From Stampede to Calaway Park and the Folk Music Festival, Calgary is the place to be
Live music. Midway rides. A parade and lots of outdoor fun. It’s finally time to return to exploring everything that makes Calgary exciting — both during the legendary Calgary Stampede and all year long.
Here’s a look at some iconic Stampede events alongside places that offer similar fun in the city, now and throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting in July or later, you’ll find plenty of entertainment
on offer for everyone.
Midways Calgary Stampede Midway
There’s nothing quite like the Calgary Stampede Midway, which makes headlines every year for its wacky foods
(deep-fried everything), wild cowboy fashion and, of course, rides and games. Whether a tiny tot attending
for the first time, or an adult looking for excitement after a year-and-a-half at home, there’s something to put a smile on every family member’s face.
And save room for a treat. The Stampede wouldn’t be Stampede without a corn dog, mini-doughnuts and a caramel apple.
Calaway Park
In 2021, Calaway Park will mark its 40th anniversary, four decades of family fun for Albertans and out-of-province visitors alike. Open daily in summer, the park is a rite of passage for Calgary kids, with live entertainment and lots of rides including the Vortex roller-coaster and its little cousin, the Mini Express.
There’s on-site camping, too.
Indigenous experiences Elbow River Camp at the Calgary Stampede
You are invited to experience the traditions, art and cultures of Treaty 7 First Nations: Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda. Learn from them as they share their traditions and cultures through storytelling, singing, dancing and culinary demonstrations.
Across the province
Tarra Wright Many Chief invites you to explore Calgary’s Indigenous history and connection to the land through authentic, guided, ecotourism experiences with Many Chief Tours. Then try Indigenous cuisine, focused on fresh local ingredients at Little Chief restaurant at the Tsuut’ina Nation’s Grey Eagle Resort and Casino.
Enjoy some of the best fly fishing and river scenery in the world with Plains Cree First Nations owner and
guide Quinn Soonias of Drift Out West Fly Fishing.
And Indigenous UNESCO World Heritage sites Headsmashed-in Buffalo Jump and Writing-on-stone Provincial Park are within a few hours of Calgary’s city limits.
Music Stampede Music Venues
Live music has returned! More than 40 acts will take the stage at Nashville North, the heart of country music on the Stampede grounds.
This year, the spotlight shines on Canadian performers, including George Canyon, Dean Brody, Brett Kissel and Aaron Pritchett.
The Stampede Summer Stage gives attendees an opportunity to see The Trews, The Sheepdogs, Default, Sam Roberts Band, Marianas Trench, The Funk Hunters and Blue Rodeo perform in
the great outdoors.
The Music Mile and the Calgary Folk Music Festival
The Calgary Folk Music Festival will return to Prince’s Island Park July 22 to 28 for Summer Serenades, scaled-back outdoor concerts featuring William Prince, Cowboy Junkies, Lido Pimienta, Hawksley Workman, Shad, Whitehorse and more.
Then there’s Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre and the Canadian Music Halls of Fame, as well as stories and memorabilia from some of Canada’s bestknown musicians.
Parades
Calgary Stampede Parade
Traditionally the kickoff to the Calgary Stampede, the Stampede Parade normally winds through the city’s downtown core, past a crowd of 100,000 spectators or so.
This year, fans can enjoy the parade virtually by watching it on Global TV, Youtube and Amazon Prime as it makes its way through the Stampede grounds. The fun starts at 8 a.m. on July 9.
The Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo
Love penguins? Wait ’til winter and check out the Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo. Starting in January through mid-march only, the king penguins parade their stuff in style on a daily stroll through the zoo (weather dependent). The walk is dependent on the birds’ desire to walk as well as the weather. If the temperature is +6°C or above or falls below -25°C or the wind too excessive, the walk will be cancelled.
Go to visitcalgary.com for more information. Be sure to check out Calgary accommodation package deals.
Go to westjet.com to book your getaway to Calgary.