Calgary Stampede
Ten days of rodeo, chuckwagon racing, a parade and midway every July in Calgary.
About Calgary Stampede
Billed as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", the Stampede fills Calgary every July with one of the world's largest rodeos, chuckwagon races, concerts, agricultural shows, First Nations exhibitions and a huge parade. Over a million visitors attend each year, and the whole city joins in with pancake breakfasts and western wear.
A brief history
The event's roots go back to 1886, when the Calgary and District Agricultural Society held its first fair. In 1912 American promoter Guy Weadick organized the first rodeo and festival he called the Stampede, and he returned in 1919 for a Victory Stampede honouring soldiers home from the First World War. In 1923 the Stampede merged with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition and became an annual event.
RV tips
- Campgrounds in and around Calgary book up months ahead for Stampede week. Reserve early.
- Leave the RV at camp and use transit to reach Stampede Park. Parking for large vehicles nearby is very limited.
- July heat and afternoon thunderstorms (sometimes with hail) are common. See our hail guide.
Before you go: Hours, road conditions, campground availability, passes and fire bans change. Check the official source below, 511 Alberta and Alberta Fire Bans before you travel. National parks need a Parks Canada pass, and Kananaskis needs a Conservation Pass.
Campgrounds nearby
- Mountainview Camping (Calgary) (Private, typical about $60/night)
Costs are approximate (checked October 2026). All Alberta campgrounds →
Sources & more information
Related trip planning: Alberta RV routes · Pre-trip checklist · Crown land camping