with your general admission to the Stampede grounds. For those looking to enhance their experience, VIP options are available:

• Buck The Line Pass: This pass offers priority entry, allowing you to skip the regular lines and dive straight into the action. Prices range from $39 to $129, depending on the day and performer lineup.
• VIP Platform Pass: Introduced in 2024, this pass provides access to an exclusive raised platform with a dedicated bar and private washrooms, in addition to priority entry. The VIP Platform Pass starts at $125 and includes your general admission to the Stampede grounds for the day.

Is the Buck The Line or VIP Platform Pass Worth It?

The value of these passes depends entirely on your priorities and budget. Let’s break it down: assuming the pass costs $125, it might be a game-changer for popular headliner nights when the tent reaches capacity early, leaving late arrivals stuck in hours-long lines. Without the pass, your best bet is to arrive early—but that comes with added expenses. Drinks start at $10 each, and spending extra hours in the tent can lead to higher food and drink costs.

If you’d rather avoid spending most of your day in the tent drinking and eating, the pass offers significant convenience. It allows you to enjoy other attractions at the Stampede without worrying about securing your spot at Nashville North. With the flexibility to arrive when you’re ready and skip the lines, both the Buck The Line and VIP Platform passes can be worth the investment for a hassle-free experience.

Live Music Lineup

Each year, Nashville North curates a stellar lineup of country music talent. The 2025 Lineup includes the following performers;

1. Koe Wetzel
2. Cole Swindell
3. Wyatt Flores
4. Chase Rice
5. Midland
6. Cameron Whitcomb
7. Charles Wesley Godwin
8. MacKenzie Porter
9. The Reklaws
10. Tenille Townes
11. Jade Eagleson
12. Max McNown
13. Chayce Beckham
14. Meghan Patrick
15. Ian Munsick
16. Willow Avalon
17. Drake Milligan
18. Hailey Benedict
19. Kelsi Mayne
20. Alex Hughes
21. Devin Cooper
22. Garrett Gregory
23. Mariya Stokes
24. Tristan Horncastle
25. Foxx Worthee
26. Drew Gregory

For the full lineup with dates and times, click here.

Tips for Entry

Nashville North is a hotspot during the Stampede, often reaching capacity by early evening. To maximize your experience:

• Arrive Early: Aim to get in line by 5:00 PM, especially on weekends or when popular headliners are scheduled.
• Carry Valid Photo ID: Regardless of age, a valid photo ID is mandatory for entry.
• Prepare for Security Checks: Bag searches and pat-downs are standard procedures to ensure everyone’s safety.

How Long Is the Line-Up to Get In?

Let’s be honest—this is the question on everyone’s mind, and the answer is simple: it’s long! There’s no sugar-coating it. Arriving early isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity. For popular headliners, the wait can stretch to 3-4 hours during peak times. Once the tent hits capacity, it operates on a one-in, one-out basis, slowing the line to a crawl. If you’re not a fan of spending hours in line, plan ahead and consider arriving by late afternoon or investing in the Buck-The-Line Pass or the VIP Platform Pass for a smoother entry experience.

What to Wear

Nashville North attire is no different from the rest of Stampede. Western attire is encouraged. With that said, make sure your shoes are comfortable as seating is rare and dancing all night is commonplace.

PRO TIP: If you’re sporting new cowboy boots, be sure to break them in beforehand!

What Not to Wear

Do not wear open toed shoes or sandals/flip flops. You’ll only make that mistake once but why don’t you take our advice and avoid it. Broken toes are an annual and almost nightly event at Nashville North.

Essential Items to Bring

To ensure a seamless experience at Nashville North, consider packing the following:

• Portable Phone Charger: Keep your device powered to capture memories and stay connected.
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Maintain cleanliness, especially after using public facilities. Sometimes they run out temporarily of things like soap.
• Band-Aids (Plasters): Be prepared for potential blisters from extended periods of standing or dancing.

Food and Drink

Inside Nashville North, you’ll find a selection of food trucks offering classic fare such as burgers, pizza, and corn dogs. Beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, are available at various bars throughout the venue. Expect to spend at least $10 per drink.

Safety and Enjoyment

Your safety is paramount. Stay hydrated, especially during hot days, and be mindful of your alcohol consumption. The venue is equipped with ample security personnel to assist with any concerns. If you’re attending solo, rest assured that Nashville North is generally a safe and welcoming environment.

Experiencing Nashville North is integral to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Calgary Stampede. With its dynamic performances and spirited crowd, it promises memories that will last a lifetime.