Admission at a Glance

If you’re short on time, here’s everything you need to know before buying your tickets.

• Stampede Dates: July 3–12, 2026
• General Admission: $28
• Sneak-A-Peek: $15
• Children Under 7: Free
• Ride All Day Pass: $46.99 + GST (Advance Purchase)
• Rodeo Tickets: Start at $143 and include park admission
• Evening Show Tickets: Start at $152 and include park admission
• Four Value Days: Save with free or discounted admission
• Free Entertainment: Concerts, agriculture exhibits, Dog Bowl, Stage of Wonders, BMO Centre, Elbow River Camp, markets, art exhibits, and much more are all included with admission.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that admission only gets you into the midway.

In reality, admission unlocks dozens of experiences throughout Stampede Park, many of which first-time visitors don’t even know exist.

For a complete overview of everything happening during Stampede, check out our Ultimate Calgary Stampede Guide.

Calgary Stampede Admission Prices (2026)

The Calgary Stampede runs from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 12, 2026.

General park hours are 11:00 a.m. to midnight, unless otherwise noted for special event days.

General Admission

Sneak-A-Peek

Want to experience Stampede before the official opening day?

Sneak-A-Peek takes place on Thursday, July 2 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

Admission is $15, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience the midway, food vendors, rides, and entertainment before the crowds arrive.

If your main goal is trying midway food, riding rides, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Sneak-A-Peek offers excellent value.

What’s Included with Admission?

This is probably the biggest surprise for first-time visitors.

Many people assume admission simply gets you through the gates.

In reality, it gives you access to dozens of attractions spread across Stampede Park.

We’ve spent years exploring every corner of the grounds, and we’re still finding experiences we hadn’t noticed before.

Here’s what your admission includes.

Live Music

One of the biggest perks of admission is access to several incredible music venues throughout the park.

Included with admission:

• Coca-Cola Stage
• Nashville North (18+)
• Big Four Roadhouse (excluding select ticketed performances)
• Calgary Stampede Showband performances

Whether you’re into country, pop, rock, EDM, or emerging artists, there’s usually something happening somewhere on the grounds.

Want the complete lineup? Check out our Calgary Stampede Concert Guide.

Family Entertainment

Stampede is far more family-friendly than many people expect.

Included with admission:

• Dog Bowl
• BMO Kids’ Zone
• Stage of Wonders
• Kitchen Theatre
• BMO Community Square entertainment
• Flying Fools High Dive
• Stampede Stand-Up (select performances)

Many of these shows run several times throughout the day, making it easy to fit them into your itinerary.

Agriculture & Western Heritage

The Calgary Stampede began as an agricultural exhibition, and that tradition remains one of its biggest strengths.

Admission includes access to:

• Animal barns
• Agriculture competitions
• Heavy Horse demonstrations
• Livestock showcases
• Horse Haven
• Educational exhibits
• Farm demonstrations

Even if agriculture isn’t normally your thing, we’d still recommend spending some time here. It’s one of the most authentic parts of the entire Stampede.

Indigenous Experiences

One of the most meaningful areas of Stampede Park is Elbow River Camp.

Here you’ll find authentic tipis, cultural demonstrations, storytelling, and opportunities to learn about the traditions and history of the Treaty 7 Nations.

Admission also includes the Calgary Stampede Powwow, one of the largest and most exciting celebrations of Indigenous dance, drumming, and culture in North America.

It’s an experience we recommend to every first-time visitor.

Shopping & Exhibits

If you’re looking for a slower pace between shows and attractions, head indoors.

Admission includes access to:

• Stampede Market
• Western Oasis Art Show
• BMO Centre exhibits
• Community displays
• Vendor showcases

It’s also a great place to cool off during the hottest part of the day.

Nightly Fireworks

Every evening, Stampede ends with an incredible fireworks display over Stampede Park.

If you’re attending the Evening Show, you’ll enjoy one of the best views in the city.

If not, you can still watch the fireworks from almost anywhere inside the grounds.

Want our favourite viewing locations both inside and outside the park? Check out our Calgary Stampede Fireworks Guide.

What Costs Extra?

While your admission ticket includes far more than most people expect, there are a handful of experiences you’ll still need to budget for.

Knowing what costs extra before you arrive can help you decide where you want to spend your money and where you can save.

