A day at the Calgary Stampede can get expensive fast. Admission, rides, snacks, a couple of drinks… suddenly you’re wondering where the last hundred dollars went.
The good news? You don’t have to pay full price.
Every year, the Calgary Stampede offers several free admission days, and if you time your visit right, you can save before you even walk through the gates. Add in all the entertainment that’s already included with admission, and it’s surprisingly easy to do Stampede without blowing your summer budget.
Here’s how we’d do it.
If You Can Choose Your Day, Start Here
The easiest way to save money is by planning your visit around one of the Stampede’s Value Days. They’re popular for a reason, so expect bigger crowds, but the savings are worth it.
Parade to Park
Friday, July 3
Already heading downtown for the Calgary Stampede Parade? Keep the day going.
Everyone receives free admission from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., making this one of the easiest ways to get into Stampede Park without paying admission.
If you’re still deciding where to watch the parade, the official Parade page has route maps and viewing information.
Tim Hortons Family Day
Sunday, July 5
If we were bringing younger kids, this is the morning we’d choose.
Admission is free until 11 a.m., plus there’s a free pancake breakfast and variety show from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
One tip: breakfast tickets are handed out at the entrances and they disappear quickly, so it’s worth arriving early.
You can find all the details on the official Value Days page.
TC Energy Community Day
Tuesday, July 7
Community Day tends to be a little more relaxed than opening weekend, which makes it a great option if you’re mostly there to wander, eat something deep-fried and catch a few shows.
Everyone gets free admission from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Seniors (65+) and Military Veterans receive free admission all day, along with complimentary coffee and donuts until 11 a.m.
BMO Kids’ Day
Wednesday, July 8
For families, this is probably the best value day of the entire Stampede.
Everyone gets in free until 11 a.m., while kids 12 and under receive free admission all day.
There’s also a free pancake breakfast and morning variety show between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Sneak-A-Peek
Thursday, July 2
Technically this one isn’t free, but it’s still one of the cheapest ways to experience the midway.
For $15, you’ll have access from 5 p.m. until midnight, including rides, live entertainment, food vendors and the opening night atmosphere before the official start of Stampede.
Don’t Pay Twice for Entertainment
One mistake we see people make every year is treating the Stampede like it’s just rides and food.
Once you’re inside, there’s actually a full day’s worth of entertainment included with admission.
A few things we’d make time for:
- Live concerts on the Coca-Cola Stage
- Music at The Big Four Roadhouse
- Â Flying Fools High Dive
- Â Dog Bowl
- Elbow River Camp
- Agriculture competitions and livestock barns
- Western Oasis
- BMO Community Square
- The Market
- Nightly fireworks
Before you head over, it’s worth checking the daily Stampede schedule. There are dozens of performances happening throughout the day, and it’s easy to miss something if you don’t know it’s on.
Going More Than Once?
If you’re planning a couple of Stampede days, take a look at the Stampede SuperPass before buying individual admission.
Depending on how often you’re going, it can end up being the better deal. You’ll also find options like the Two Day Thrill Package, Roadhouse RushPass and Nashville North upgrades on the same page if concerts are part of your plans.
A Few Things We’d Tell First-Time Visitors
After plenty of Stampede visits, here are a few things we’ve learned.
- Arrive early on the free admission days. They’re popular, and the lines build quickly.
- Take the CTrain if you can. It’s almost always easier than driving.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll end up walking far more than you expect.
- Don’t feel like you need to buy every viral midway food. Pick a couple that actually look good and spend the rest of your budget on experiences.
- Download the official Calgary Stampede app before you go. The maps and schedules make navigating the grounds much easier.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to have a great day at the Calgary Stampede.
Pick one of the free admission days, build your visit around the shows and entertainment that are already included, and you’ll be surprised how much there is to do without constantly reaching for your wallet.