Heading to the Calgary Stampede? Here's what you need to know

Crowds attend Family Day at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Sunday, July 9, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

The Calgary Stampede has arrived, with 10 days of western festivities and fun planned throughout the city.

If you’re heading down to Stampede Park to take in the midway, rodeo, chuckwagon races, concerts or other attractions, here are a few things you should know.

The park is generally open from 11 a.m. to midnight, with hours varying for some of the special theme days.

There are four entrances to get into the park:

Entrance fees and park costs

To get into Stampede, admission costs vary based on age.

Pre-purchased rodeo, evening show, Buck the Line and Saddledome show tickets can also get you into the park at no additional charge.

When you leave the park, you will receive a re-entry stamp that can get you back in on the same day.

If you want to hop on a ride or take a shot at a midway game, you can buy coupons at kiosks and ticket booths throughout the park.

The number of coupons required varies depending on the ride or game.

Free admission and value days

If you’re looking for a deal, there are a few days when admission is discounted or free.

Security screening and bag checks

Security screening checkpoints featuring metal detectors and bag searches are set up at entrances to Stampede Park.

Stampede security officials say they have increased the number of search lanes and entry points this year, to do more thorough searches while keeping lines moving.

All guests and their belongings are subject to screening.

“We reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other items to be brought into Stampede Park, and to deal with any unattended object in such way as we consider appropriate,” Stampede said on its website.

Visit the Calgary Stampede’s website for a full list of prohibited items.

Transit and parking

Calgary Transit is offering 24-hour CTrain service and extended hours on many bus routes during Stampede.

Transit riders can purchase a Stampede day pass during the 10 days of stampede, for $8.50 for adults and $6.50 for youth.

Those tickets are valid for one full day between July 5 and 14.

CTrains will also be on an updated schedule, with trains coming every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., every 15 minutes from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. and every 40-50 minutes between 1 and 5 a.m.

Learn more about Stampede transit service on Calgary Transit’s website.

The Calgary Stampede has day-use parking available for $30, in lots north of the BMO Centre at the corner of Macleod Trail and 12th Avenue and directly north of Stampede Park in the 11th Avenue lot.

Vehicles can be left overnight but must be picked up by 8 a.m. the next day.

Additional parking is available in lots in the East Village.