Midway Rides & Games

Admission gets you onto the midway, but rides and games require separate tickets or a Ride All Day Pass.

If you’re planning on riding more than a handful of attractions, purchasing a Ride All Day Pass before Stampede begins is almost always the better value.

Ride All Day Advanced Midway Pass

One of the best purchases you can make if you’re a ride lover.

For $46.99 + GST, you’ll receive unlimited rides on:

• N.A.M.E. Midway rides
• Midway games
• WestJet Skyride

These passes are available until July 2 at participating:

• Sobeys
• Safeway
• IGA
• FreshCo
• CHALO FreshCo

⭐ Wandering Tip

If you’re only planning to ride two or three attractions, buying individual ride tickets usually makes more sense. If you’re spending most of your day on the midway, the Ride All Day Pass pays for itself quickly.

Midway Food

One of the biggest reasons people visit Stampede every year is the food.

From giant turkey legs and deep-fried Oreos to pickle lemonade and this year’s newest midway creations, it’s easy to spend far more than you planned.

Typical prices are roughly:

• Snacks: $8–15
• Drinks: $8–25
• Meals: $18–30+
• Novelty foods: $12–20+

⭐ Wandering Tip

Instead of everyone ordering their own food, buy one or two items and share them. You’ll spend less and get to try far more of the unique midway foods.

Our complete Midway Food Guide includes our favourite classics, hidden gems, and the newest foods worth trying this year. (Coming Soon)

Rodeo Tickets

The Rodeo is not included with general admission.

If you’ve never experienced it before, we genuinely think it’s worth doing at least once.

The Calgary Stampede Rodeo begins daily at 1:30 p.m. inside GMC Stadium and features the world’s top competitors battling it out for one of the largest prize purses in professional rodeo.

The good news: Every Rodeo ticket purchased in advance includes admission to Stampede Park for that same day.

That means you don’t need to purchase a separate admission ticket.

If you’re already planning on attending the Rodeo, buying a Rodeo ticket is one of the best values available.

Evening Show Tickets

The Evening Show is also a separately ticketed event.

Beginning nightly at 7:15 p.m., your ticket includes:

• Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Races
• ENMAX Relay Races
• Grandstand Show
• Nightly Fireworks Finale

Like Rodeo tickets, Every Evening Show ticket purchased in advance includes admission to Stampede Park on the same day.

If we had to recommend just one premium experience for first-time visitors, this would probably be it.

Premium Concerts & Experiences

While most music throughout Stampede is included with admission, there are a handful of premium experiences that require additional tickets.

Examples include:

• Select Big Four Roadhouse performances
• VIP Nashville North experiences
• Buck the Line packages
• Premium hospitality tents
• Private party venues

If live music is one of the main reasons you’re visiting Stampede, it’s worth checking schedules ahead of time to see if your favourite artist requires an additional ticket..

Our Favourite Admission Deals

Throughout the year, Calgary Stampede partners with local businesses to offer some fantastic promotions.

Some of our favourites include:

Stampede Bucks (Costco)

Purchase $50 in Stampede Bucks for just $39.99.

They can be used on:

• Admission
• Food
• Midway rides
• Games
• Rodeo
• Evening Show
• And much more

This is one of the first things to sell out every year.

2 Admissions for $32 at 7-Eleven

Purchase any two qualifying Coca-Cola products at participating Calgary-area 7-Eleven locations and receive two admissions for just $32, saving more than 40%.

Spend $5, Save $10

Spend $5 on Coca-Cola beverages at participating Real Canadian Superstore or Your Independent Grocer locations and receive $10 off Stampede admission.

Bud & Burger Rodeo Offer

For $43 plus fees, you’ll receive:

• Stampede admission
• Standing-room Rodeo ticket
• Classic burger
• Budweiser beer

If you were already planning to attend the Rodeo, this is a fantastic value.

Stampede Lotteries Offer

Purchase qualifying Stampede Lottery tickets and receive:

• 50% off Park Admission
• 50% off Rodeo Tickets
• 50% off Evening Show Tickets

Midway Twilight Offer

On Thursday, July 9, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Receive:

• Ride All Day Pass for $45 + GST
• Participating midway food samples for just $5

It’s one of the best evenings for anyone looking to maximize both rides and food without overspending.

How We’d Save Money at the Calgary Stampede

We’ve visited the Calgary Stampede more times than we can count, and if we were planning a visit today, here’s exactly how we’d stretch our budget without feeling like we missed out.

