Calgary Stampede: 40 Facts & Infographics

With more than a million visitors every year, the Calgary Stampede is not only known as the “greatest outdoor show on earth,” but is also one of the largest! A lot of time and work go into making this annual show happen, and when considered, the logistics of the entire show are pretty insane to think about.

Below, we go over more than 40 fun facts on the Calgary Stampede, from its history to food to First Nations and more, that will give you a glimpse into its absolutely epic nature! Also see:

• Best Bars & Pubs Near the Stampede Grounds
• 23 Things You Didn’t Know About the Calgary Stampede
• Best Midway Rides at the Calgary Stampede

Stampede Attendance Facts

#1 – The very first Stampede took place in 1912, organized by Guy Weadick, an American cowboy, performer, and promoter – 80,000 people showed up to the event ^[4]

#2 – In 1912, Calgary only had a population of around 90,000 ^[4][5] – to attract nearly the same number of people to the show was an incredible accomplishment, to say the least

#3 – Today, well over 1 million visitors from around the world visit the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth ^[4]

#4 – The Calgary Stampede’s all-time attendance record was set in 2024, with 1,477,953 people visiting the event ^[26]

#5  – The 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede in 2012 set the event’s second-largest attendance record with 1,409,371 visitors ^[7]

#6 – Approximately 350,000 people attend the Stampede Parade every year, which takes about two full hours to pass by and includes colourful floats, marching bands, live music, live performers, street buskers, and more ^[8]

#7 – The very first Stampede Parade attracted a crowd of 75,000 people, another incredible feat; Guy Weadick organized the parade as a chronological display of the history of the Western Frontier, showcasing all elements he saw critical to the celebration ^[6][27]

#8 – Around four million people visit the Stampede Grounds throughout the year, whether that be for conferences, shows, and other events of the sort ^[1]

#9 – More than 800,000 people visit the BMO Centre’s market every year at the Stampede Grounds ^[13]

Stampede Participation Facts

#10 – More than 1,500 people are employed by the Calgary Stampede year-round, contributing to the economy through jobs, wages, and tax revenues ^[1]

#11 – About 3,500 seasonal workers are hired during the 10-day event, many of whom are youth or young adults  ^[1]

#12 – Every year, Stampede Park hosts more than 1,200 sporting, hospitality, tourism, and business events ^[1]

#13 – 100 entries, 21 floats, 11 marching bands, and 700 horses participate00 horses participated in the 2024 Stampede Parade ^[28]

#14 – Every year, more than 3,000 people, a majority of whom live in Calgary, dedicate their personal time to volunteer at the show ^[1]

#15 – These volunteers sit on 29 different volunteering committees ^[9]

#16 – Over two million Canadians nationwide watch the Stampede Parade on television every year ^[10]

Stampede Food & Drink Facts

#17 – More than two million mini-donuts are eaten every year at the Stampede ^[11]

#18 – During the 2017 Stampede, more than 3,475 litres of Ketchup and 1,571 litres of Mustard were consumed ^[11]

#19 – Over 200,000 pancakes are served at community breakfasts throughout the city during the Stampede ^[11]

#20 – A total of four beer grounds are found at the Calgary Stampede ^[1]

#21 – In 2025, there are 53 new foods on the Stampede midway for all to enjoy ^[29]

#22 – In 2025, there will also be dozens of midway food and drink options from previous years ^[1]

Stampede Rodeo & Midway Facts

#23 – The new BMO Centre includes over 1 million square feet of space, providing the Stampede with ample space to host trade shows and other events ^[30]

#24 – Stampede Park itself covers more than 200 acres of land ^[14]

#25 – More than 7,500 animals are hosted by the Stampede Park during the 10-day event including over 600 chuckwagon horses ^[15]

#26 – Several hundred horses participate in the annual parade watched on live TV ^[8]

#27 – Approximately 2 tonnes, or 4400 pounds of manure, is left behind by animals on the parade route ^[16]

#28 – The 2024 Stampede will host six rodeo events and have $2.17 million in prize money for rodeo competitors ^[17]

#29 – 30,000 flowers are planted in Stampede Park each year ^[18]

Stampede History & Economic Facts

#30 – The very first Calgary Stampede in 1912 lasted just 4 days, from September 2^nd to September 5th ^[19]

#31 – In the mid-1940s, admission to the grounds was just 25 cents. Today, it’s $25.00 for ages 13-64 ^[20]

#32 – A 2019 analysis by the Conference Board of Canada estimated the annual economic impact of the Calgary Stampede to be $540 million, with 52% of that coming directly from the 10-day event in July ^[21]

#33 – More than 30,000 posters promoting the greatest outdoor show on Earth are distributed worldwide every year ^[18]

#34 – The “Big Four” businessmen: A.J. MacLean, A.E. Cross, George Lane and Pat Burns made a crucial contribution of $100,000 towards the first-ever Calgary Stampede ^[22]

