From Shania Twain to teenage punk bands: Is Calgary Stampede the Greatest Music Festival in the West?
What's on site
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The four stages on the Stampede grounds include the Scotiabank Saddledome, which is offering Shania Twain, with opener Devin Cole, as its sole concert this year on July 5. This is unusual, given that there were four arena shows last year. But if you're only going to offer one stadium show, superstar Shania Twain is probably a safe bet. This is obviously a ticketed event.
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The Big Four Roadhouse will also host the only other ticketed concert, on July 6, featuring Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Boy Golden, Noeline Hofmann, The Paper Kites and MJ Lendermen. All other shows are free with the price of admission, although they are restricted to those aged 18 and over after 6 p.m.
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The Coca-Cola Stage will offer dozens of shows and all are free with the price of admission to the park.
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The acts booked for the Nashville North tent tend to perform the sort of music most expect at the Stampede: mainstream and safe country that sounds like it came from a Nashville writing room even if it didn't.
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So this is where you will see acts such as Tenille Townes (Thursday, July 3), Jade Eagleson (July 4), Drake Milligan (July 5), Midland (July 6), The Reklaws (July 10) and MacKenzie Porter (July 13), along with Alberta acts such as Hailey Benedict (July 5), Alex Hughes (July 7, 8, 9), Devin Cooper (July 7, 8, 9) and Mariya Stokes (July 10, 11, 12, 13).
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This may be the Stampede's most eclectic stage, where you will see the aforementioned Americana of Jason Isbell (if you buy a ticket), but also hip-hop artists such as De La Soul (July 8), Lil Jon (July 9) and Yung Gravy (July 11) and the folk and fiery-rock hybrid of Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello's solo work (July 12). The venue will also host local acts such as Jory Kinjo (July 10, 11, 12, 13) and Kate & The Comets (July 7, 8, 9).
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'When we move to the Big Four Roadhouse it does vary a little bit,' Wright says. 'We started thinking about what that venue can really deliver on and it becomes a broader range of lineup. You could see country artists there, but you start to see more hip-hop, R&B and classic rock. It's our roadhouse, it's our party bar. You want to sip and savour and catch up. It's a different space. It feels different.'
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Coca-Cola Stage
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One of the Stampede's calling cards, programming for the Coca-Cola Stage, seems to have gotten increasingly more adventurous over the years. Once the domain of classic-rock and Nickelback wannabe acts, it now features a more eclectic bunch. This year that includes the aforementioned KALEO (July 4), Arkells (July 6) and Bleachers (July 10) but also alternative R&B songstress Tinashe (July 8), R&B and hip-hop songwriter Khalid and pop-punk mainstays Simple Plan (who have been playing for nearly 30 years, just in case you want to feel old).
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Calgary Herald
an hour ago
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Stampede, July 5: Shania Twain at Dome tonight
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Country star Shania Twain performs at the Saddledome in Calgary during her Queen of Me tour Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Dean Pilling/Postmedia file Today marks the only arena show as part of the Calgary Stampede's concert series, with country music superstar Shania Twain taking to the stage. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Opening for her at the Saddledome will be Calgary-born singer Devon Cole, who's currently living in Los Angeles and working on an album. Read on for everything you need to know to make the most of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again Country star Shania Twain performs at the Saddledome in Calgary during her Queen of Me tour Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Dean Pilling/Postmedia Well, this is as big as it gets this year at the Calgary Stampede. The lone Saddledome concert will kick off the weekend in a suitably spectacular manner as Shania Twain brings her stadium show to the masses. It's been a few years since Twain's two-night stop to tour her most recent release, 2023's self-affirming Queen of Me. In the meantime, Twain finished yet another Las Vegas residency earlier this year that allowed her rev up the flash and spectacle. Make sure you get there early to see Calgary-born signer Devin Cole, a Twain super-fan and inventive purveyor of feminist anthems herself. She will be making her stadium debut. When/Where: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at the Saddledome Hailey Benedict performs on stage during day three of the Country Thunder Music Festival at The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary) Sunday, August 18, 2024. Dean Pilling/Postmedia While the Calgary Stampede often puts a spotlight on up-and-coming locals on their various stages, it can probably safely be argued that St. Albert country singer