. stampede off the grounds

Celebrate the Calgary Stampede without stepping on the grounds 

In less than a week, the 99th year of the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” will commence at the Stampede Grounds for ten days of non-stop action. The pre-centennial year will be one of the greatest yet, as tourists and locals alike will be spoiled with an action packed itinerary that requires a “Yahoo!” and an adventurous attitude. Event goers will be subjected to the sights and sounds of the true West, some of the most anticipated concerts of the year, and a wholesome assortment of deep-fried foods which should NOT be eaten for ten days straight.

However, even after a couple jam-packed days at the Stampede Park can make the cowboy inside us feel a little drained. In an attempt to recharge and still make the most of Stampede experience, follow this Beltline Guide to have the most western-related fun without setting foot (or spur) in the grounds.

The Stampede Park gates

 1. Parade: One of the biggest celebrations of cowboy culture in the city is the yearly parade. The newly-wed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are slated to kick off the parade to an audience of over 400,000 people lining the parade route and over 2 million watching the spectacle from home. This year’s parade marshal, Rick Hansen, will lead over 130 unique entries in the downtown core.

2. Pancake Breakfast: Every stampede-savvy Calgarian knows that the ten days of stampede means ten days of free breakfasts’. Most notable events in the Beltline include the Mustard Seed Stampede BBQ on July 8th for all parade-goers, and alternative music station x92.9 is hosting a “Not So Stampede Breakfast” where the first 200 morning enthusiasts will receive free breakfast wraps from Subway. For all other pancake feasts, head over to flapjackfinder.com to scope out events near you.

3. Stampede after Dark: Union Events in collaboration with several other promotional companies and nightclubs in the Beltline want to ensure that the hard days spent at the grounds eating cotton candy and riding the Zipper are rewarded with an equally as exciting nightlife. Stampede after Dark features world-renowned artists from almost every spectrum of music that will satisfy even the most eclectic ears. Look for concerts at the Whiskey and the Republik complete your Stampede experience.

Grandstand Fireworks

4. Fireworks: One of the most anticipated and certainly the loudest part of Stampede and best of all- it’s completely free! Grab a couple of friends and head off to Scotsman Hill or one of the many parks in the Beltline to witness the fireworks every night starting at 11 p.m.

5. Anti-Stampede Party: If the ten days of Stampede were never your thing to begin with and the overflow of cowboy hats and country music are enough to make you hibernate, there are still plenty of non-traditional ways you can enjoy the chaos. Party away your frustrations by exploring bars and restaurants that offer anti-stampede events, or at least play limited amounts of country music.

Head to Cafe Beano for a break from Stampede