Quick Answer
It is highly recommended to purchase Calgary Stampede tickets well in advance of your desired attendance date. The Calgary Stampede is a hugely popular event that attracts over 1 million visitors each year. As such, tickets can sell out completely if you wait too long to buy them. Purchasing tickets ahead of time guarantees you admission and allows you to select better seats.
Buying Tickets in Advance Is Ideal
The Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Canada, attracting well over 1 million attendees each year for its iconic rodeo competitions, concerts, shows, rides, exhibitions and more. With high demand, tickets to marquee Stampede events like the rodeo tend to sell out quickly.
Purchasing Calgary Stampede tickets well in advance of the date you wish to attend provides some key advantages:
- Guarantees you admission to the date/event you want to attend. Popular events will sell out if you wait too long.
- Gives you the best selection of available seats before they are all purchased by others.
- Saves money compared to last minute purchases. Ticket prices may increase closer to the event date.
- Avoids the stress of trying to find last minute tickets which may be sold-out.
- Allows time to review schedules and plan your full itinerary for the day.
Especially for top draws like the rodeo, evening concerts and chuckwagon races, demand is highest and tickets will sell out the quickest. Booking as far in advance as possible, even months ahead, gives you the best chance to lock in seats.
Where to Buy Tickets
There are a few options to purchase Calgary Stampede tickets in advance online:
- Directly through the Stampede’s official website – This is the best and most secure place to purchase tickets. You can create an account, view the event calendar and seating charts, and select/purchase the exact tickets you want.
- Through third party ticket brokers – Many ticket resale marketplaces and online brokers also sell Stampede tickets. This gives you more options, but often at inflated prices. Always verify the tickets are valid before purchasing.
- Travel package deals – Some travel agencies and hotels sell Stampede tickets bundled into vacation packages. This can offer convenience, but shop around for the best value.
If you will be in Calgary as the Stampede approaches, another option is to purchase tickets in person once they go on sale. Tickets are sold at various locations around the city including grocery stores and the Stampede grounds box office. But for popular events, selection is most limited using this method.
When to Buy Tickets
The sooner you can purchase Calgary Stampede tickets, the better. Here is an overview of the typical Calgary Stampede ticket on-sale schedule:
- Previous year’s attendees – People who bought tickets the prior year can access an exclusive pre-sale months before the general public starting in late November.
- Superfans – Fan club members and corporate partners can buy tickets starting in December in a special pre-sale.
- General public – Tickets go on sale to the general public in early March each year.
- Single day tickets – Individual day passes typically go on sale in June closer to the event dates.
Keep this timeline in mind when planning your Stampede visit. If possible, take advantage of early access pre-sale opportunities to increase your chance of getting the hottest tickets. Otherwise, aim to buy during the main on-sale periods before selection dwindles.
For very popular concerts like Garth Brooks in 2022 which sold out in record time, you’ll want to purchase immediately when tickets first become available to avoid missing out.
How Far in Advance to Buy Tickets
To ensure you can attend your desired Stampede events on your scheduled dates, follow these recommendations for purchasing tickets in advance:
- Rodeo – At least 2-3 months ahead of time and up to 6 months if possible.
- Evening shows – At least 2-3 months ahead, or during pre-sales if available.
- Chuckwagon races – At least 1-2 months beforehand, the earlier the better.
- Grandstand concerts – At least 2-3 months in advance, buy immediately when popular acts go on sale.
- Agricultural shows – 1 month should be sufficient, but further ahead secures better pick of seats.
- Midway rides and games – Can usually purchase day-of, but pre-buying 1 month out has more options.
Following these timelines gives you the optimal chance at your preferred tickets before they sell out. Some marquee events like the rodeo finals weekend will be totally sold out months in advance. So you generally want to book as far ahead as realistically possible.
For preference events, purchasing 6-12 months in advance during pre-sales is ideal but may not always be feasible. Aim for at least 2-3 months out at minimum if you want the best choice of seating and availability.
How Much Are Tickets
Calgary Stampede ticket prices can vary substantially depending on which events you want to attend. In general, these are typical price ranges:
- Rodeo – $28-$160 per person
- Evening show – $30-$100 per person
- Grandstand concert – $40-$200 per person
- Chuckwagon races – $17-$50 per person
- Agriculture show – $10-$25 per person
- Midway rides – $30-$60 for a day pass
Higher demand days like weekends and the final weekends of the Stampede draw the highest prices. But any day can sell out for top tier events like the rodeo and big concerts. Booking early gets you the best access to face value ticket prices before marked up resale options are all that remain.
You can save money purchasing bundled packages. Family value packs with ride passes, rodeo/show tickets and food vouchers provide savings up to 40%. Packages that combine hotels, transportation and tickets also lower per-ticket prices.
Tips for Buying Tickets
Use these tips when purchasing your Calgary Stampede tickets to maximize value and experience:
- Book early – This can’t be overstated enough. Popular events sell out quickly so purchase ASAP.
- Buy directly from Stampede – Avoid inflated resale prices and fees. Purchase through the official Stampede ticketing website or box office.
- See the schedule – Review the daily schedule and plan dates before buying tickets. You want to pick days with the events most important to you.
- Join pre-sales – Take advantage of early ticket access by joining fan clubs like the Superfans.