Buy the Right Ticket for Your Visit

Not every deal is right for every person.

Here’s how we’d decide.

Going More Than Once?

Buy the Stampede SuperPass.

For one price, you’ll receive unlimited admission for all ten days of Stampede, making it one of the best values if you’re planning multiple visits.

Love Midway Rides?

Purchase the Ride All Day Advanced Midway Pass before July 2.

You’ll save over $10 compared to buying at the grounds, and unlimited rides make it an easy choice for thrill seekers.

Planning on Watching the Rodeo?

Skip buying general admission.

Instead, purchase a Rodeo ticket.

You’ll receive:

• Stampede Park admission
• Rodeo admission

One ticket covers both.

Want to Watch the Evening Show?

The same advice applies.

Your Evening Show ticket already includes admission to Stampede Park, so there’s no need to purchase two separate tickets.

Our Favourite Ways to Save Once You’re Inside

Sometimes the smallest decisions save the most money.

We almost always:

Plan our day before arriving so we’re not wandering aimlessly and missing experiences.

Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day.

Pack a few snacks so we’re only buying the foods we really want to try.

Share novelty midway foods instead of ordering one each.

Spend more time enjoying the incredible entertainment that’s already included with admission.

Take Calgary Transit instead of paying for parking.

Wandering Verdict

If you’re wondering whether Calgary Stampede admission is worth it, our answer is absolutely yes.

The key is knowing what’s included.

Most people spend the majority of their day on the midway and miss everything else the grounds have to offer. Between concerts, agriculture exhibits, Indigenous experiences, family entertainment, markets, live performances, and fireworks, there’s easily enough included with admission to fill an incredible day.

The people who leave saying Stampede was overpriced usually didn’t know what was already included.

The people who leave saying they can’t wait to come back usually had a plan.

Before You Go

A little preparation goes a long way at the Calgary Stampede.

We’ve learned over the years that it’s usually the small things people forget that end up making the biggest difference. Here are a few things to know before you head through the gates.

Payment Methods

Nearly every vendor throughout Stampede Park accepts modern payment methods.

You’ll typically be able to pay using:

• Debit
• Credit cards
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Other mobile payment options

Even most midway games now accept card payments, so carrying large amounts of cash usually isn’t necessary.

That said, having a small amount of cash on hand never hurts, especially if you happen to come across a vendor experiencing technical issues.

Security & Bag Checks

All guests entering Stampede Park should expect security screening.

Bag checks are common at entrances and help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

To make getting through the gates quicker:

• Travel light whenever possible.
• Avoid bringing unnecessary bags.
• Have your tickets ready before reaching security.
• Arrive a little earlier if you’re attending a major concert or the Evening Show.

Dress for Calgary’s Weather

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this:

Never trust Calgary’s weather.

We’ve experienced:

• Sunshine and 30°C afternoons
• Heavy rain
• Thunderstorms
• Hail
• Wind
• Chilly evenings

…sometimes all in the same day.

Before heading out, we recommend packing:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Light sweater or jacket
• Small umbrella or poncho

You’ll be glad you did.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

We know…

Everyone wants to wear brand-new cowboy boots.

Please don’t.

Stampede is much bigger than it looks on a map, and you’ll easily walk several kilometres throughout the day.

If you’re wearing boots, make sure you’ve already broken them in.

Otherwise, comfortable runners will make your day much more enjoyable.

Take Calgary Transit If You Can

Unless you already have parking arranged nearby, we almost always recommend taking Calgary Transit.

Victoria Park/Stampede Station is located right beside Stampede Park, making it one of the easiest ways to arrive.

Benefits include:

• No parking fees
• Less traffic
• Easier access after concerts and shows
• No worrying about driving after enjoying Stampede beverages

If you’re visiting from out of town, staying near a CTrain station can make getting to and from Stampede incredibly easy.

Our complete Parking & Transit Guide covers the best park-and-ride locations, parking options, transit tips, and everything you need to know before arriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Leave and Re-enter Stampede Park?

Yes.

If you need to leave Stampede Park during the day, you’re able to re-enter later.

Historically, this has been done using a hand stamp, although the re-entry process may change from year to year. Check with the gate attendants before leaving to make sure you know the current procedure.

