12 free things to do in Calgary during Stampede 2017
Jul 6 2017, 10:41 pm
It’s time for the 105 Calgary Stampede to begin! It’s truly the best time to be in Calgary, as the entire city lights up with fun, country, toe-tappin’ festivities for 12 day’s straight.
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However, in only 12 days it’s possible to spend a pretty penny, especially if you are attending a show or heading to the grounds almost every day. Here are 12 cost-effective events to check out this Stampede that will save you a couple bucks and prevent you from breaking the bank!
The Stampede Parade
- What: The annual Stampede parade will once again kick off the year’s Stampede festivities, but there’s a catch. They have reversed the parade route to open up the grounds and for first time since 1989 First Nations leaders will be serving at the forefront of the parade with the Treaty 7 Chiefs serving as that parade marshals. Be sure to get downtown early to get yourself a front row seat!
- Where: Find out the new parade route here!
- When: July 7
- Cost: FREE
Head Down to the Grounds After the Parade
- What: Follow the tail-end of the parade into the grounds for free admission until 1:30 pm.
- Where: Find out the new parade route here!
- When: July 7
- Cost: FREE
Stampede Lunch with Contemporary Calgary
- What: Enjoy beef on a bun as you watch Buffalo Boy’s Stampede Tickle and Slap, a performance by Adrian Stimson!
- Where: 117 8 Avenue SW
- When: July 7
- Cost: FREE
Stampede Social With Dote Magazine
- What: Kick off Stampede with Dote Magazine as you snack on delicious treats from Crave Cupcakes and coffee from Cafe Rosso. There will also be fun crafts and activities for your little, so be sure to bring them along!
- Where: Crave Cupcakes Kensington – 1107 Kensington Road NW
- When: July 7
- Cost: FREE
Annual Festivities at Fluor Rope Square
- What: Olympic Plaza will once again be transformed into a belly bustin’, toe tappin’ country square, with a ton of FREE festivities happening all Stampede long. Start the day off with flapjacks and bacon straight off the grill and join in on all of the fun activities happening throughout the day before you head down to the grounds. Some of the event’s you can look forward to are:
- Chuckwagon Breakfast
- Great Western Flapjack Flip
- Lammle’s World Champion Hat Stomp Competition
- Square Dancers
- First Nations Parade
- Parade of Old Time Rig Rides
- Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue SE
- When: July 8 – 15
- Cost: FREE
101 Traditional Stampede Breakfasts
- What: Pancakes, sausages and maple syrup – it doesn’t get any more Canadian than that. Click here for a full list of FREE Stampede Breakfasts happening all throughout the city!
- Where: At various locations throughout the city.
- When: July 6 – 16
- Cost: FREE
9 Unique Stampede Breakfasts
- What: If Gluten and meat aren’t your thing, or your just looking for something different, be sure to check out these 9 exciting spin-offs of the traditional Stampede Breakfast.
- Where: Various locations throughout the city
- When: June 6-16
- Cost: FREE
Stampede at the CORE
- What: From Trick Horse Tucker, to Stampede Breakfasts, to fun live music, to a trendy fashion show, to a Stampede Detox Zumba Class, the CORE has got you covered for fun free Stampede festivities during all 12 days of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
- Where: The CORE- Dome Tower – 333 7 Avenue SW
- When: July 7 – 16
- Cost: FREE
Head to the Grounds for $1.50
- What: In honour of Canada’s 150 Birthday the Stampede is offering $1.50 admission on July 11. YEHAW!
- Where: The Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
- When: July 11 from 10 am to 1:50 pm
- Cost: $150
Grab a snack from the midway and watch a show at the Coke Stage
- What: Try one of the ridiculously delicious midway treats this year and have a mini picnic on the grass as you enjoy one of the many great performers hitting the Coca-Cola stage this year!
- Where: The Stamped Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
- When: July 7 – 16
Watch the Fireworks on Scotsman’s Hill
- What: Grab a date, some popcorn and a blanket, and snag a front row seat to the Grandstand Show and the spectacular firework performance that is put on every evening during Stampede.
- Where: Scotsman’s Hill
- When: July 7 – 16
- Cost: FREE
Stroll through the Inglewood Night Market
- What: Take a break from the Stampede festivities and shop some of Calgary’s best local makers and artists, while munching on delicious eats from YYC Food Trucks. Or stop off at the market on your way to the grounds to grab some new Stampede accessories for the remaining days of the Exhibition.
- Where: 9 Avenue and 10 Street
- When: July 14
- Cost: FREE
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