#35 – A poll taken in 2011 showed that 40% of Calgarians who were expecting they would attend the Calgary Stampede estimated they would spent anywhere from $150 to $500 ^[23]

#36 – The first Calgary Stampede Rodeo awarded $20,000 in prize money to competitors. According to inflation rates, that cash would be worth $529,890 in 2024 ^[2][3]

Stampede & First Nations

#37 – The first Calgary Stampede’s first parade was organized by Weadick as a chronological display of the history of the Western Frontier; the event was lead by nearly 2,000 Indigenous People, dressed in full regalia, from the Blood Trive, Sksika Nation, Stoney Tribe, Stoney Tribe (Tsuut’ina), and the Piikani Nation – the five tribes and nations of Treaty 7 ^[27]

#38 – First Nations People of Treaty 7 have been an integral part of the Calgary Stampede since its dawn in 1912, an honoured relationship that continues today. Approximately 1,800 Indigenous Peoples travelled to Calgary to take part in the festivities. ^[25]

#39 – The Stampede’s 16-acre Elbow River Camp is home to 26 tipis set up in a traditional circle during the 10-day event ^[24]

#40 – Seven of the tipi designs have been present for all 112 years of the camp ^[25]

Calgary Stampede: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Calgary Stampede 2025?

The Calgary Stampede 2025 runs from July 4 to July 13, 2025.

How much are the tickets?

General admission is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $16 for children aged 7-12, with special packages and event-specific tickets available.

What are the main events?

The main events include the Rodeo, Chuckwagon Races, Evening Show, and concerts featuring top artists like Shania Twain.

What attractions are family-friendly?

Family-friendly activities include the Stampede SuperPass shows, Midway rides, delicious food vendors, and the world-class Calgary Stampede Powwow on July 12-13, 2025.

What is the best attire to wear to the show?

Western-style clothing is encouraged—think cowboy boots, jeans, a plaid shirt, and a cowboy hat; just be comfortable and layer for changing weather.

What time does the Stampede Grounds open and close?

The grounds open at 11 a.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. on weekends, and close late at night after the evening shows, at around 11-12 pm.

What time are the nightly fireworks?

Nightly fireworks usually start after the Evening Show at the Grandstand, around 11 p.m. each night.

What is the best way to get to the Stampede?

Take Calgary’s CTrain to Victoria Park/Stampede Station, use a rideshare or taxi—parking is limited, and public transit is easiest.

What other tips should I know when visiting the Stampede Grounds?

Arrive early, stay hydrated, bring sunscreen, take breaks in shaded areas, and check the daily schedule for free pancake breakfasts and Value Days.

SOURCES:

_{1 – https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/about
2 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary_Stampede
3 – https://inflationcalculator.ca/
4 – https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-calgary-stampede
5 – https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/daab9fce-c2f6-49d1-a433-375b2b7aee24/resource/ff3cbef0-1638-4885-b156-e8077fa3ead4/download/population1913.pdf
6 – https://www.avenuecalgary.com/Things-to-Do/Calgary-Stampede/The-First-Calgary-Stampede-Parade/
7 – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-stampede-sets-new-attendance-record-1.1193512
8 – https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-from-calgary/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-calgary-stampede
9 – https://corporate.calgarystampede.com/volunteer/committees
10 – https://ucalgary.ca/news/stampede-parade-no-other
11 – https://news.calgarystampede.com/releases/new-foods-and-fantastic-flavours-to-arrive-at-2023-calgary-stampede-midway
12 – https://www.calgarystampede.com/new-midway-food
13 – https://www.calgarystampede.com/exhibitors
14 – https://www.bestcalgaryhomes.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-calgary-stampede/
15 – https://corporate.calgarystampede.com/about-us/animal-care/questions-answers
16 – https://globalnews.ca/news/710830/stampede-by-the-numbers-2-million-mini-doughnuts/
17 – https://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/rodeo
18 – Stampede 2015 Media Guide
19 – https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/calgary-stampede-101-for-first-timers-2/
20 – https://www.stettlerindependent.com/community/stampede-fans-extraordinaire-6606339
21 – https://globalnews.ca/news/9826666/business-leaders-calgary-stampede-economic-impact/
22 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Burns_(businessman)
23 – https://stories.td.com/ca/en/news/2011-07-05-calgarians-are-big-spenders-during-10-days-of-stampede
24 – https://venues.calgarystampede.com/event-spaces/enmax-park
25 – https://weexplorecanada.com/calgary-stampede-indigenous
26 – https://globalnews.ca/news/10624015/calgary-stampede-attendance-record-2024/
27 – https://www.avenuecalgary.com/Things-to-Do/Calgary-Stampede/The-First-Calgary-Stampede-Parade/
28 – https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/calgary-stampede-parade-draws-massive-crowd/
29 – https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/new-midway-foods-2025-calgary-stampede/
30 – https://venues.calgarystampede.com/event-spaces/bmo-centre}