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Airdrie’s Canada Day parade may be a thing of the very recent past, but the summer celebrations aren’t over yet — Calgary’s Stampede Parade kicks off Friday, July 4, followed by 10 days of rodeo, concerts, midway thrills and western hospitality.
With tens of thousands expected to descend on Stampede Park, organizers say the first step is to map your route — whether you’re walking, driving, biking, or booking a ride.
In a June 30 advisory, the Calgary Stampede confirmed access routes for 2025, expanded transit hours, and designated rideshare and parking zones aimed at reducing congestion.
Uber has signed on as the event’s Official and Exclusive Rideshare Partner, with three dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones: Macleod Trail next to the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT Station, the Erlton exit off 25 Avenue S.E., and 14 Avenue S.E. between Stampede Trail and 5 Street S.E.
A fourth location on 10 Avenue S.E. between 3 and 4 Street S.E. will serve guests exiting through the Stampede Trail entrance.
Uber will also be offering in-app promotional offers to support ease of access. Guests can travel to and from Stampede Park with Uber safely and accessibly, whether arriving in the early morning for a Value Day breakfast or catching a late-night ride home after two-stepping at Nashville North.
Designated taxi access will be available in the same areas: Macleod Trail, Stampede Trail between 13 and 14 Avenue S.E., and the Erlton exit off 25 Avenue S.E.
CTrain riders can take the Red Line directly to Victoria Park/Stampede or Erlton stations. Calgary Transit will offer 24-hour CTrain service throughout the event, increasing several trains from three to four cars to accommodate larger crowds.
Two Express Stampede bus routes and extended hours on many regular bus lines will also be in effect. Full details are available online.
Major intersections in the area are now open, but one-way detours will be in place on 5 Street S.E., 14 Avenue S.E. and Stampede Trail to help traffic flow near the grounds.
Public parking is available at the corner of Macleod Trail and 12 Avenue S.E., in the 11 Avenue lot north of Stampede Park, and in designated accessible stalls in Lot 10 and the Saddledome A Parking Lot, accessed via 14 Avenue and 5 Street S.E.
Bike lanes in the area remain open, and bike and scooter parking will be available at every entrance to Stampede Park. Sidewalks around the park are also open for pedestrian access.
Organizers recommend specific entrances based on the attractions you’re visiting. For closest access to the Rodeo and Evening Show at GMC Stadium, the Dog Bowl presented by Safeway, Nashville North and the Coca-Cola Stage, guests should use the Erlton (South) Entrance.
For the Stampede Cellar Champions Wine Experience, The Market, Stage of Wonders in the BMO Centre, and Midway food and games, the Victoria Park (West) Entrance is the most direct.
Visitors heading to Saddledome events such as the Shania Twain concert, the Calgary Surge game or the Stampede Powwow, as well as the Monster Energy Compound, Elbow River Camp and the Great FUNtier kids’ Midway, are encouraged to use the Stampede Trail (North) Entrance.
To beat the heat or rest between events, the park features more seating, shaded areas and air-conditioned spaces this year. These include the Range Food Hall in The Big Four Building, the Western Oasis, and the BMO Community Square inside the BMO Centre.
For real-time showtimes, updates and a build-your-own schedule feature, guests are encouraged to download the official Calgary Stampede app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Visitors can also review the Culture + Entertainment District Stampede 2025 Access Map for the latest traffic routes and designated drop-off zones.
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