This is especially helpful if you’re staying nearby, want to grab something from your vehicle, or plan on taking a break before returning for the Evening Show or fireworks.

Can You Bring Food Into the Calgary Stampede?

Yes.

One of the biggest myths we hear is that outside food isn’t allowed.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and snacks into Stampede Park, making it much easier to save money throughout the day.

We often pack a few granola bars, snacks, or drinks so we can spend our budget on the midway foods we actually want to try instead of buying lunch simply because we’re hungry.

⭐ Wandering Tip

Packing your own snacks doesn’t mean missing out on Stampede food. It simply gives you the flexibility to spend your money on the unique treats you can’t get anywhere else.

Can You Bring Water?

Absolutely.

In fact, we highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.

There are refill stations located throughout Stampede Park, including inside the BMO Centre, making it easy to stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water.

Considering drinks can easily cost $8–25 each, this is one of the easiest ways to save money during your visit.

Does Rodeo admission include Stampede Park admission?

Yes. Every Rodeo ticket purchased in advance includes admission to Stampede Park on the same day.

Does the Evening Show include admission?

Yes. Evening Show tickets purchased in advance include Stampede Park admission for that day.

Is admission worth it if I don’t go on rides?

Absolutely.

Many of our favourite experiences don’t require purchasing anything extra, including live concerts, Dog Bowl, Stage of Wonders, Elbow River Camp, agriculture exhibits, the Stampede Market, BMO Centre displays, and nightly fireworks.

Can I leave Stampede Park and come back later?

Yes.

Re-entry is permitted. Check with staff before leaving to confirm the current re-entry process for that day.

Do I need cash?

Not usually.

Most vendors, including many midway games, accept debit, credit cards, and mobile payment methods.

What is the cheapest way to visit the Calgary Stampede?

Visit during one of the Value Days, bring a reusable water bottle, pack a few snacks, enjoy the free entertainment included with admission, and take Calgary Transit instead of parking onsite.

Is the Ride All Day Pass worth it?

If you’re planning to spend most of your day on the midway, absolutely.

If you’re only riding a few attractions, individual ride tickets are usually the better value.

What’s included with general admission?

General admission includes access to:

• Coca-Cola Stage
• Nashville North
• Big Four Roadhouse (excluding select performances)
• Dog Bowl
• Elbow River Camp
• Agriculture exhibits
• BMO Centre
• Stage of Wonders
• Kitchen Theatre
• Stampede Market
• Community entertainment
• Nightly fireworks
• And dozens of other daily experiences throughout Stampede Park.

Looking for an Even Easier Way to Plan? (Launching June 30)

If all of this still feels like a lot to organize, that’s exactly why we created the Made for Wanderers Calgary Stampede Planner.

Instead of jumping between websites, schedules, maps, blog posts, and social media, the planner brings everything together in one place.

Inside you’ll find personalized adventures, curated experiences, planning tools, budget trackers, interactive checklists, bucket lists, local recommendations, and practical resources designed to help you experience your best Calgary Stampede yet.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, travelling with kids, planning a date night, or simply trying to make the most of your time, the planner helps you spend less time researching and more time making memories.

Continue Planning Your Stampede

This guide is designed to give you everything you need to confidently plan your visit, but if you’re looking for more detailed information on a specific topic, we’ve created an entire Calgary Stampede Resource Centre to help.

Inside you’ll find in-depth guides covering:

Essential Planning Guides

• Calgary Stampede 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• First-Timer’s Guide
• Admission Guide
• Parking & Transit Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Is the Calgary Stampede Worth It?

Experiences & Attractions

• Parade Guide
• Rodeo & Evening Show Guide
• Everything FREE at Stampede
• Fireworks Guide
• Midway Food Guide (Coming Soon)
• Dietary Guide (Coming Soon)
• Budget Guide (Coming Soon)

Planning Tools

• Pancake Breakfast Guide
• Pancake Breakfast Finder
• Stampede Concert Guide
• Stampede Concert Finder

Or take your planning one step further with the Made for Wanderers Calgary Stampede Planner (launching June 30), featuring curated adventures, planning tools, interactive resources, and local recommendations to help you experience your best Stampede yet.

We update our Resource Centre every year with the latest pricing, events, schedules, and local recommendations, so whether you’re planning months in advance or visiting tomorrow, you’ll always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

Happy Stampeding, and we’ll see you out there.

Shabina + Adi