The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is back, and this year it’s pulling out all the stops.
Whether you're a rodeo fanatic, a live music lover, or just here for the outrageous food, the 2025 Calgary Stampede is serving up fresh thrills. Here’s your roundup of what’s new, wild, and delicious at this year’s Stampede!
🐴 RCMP Musical Ride
At the very top of the must-see list at the Nutrien Western Event Centre is the return of the iconic RCMP Musical Ride — a powerful showcase of Canadian pride, tradition, and horsemanship. From July 5–6 and again July 8–13, twenty Mounties in full red serge will guide their sleek black horses through intricate, music-driven formations that blend precision, unity, and pageantry. A highlight of the RCMP’s Alberta tour, this stirring performance is more than entertainment — it’s a moving tribute to Canada’s rich heritage and an unforgettable Stampede experience.
🎤 The stage is set
Country queen Shania Twain isn’t just headlining the Scotiabank Saddledome Concert Series — she’s also your 2025 Stampede Parade Marshal. Talk about Canadian royalty! She’s joined across Stampede stages by a lineup that’s nothing short of electric. From Natasha Bedingfield and TLC at The Big Four Roadhouse, to the Nashville North lights with Tenille Towns and Mackenzie Porter. And don’t sleep on the Coca-Cola Stage — there's something for every ear.
🌭 Foodie Frenzy: Skittle Dogs & Mopane Worm Poutine
If the Stampede is your excuse to eat weird things, you’re in luck. This year, the Midway is unleashing 50 new food items, and they’re as wild as a chuckwagon race in a lightning storm. Highlights? The “Skittle Dog” (yes, a hot dog with Skittles), the “Fruit Loops Burger” (it’s exactly what it sounds like), and the courage-testing “Mopane Worm Poutine”. Bring your appetite—and maybe a friend to dare you.
🌟 The Grandstand Show: Go Big or Go Home
The nightly Grandstand Show is turning up the heat in 2025. Alberta’s own Carolyn Dawn Johnson headlines, sharing the stage with The Young Canadians for a high-energy, music-and-dance extravaganza that’ll leave your boots shaking.
🎟️ VIP Vibes: Roadhouse Rush Pass Returns
Love the music but hate the lines? The Roadhouse Rush Pass is making a triumphant return, giving you front-of-the-line access to The Big Four Roadhouse. Pro tip: Snag one early—they sell out faster than a pancake breakfast.
🎨 A New Poster for a New Year
Each year, the Stampede unveils a new poster that captures the spirit of the West. This time, local artist Elora Kiddle brings the speed and strength of barrel racing to life with a fresh design that’s already turning heads.