- Bundle tickets – Look for package deals that offer discounted tickets when combined with hotels, transportation, etc.
- Compare seating – Check detailed seat views online to select your preferred area and view for each event.
- Bring cash – On-site box offices can sometimes release last minute tickets only available for cash purchase.
Following these tips will help you get the Calgary Stampede tickets you want at the best price. Just make sure to act fast once tickets go on sale to secure seats to your must-see rodeo competitions, concerts, chuckwagon races and exhibitions.
What Days Should You Go
The Calgary Stampede runs for 10 days every July, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. When selecting which days to attend, keep these tips in mind:
- Weekdays – Monday through Wednesday sees smaller crowds and easier parking/navigation around grounds.
- Weekends – Most popular days with peak attendance and events. Go on weekends to experience the full energy and excitement.
- Opening day parade – See the kickoff parade on the first Friday for a quintessential Calgary Stampede experience.
- Final Sunday – Rodeo and chuckwagon finals occur on the last Sunday, a must-see high energy day.
- Concert dates – Check the concert schedule and buy tickets for the acts you want to see live.
- Discount days – Look for days offering special deals like Kids’ Day and Seniors’ Day to save money.
Attending on weekends gives you the complete Stampede atmosphere but comes with larger crowds. Those wishing to avoid peak days may prefer weekdays when many events are still ongoing but with a calmer, more navigable experience.
Look over each day’s full schedule of activities when choosing dates and buy tickets for must-see rodeo finals, concerts and other main draw events. Getting tickets for the opening parade and/or closing Sunday events should also be a priority as these are quintessential Stampede experiences.
Insider Tips
Keep these Calgary Stampede tips in mind to make the most of your experience:
- Book parking ahead – Reserve stadium parking online to ensure a spot. Arrive early as lots fill fast.
- Plan transportation – Use Calgary’s light rail system or ride shares to avoid traffic/parking issues.
- Pack light – Bring small bags and avoid prohibited items to speed entry through security.
- Wear proper footwear – The grounds can get muddy or dusty. Wear sturdy, comfortable boots or shoes.
- Charge phones – Bring battery packs or chargers. Reaching friends in the crowds can be difficult.
- Dress in layers – Alberta weather can change quickly. Bring layers and rain ponchos just in case.
- Stay hydrated – Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated in July heat.
- See the schedule – Use the mobile app or daily handouts to know when/where your desired events take place.
- Arrive early – Give yourself ample time to navigate the grounds, park, and get through gates to your seats.
Following these tips will enhance your Stampede experience whether you’re attending for 1 day or 10. Just remember that tickets for top events sell out very quickly each year. So be sure to buy your Calgary Stampede tickets well in advance online or during pre-sales to guarantee you don’t miss out on all the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about purchasing Calgary Stampede tickets:
What is the Calgary Stampede?
The Calgary Stampede is an annual 10-day festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It features the world’s largest rodeo alongside concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon races, a midway, exhibitions and cultural events that celebrate western heritage. It is one of the biggest festivals in Canada attracting over 1 million visitors per year.
When should I buy tickets?
You should purchase your Calgary Stampede tickets as far in advance as possible. High demand events like the rodeo, evening grandstand shows and headline concerts often sell out completely months in advance. Buying tickets early guarantees you admission to your desired events on the days you want to attend.
Where can I buy tickets?
The best place to buy official Calgary Stampede tickets is through the official Stampede website. Tickets can also be purchased in person at box offices in Calgary as the event nears. Limited quantities may be sold through some third party ticket brokers as well.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary depending on the event, seat location and day. General admission to the Stampede grounds is $18 for adults. Rodeo tickets range from $28-$160, concerts $40-$200, grandstand shows $30-$100. Kids, seniors and military can receive discounted admission.
What comes with admission tickets?
Basic general admission provides entrance to the Stampede grounds along with free entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations, agriculture shows and samples. You can pay extra for rides, games, food, rodeo and other grandstand events.
Can I buy tickets at the gate/on-site box office?
You can buy select tickets at on-site box offices, but availability is extremely limited, especially for top events like the rodeo. Buying online or at off-site box offices months in advance is required to get the best tickets.
What is the best day to attend the Stampede?
The two most popular days are the opening day parade on the first Friday, and finals day the last Sunday. But any day can be great depending on which headliner events you want to see like concerts, rodeo, chuckwagons, etc. Check the schedule and buy tickets early for your must-see events.
Conclusion
Visiting the world-famous Calgary Stampede is a quintessential Alberta experience. But with over 1 million annual attendees, high demand tickets for the rodeo, concerts, chuckwagon races and other marquee events sell out extremely quickly.
To guarantee you get to experience the Calgary Stampede events you want on the dates you’ll be in town, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible. Tickets for the most popular events like the rodeo finals should be bought 2-6 months in advance if feasible. This ensures you get great seats to the highlight events that will likely be totally sold-out closer to the festival dates in July.
Buying directly from the Calgary Stampede’s official ticket site gives you the most secure way to get validated tickets and the best selection of seats before they sell out. Factor in transportation, parking, event schedules and insider tips as well when planning your Calgary Stampede visit. Following these suggestions will set you up for an amazing experience at one of Canada’s most iconic festivals.