7 essential items to bring to the Calgary Stampede 2018

It might only be March but it’s never too early to start planning your visit to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Below is a list of things you should bring with you to help make the most out of your visit to Calgary Stampede 2018.

Water Bottle

This might be one of the most valuable things you bring with you to Stampede. Calgary summers are all over the place when it comes to weather, and they can get hot.

Last year’s Stampede saw temperatures as high as 33°C. On days like that you’ll want something to drink and you won’t want to wait in line or have to pay for quality H2O.

Stampede Boots

Alright they don’t have to be boots, but they are appropriate to the occasion.

In all seriousness, if you’ve ever been to a Stampede before, you know there’s a lot of walking around involved. Don’t wear anything on your feet you wouldn’t want to walk in for hours.

Something to keep in mind when choosing your footwear: Live animals and their associated mess are part of the show. As such, there is an unlikely but not impossible chance that you could step in something you would rather not. Sandals are not recommended.

Cowboy hat

Everyone’s a cowboy/cowgirl at the Stampede.

If you wear your western hat, you’ll fit in with the crowd, and help protect your skin from the burning sun.

Don’t currently own a cowboy hat? There are opportunities aplenty to pick one up while you’re there. If you come with your significant other, why not make buying each other a hat part of your date?

Snacks

A day at Calgary Stampede can go on for hours. You’ll probably buy a lunch or some crazy carnival-style food, but there will probably come a point when you’re a little peckish and don’t want to spend any more cash on a deep-fried something-or-other.

Bringing a snack can help your blood sugar and your wallet. Just make sure if you’re snacks are salty you also bring water, but that was item number one so we’re sure you’ve still got that in mind.

Umbrella

You know how summers in Calgary can get really hot, really fast? They can also get really rainy, completely out of nowhere.

Sometimes it’s only for an hour or two, and sometimes it keeps up all day and night. Either way, it’s always nicer to have an umbrella to keep yourself dry, especially since some cowboy hats can get ruined by the rain.

Cash

As mentioned a few times above, Calgary Stampede has tons of vendors. Food, drinks, art, western wear, crafts, and more can be found from all kinds of stalls.

Many places accept debit and credit cards, but some are strictly cash. You don’t want to wait in line for ten minutes for a bucket of mini donuts to find they won’t let you tap or swipe.

Backpack

The above list is a lot to carry around in your hands or pockets, especially since you’re going to want a free hand for holding your foot-long corndog.

Bring a messenger bag or backpack to carry all your essentials in, as well as any cool Stampede swag you pick up along the way.