The Calgary Stampede is back and better than ever!
After being cancelled in 2020, and with a revised version last year due to the pandemic, the Stampede has returned to its pre-pandemic highs for the 2022 edition.
Whether you are a first-time visitor, or a regular, here are five can't miss attractions to put on your list.
5. Kevin Costner
This year's parade marshal is the star of the hit TV series Yellowstone and other movies such as Dances with Wolves, Bull Duhram, Field of Dreams, Draft Day, JFK, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Waterworld.
Costner is no stranger to the Calgary area, having filmed on location for movies such as Open Range and Let Him Go.
Fun fact: not only can Costner act but he can also sing and play guitar. His band Kevin Costner & Modern West will be performing after he's done his parade marshal duties on July 8 at the Big Four Roadhouse.
An actor, singer-songwriter, AND a parade marshal... what can't this man do?
4. New Midway Food
Every year, there's some serious hype on the concoctions the Calgary Stampede has cooked up for us to try.
You can try new items such as Mac and Cheese Soft Serve, Bad Breath Lemonade, Cricket Hot Dogs, Meal Worm Hot Dogs, Octopus Rangoon, Korean Squid Ink Corn Dogs, a Waffle Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwich, and much more.
3. The Calgary Stampede Powwow
Who doesn't love competition? In this new celebration of culture, Indigenous dancers, singers, and drummers from across Canada and the United States will be competing for $175,000 in prize money over three days inside the Saddledome (July 12 to 14).
The best part? These competitions are free with admission to the Stampede grounds.
2. The Superwheel
There will be no better way to take in an eagle-eye view of the Stampede grounds, catch a breathtaking view of the Calgary skyline, or just spend some alone time with a loved one than on the 150 ft. Ferris wheel that will be dominating the event this year.
According to the Calgary Stampede: "The Superwheel will be Canada’s largest travelling Ferris wheel, and it’s making its only 2022 Canadian stop at the Calgary Stampede."
The Superwheel, along with all the other great midway rides, are sure to make for one great day at the Stampede.
1. The Bell Grandstand Show
Head over to the GMC Stadium for a jaw-dropping combination of music, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics at the Bell Grandstand Show:
- Headlining the musical portion will be 11-time CCMA award-winning Canadian country music artist, Dean Brody.
- Singing and dance numbers from the Young Canadians.
- Providing show-stopping trick roping will be America's Got Talent contestant Loop Rawlins.
- A fireworks display will end each day.
If you can't make it one night, no worries, all of these great acts will be performed for all ten nights of the Calgary Stampede.
For more information on the Calgary Stampede, check out their website.