Calgary Stampede 2015

Sarah on Jun 4, 2015

Calgary Stampede: What you need to know

The Calgary Stampede is many things to many people: rodeo, carnival, food truck mecca, agricultural competition, concert and ten days of festivities which infects the whole city with fun. The central event on Calgary’s calendar, it is billed as the greatest outdoor show on earth.

A Calgary RV hire is a great way to experience the Stampede and also hit the road to explore the city, the nearby Rockies, the prairies, Banff National Park and beyond.

 

The details

The 2015 Calgary Stampede will take place from the 3rd to the 12th of July, under the Alberta summer sun. It will of course be in its usual home, Stampede Park, which is just two and a half kilometres from downtown Calgary. 

Tickets for general admission are $18 for an adult, $9 for a senior or youth and free for children under the age of six. These are valid for one day and include entry to the park and access to the hundreds of entertainment options which come at no extra cost. Some rodeo shows, evening concerts and stage shows incur a separate cost which varies according to the event -  tickets for these can be purchased online at Calgary Stampede website. You can buy general admission at the gates each day so there’s no need to plan ahead.

 

There will be the usual line-up of fun events, competitions, exhibitions, entertainment and food with a few new features developed to debut at this year’s Stampede. Here is just some of what’s on the calendar:

  • Superdogs- a daily canine extravaganza which is included in your admission.

  • Amazing stunts at Bell Adrenaline Ranch.

  • A free stage show sponsored by Coca-Cola. The lineup is yet to be announced but has included Barenaked Ladies, Carly Rae Jepsen and One Republic in previous years.

  • The Nashville North country music stage.

  • Headliners including Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Stevie Wonder and Jason Aldean for the evening concerts.

  • The Stampede Royalty crowning.

  • 35th Annual Stampede Talent Search.

  • A range of usual and unusual food stalls - look out for cockroach pizza, cactus burgers, donut grilled cheese and others.

  • Midway rides and games.

  • The Indian Village, a favourite exhibit and space displaying First Nations culture.

  • The relaxed Western Oasis which features art, music, crafts, food and wine.

  • Many agricultural events, shows and competitions- miniature donkeys, cattle penning, horses, sheep, tractors and much more.

 

RV adventures

A Canada RV rental is a great holiday option, especially during the Calgary Stampede. The city has plenty of RV parks and campgrounds where you can escape the hustle and bustle in the evenings, and it is very close to some of Canada’s most famous mountain resorts and national parks. You won’t have to pay a premium for a downtown hotel during the Stampede when you have an RV! 

 

Take advantage of Motorhome Republic’s great rental rates, and get in quick as vehicles will sell out for the event. Be a little flexible with pick-up dates or make your rental one-way and you could incorporate the Stampede experience into an unforgettable Canadian road trip. If you are interested in seeing other parts of the country, you could head to Edmonton and Vancouver. You could even start a cross-country adventure to Toronto and Montreal if you have enough time.

 

Written By: Sarah Glover

I love travelling, and a motorhome is such a great way to get around and get up close and personal with a new country or city. My top motorhome memory is driving a small sleepervan through the highlands of Scotland- a stunning nation and one of my favourite spots on earth! I hope to help you plan your next road trip with handy tips and information. Happy motoring!