THE BARE NECESSITIES
Date: Daily during Stampede Time: 7:30pm
Location: GMC Stadium Duration: 4 hours
Date: Daily during Stampede Time: 7:30pm
Location: GMC Stadium Duration: 4 hours
The Evening Show at the Calgary Stampede is a major reason why this event is known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Night after night, crowds from around the globe fill GMC Stadium, eager to witness a spectacle that is as thrilling as it is unforgettable. This high-energy showcase features four main events:
Affectionately known as “The Chucks”, the Chuckwagon Races are arguably the most popular event at the Calgary Stampede. Every night at GMC Stadium, the world’s best chuckwagon drivers and their elite teams of horses charge into action in a breathtaking display of speed, skill, and split-second precision. The race begins with the legendary “Figure Eight” start, a heart-stopping maneuver where drivers navigate their wagons around barrels in a tight, high-speed formation before bursting onto the track in a full tilt sprint. From there, it’s an all-out battle to the finish line, with wagons flying around the half mile oval at breakneck speeds, dirt flying, and fans on the edge of their seats. Feel the intensity, the danger, the raw excitement—and witness history in the making as drivers chase the coveted Championship Canvas, $2 million in prize money, and a place in Stampede legend.
Welcome to the most electrifying, adrenaline-fueled event at the Calgary Stampede— the Relay Races! This isn’t just another horse race; it’s a breakneck battle of speed, skill, and sheer guts. Picture this: elite riders thundering around the track on bareback horses,leaping from one galloping mount to the next at full tilt, all while the crowd roars in anticipation.
It’s dangerous. It’s thrilling. And in our opinion? It’s the best event at Stampede – period!
With roots in Indigenous horse culture, relay racing is a test of horsemanship unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Teams consist of 1 rider, 1-2 crew members, and 3 horses. There are no saddles, no second chances – just raw athleticism, perfect timing, and the unbreakable bond between rider and horse. When the start is declared, riders pounce on the back of the first horse and race around the half mile track. This is when things can get dicey. To avoid losing time, as riders come back around the start finish line, they must complete a “handoff”. In this case, it means they leap from their horse at speed, land on the ground, and as quick as they can, leap onto the back of their second horse and do it all again. After 3 laps on 3 different thoroughbreds, bareback, with 2 handoffs, the first across the finish line – on their horse, might we add, wins! We, the astonished spectators, then all get to take a breath before the next barnburner begins. That’s Relay Racing
When the sun sets over Stampede Park, the lights come up on one of the most breathtaking spectacles of the Calgary Stampede—the Grandstand Show! This nightly extravaganza is the ultimate blend of high-energy performances, jaw-dropping acrobatics, heart-pounding music, and show-stopping fireworks that light up the sky in a grand finale like no other.
Each year, the Young Canadians, a group of incredibly talented singers and dancers, take the stage alongside world-class entertainers, stunt performers, and breathtaking special effects that captivate audiences from start to finish. The show’s themes change annually, keeping it fresh, exciting, and unpredictable. Whether it’s gravity-defying aerialists, daredevil trick riders, or a musical number that has the entire crowd on their feet, the Grandstand Show delivers non-stop thrills that embody the spirit of the Stampede.
Over the years, the show has been hosted by some of Canada’s most beloved entertainers, including Paul Brandt, Jann Arden, The Tenors, Johnny Reid, and K.D. Lang, adding star power to the unforgettable experience. A perfect mix of tradition and spectacle, the Grandstand Show is a true celebration of the Stampede spirit—delivering energy, excitement, and awe-inspiring performances night after night!
As the Grandstand Show nears an end nightly, the grand finale is always a symphony of lights! The night sky ignites in an explosion of colour, shimmering golds, electric blues, and fiery reds bursting high above the midway. The thunderous booms and dazzling cascades of light reflect the energy and excitement that have filled the grounds all day. Set to a powerful soundtrack, this jaw-dropping display is the perfect way to cap off a day of rodeo thrills, exhilarating rides, and unforgettable performances.
While you can see the fireworks from most parts of the city, and anywhere in the park, the Grandstand is hands-down the best place to watch the Calgary Stampede fireworks! From this prime spot, you get an unobstructed, front-row view of the dazzling pyrotechnics, perfectly synchronized with the Evening Show’s grand finale.
Sign up for all the latest news on Discounts, Concerts, Off-site Activities, Insider Tips and more!