Calgary Stampede generated $721M for Alberta’s economy in 2025

Visitors explore the midway on the final day of the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Sunday, July 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth had a big positive impact on the Alberta economy last year, officials said Thursday.

According to an economic impact analysis of the 2025 Calgary Stampede, conducted by MNP, the 10-day event generated $721 million across the province.

That is a 33-per cent increase from the last time a similar report was done in 2019.

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“These economic impact numbers are a clear reflection of the strong community support of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, and continued demand for conferences, conventions, trade shows and community events both on Stampede Park and across the city,” said Joel Cowley, chief executive officer of the Calgary Stampede, in a news release.

“As a not-for-profit organization, the Calgary Stampede is proud to contribute meaningful economic value to our neighbours. This study highlights how our gathering place attracts investment and reinforces a resilient, competitive economy, while contributing to a vibrant community.”

The MNP study looked at the economic impact from the Stampede’s operations as well as visitor spending during the event and its year-round events at Stampede Park.

“The analysis focused on incremental economic benefit, measuring spending by out-of-town visitors and Stampede operational spending associated with events, isolating new dollars entering the local economy, rather than total economic activity,” officials said.

Stampede-related activity generated $872 million nationally and $664 million for Calgary specifically, a figure that includes $190.7 million in wages and salaries.

Officials say this means more hotel stays, more restaurant meals, more business for entrepreneurs, more guests at attractions and more passengers for taxis and ride share services.