There’s nothing more synonymous than Canada and the Wild West, right? If you’re confused right now, you probably haven’t heard of the awesome city that is Calgary. f you’re headed to Calgary this summer or looking at Calgary homes for sale to make this awesome area your new home, you need to make yourself familiar with the Annual Calgary Stampede.
While Canada is known for many things, this busy metro area is surprisingly home to the biggest rodeo event in the country. If you’re itching to try out your cowboy boots this year, look no further! Here are a few reasons why the Calgary Stampede is one of the best local attractions.
Family Friendly
It can be hard to find summer events that truly keep the kids engaged. Let’s face it: kids can be cranky and quickly flit from one thing to the next, making it almost impossible to keep them entertained throughout the day. Enter the Calgary Stampede.
With SO MUCH to do throughout the day, it’s almost impossible not to fill the day with fun. There’s a motocross show right next to the midway, perfect for kids who just can’t get enough adventure. There’s also a kid zone, perfect for young children, which includes face painting and meet-and-greet events with their favorite characters.
High-Speed Thrills
At a certain point in time, you just start getting tired of the same old summertime day trips. How many times a year can you go to the same amusement park before it feels worn out? Ditch the idea of standing in line for an hour to ride one roller coaster—the Calgary Stampede has all the thrills of your favorite amusement park without any of the drawbacks! The Stampede’s Midway features all of your favorite amusement park rides, like the Zipper and the Crazy Mouse. Plus, the rodeo itself is just as exciting as any thrill ride could be.
More Bang for Your Buck
As mentioned, a fun day out with the family can be expensive. Food, entertainment, souvenirs—it can be pretty easy to break the bank, especially with kids in tow. Luckily, the Calgary Stampede has remained incredibly affordable throughout the years.
The most expensive ticket you’ll purchase is your ticket to the rodeo or the evening show. While front-row seats can be pricey, you can find terrific seats for a more than affordable price. Plus, your ticket comes with full access to Stampede Park for the day. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, or want to visit again without attending the show, tickets to Stampede Park can be purchased separately.
Great Music
It wouldn’t be a true rodeo without some great country music, right? Included with your admission is what the Stampede calls “Nashville North,” a venue within the event for those 18 and older, where attendees can listen to live country acts all day long. There is also the Stampede Summer Stage, a show for all ages featuring music that spans many genres. From pop to rock to electronic music, you’re sure to find something to groove to throughout the day.
Another act to highlight is the 6-time world champion Calgary Stampede Showband, composed of local young musicians. See them put on a unique performance each day throughout the park. Of course, if you’re looking to splurge on a fun night out after the rodeo is over, there’s also a concert series each year with a large headline.
The Dog Bowl
If you’re still not convinced the Calgary Stampede is for you, I leave you with one last point: dogs. Everyone loves dogs, right? The Dog Bowl event is one of the highlights of the year, with the cutest canines performing their best tricks for their favorite treats. These good boys and girls are waiting to share what they’ve learned with you and your family—won’t you come to check it out?
Courtesy of Josaph Phatado
