The Calgary Stampede isn’t just an event—it’s a full-on Western adventure. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned Stampede-goer, there are certain experiences you just can’t miss. From riding a mechanical bull to meeting real cowboys, here’s your ultimate Calgary Stampede bucket list—25 things you HAVE to do before the dust settles! 🤠🔥
🎡 The Midway & Fairground Bucket List
✅ 1. Ride the Stampede SuperWheel – Get the best view of the grounds from Calgary’s tallest Ferris wheel.
✅ 2. Try the Wildest Midway Foods – Every year brings crazy new foods. Deep-fried Oreos? Fruity Pebbles Korean Dog? Mopane Worm Poutine? Try them all!
✅ 3. Win a Giant Plush Toy – Challenge your friends at Midway games and bring home a prize bigger than you.
✅ 4. Take a Selfie with a Cowboy or Cowgirl – Find a rodeo competitor or performer and snap a pic!
✅ 5. Ride the Niagara Falls Water Flume – It’s the best way to cool off on a hot Stampede day.
✅ 6. Get an Iconic Mini Donut Bucket – It’s not Stampede without the smell of hot, sugary mini donuts.
💡 Pro Tip: Go on rides early in the day before lines get crazy long!
🐎 The Rodeo & Western Bucket List
✅ 7. Watch a Bull Rider Hang on for 8 Seconds – The most intense rodeo event, where cowboys battle 2,000-pound beasts.
✅ 8. Experience the Chuckwagon Races & Evening Show – The “Half Mile of Hell” is Stampede’s most heart-pounding race.
✅ 9. Book a Behind-the-Chutes Tour – Get backstage access to the rodeo and see the cowboys, broncs, and bulls up close.
✅ 10. Watch the Indian Relay Races – Some of the fastest and most skilled riders in the world leap onto bareback horses at full speed.
✅ 11. Meet a Real Rodeo Cowboy or Cowgirl – Hang out near the contestant entrances to chat with rodeo stars.
✅ 12. Watch the Rodeo Finals – Championship Sunday is where legends are made and the big money is won.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want cheap last-minute rodeo tickets, go to the on-site Rush Ticket booth—seats can go for as little as $20!
🎶 The Party & Nightlife Bucket List
✅ 13. Two-Step at Nashville North – The wildest country music tent with live bands and dance floors.
✅ 14. Party at Cowboys Stampede Tent – The most legendary party in Canada. Expect huge crowds, DJs, and celebrities.
✅ 15. Ride a Mechanical Bull at Ranchman’s – Can you last 8 seconds like a real cowboy? Test your skills!
✅ 16. Drink a Cowboy Caesar – The Stampede twist on Canada’s favorite cocktail—extra spicy, extra bold.
✅ 17. Catch a Free Concert on the Coca-Cola Stage – Big-name artists perform every night, completely free with admission.
✅ 18. Check Out a Stampede Saloon – Hit Whiskey Rose, The Big Four Roadhouse, or Last Best Brewing for a laid-back Western bar vibe.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to skip the lines at Nashville North & Cowboys? Arrive before 6 PM for free entry and zero wait times.
🎆 The Iconic Stampede Experiences Bucket List
✅ 19. Watch the Fireworks from Scotsman’s Hill – The best free spot for a skyline and fireworks combo.
✅ 20. Eat a Free Pancake Breakfast – Find one of the hundreds of free pancake breakfasts hosted across Calgary.
✅ 21. Watch the Stampede Parade – Kick off the festival with marching bands, floats, and cowboy royalty.
✅ 22. Visit Elbow River Camp (Indian Village) – Explore Indigenous tipis, dances, and cultural exhibits.
✅ 23. Take a Picture with the Stampede Royalty – Meet the Stampede Queen & Princesses in their sparkling cowboy hats.
✅ 24. Escape to the Western Oasis – Chill out in air-conditioned comfort with live music, art, and wine tastings.
✅ 25. End the Night with a Calgary Stampede Sunset – Watch the sky turn pink over the Grandstand, with a rodeo beer in hand.
💡 Pro Tip: The best way to experience everything? Split your bucket list into multiple days—there’s no way to do it all in one!
How Many Have You Done?
🎡 Whether you’re:
🐎 Cheering at the rodeo,
🎶 Dancing at a wild party, or
🍩 Eating your way through the Midway,
✨ The Calgary Stampede is full of bucket-list moments waiting to be checked off! ✨
💡 One Last Pro Tip: Want to save money? Get a Stampede SuperPass for $50. Unlimited entry all 10 days!
🤠 Now grab your boots, round up your friends, and start checking off your Stampede bucket list! 🎯🔥