Hailey Benedict has safely graduated from that phase in her career. It was more than 10 years ago when she picked up the Fan's Choice Award in Red Deer during the Country Music Alberta Awards. She was 11. In 2023, she was co-hosting the awards. In 2024, she offered a spirited mainstage set at Country Thunder. Her newest single, the steel guitar-sweetened ballad Carl Dean — named after Dolly Parton's husband — is an affectionate ode to unconditional love. When/Where: Saturday, 9:30 p.m. at Nashville North Pancakes fill the griddles at the Makami College Stampede breakfast on July 6, 2024. Gavin Young/Postmedia file Westside Recreation Centre, 2000 69th St. S.W.: 9 to 11 a.m. Cavalry FC Regional Field House, 125 Field House Dr. E., Aldersyde: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This advertisement has not loaded yet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Seton YMCA, 4995 Market St. S.E.: 9 to 11 a.m. CrossIron Mills, 261055 CrossIron Blvd, Rocky View County: 9 to 11 a.m. Calgary-born pop singer-songwriter Devon Cole will open for Shania Twain at the Saddledome on July 5. Supplied Singer Devon Cole, who was born and raised in Calgary, will be opening for her musical hero, Shania Twain, at the superstar's Stampede concert at the Saddledome tonight. She is currently writing songs for her debut full-length album. All in all, it seems as if things are well in hand. But while Cole's rapid ascension may seem overnight, she says there were bumps in the road. 'My favourite quote is that it takes 10 years to become an overnight success,' she says. 'I think in the first five years that I've been doing this – I started releasing music in 2020 – the biggest learning has been this sense of confidence I have now and to trust my gut. Because I was trusting it in the beginning and I kind of fell out of touch with my gut, and I'm rebuilding that relationship.' Shelby Boisjoli-Meged competes in breakaway roping at the Calgary Stampede rodeo on Friday, July 4, 2025. Photo by Darren Makowichuk / Postmedia Day 1 of the 2025 Calgary Stampede rodeo welcomed the stars of breakaway roping to the main stage. And the brightest in the much-ballyhooed debut was a hometown cowgirl. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, of Langdon, Alta., was all smiles after winning Friday's event and forever etching her name in the rodeo's record books. 'I didn't really think about (making history),' said the smiling Boisjoli-Meged. 'But that is really cool to think about. And in terms of just having an event here … yeah … it's extra special for me. 'This is my hometown rodeo.' The Heritage Park entry makes it way down 9th Avenue during the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 4, 2025. Gavin Young/Postmedia Can't help it, sorry, but over three decades of watching the Calgary Stampede Parade I've not just been entertained every year, but often deeply moved. It's so purely, utterly, sweetly, cornily Canadian. That means more than ever in this first Stampede of the Donald Trump era. All of Canada was on proud display Friday — First Nations, dozens of ethnic Canadian groups, the Flames, the military, the veterans — together in one long, serpentine display of pride and goodwill. Stampede may bring an uptick in measles cases, say health experts, as large numbers of people gather in indoor and outdoor photo Calgary has largely evaded the brunt of the province's measles outbreak, but experts say an uptick in cases is likely as the city hosts the annual Stampede festivities. Organizers expect over 1.3 million people to visit the Stampede this year, locally, nationally and from around the world. Experts have long warned that measles is an especially infectious disease as the virus is airborne and can spread both indoors and outdoors. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the space and those infected may only show symptoms days after they have contracted virus. 'One of the advantages of Stampede is that it brings a lot of us together to celebrate and have a good time,' said infectious disease specialist Dr. Craig Jenne. 'But unfortunately, that advantage is also something viruses can leverage to travel or transmit to perhaps part of the provinces that haven't yet seen cases.' Andie Johnston at the Calgary Stampede with a simple western look. Photo supplied A career as an influencer means Calgary-based TikToker Andie Johnston gets to combine two of her biggest passions: western fashion and her hometown. The Calgary Stampede, naturally, is her time to shine. 'I always wanted to work with fashion my entire life,' Johnston said. 'I also just really love Calgary. I adore this city.' Though not all of her content is specific to Calgary, for the weeks leading up to and during the Stampede, her videos are centered around western fashion — including her impressive collection of cowboy boots. Harry the Horse celebrated his 40th birthday at the start of the Grandstand Show at the Calgary Stampede on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Brent Calver/Postmedia The Calgary Stampede's most well-known steed, Harry the Horse, is celebrating his 40th anniversary with the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Harry the Horse debuted as the official mascot of the Stampede on March 14, 1985, at the Rodeo Royal, after replacing Jim Dandy and his horse, Nellie. Since his establishment four decades ago, Harry has secured a soft spot in Calgarians' hearts, said Bob Ell, current chair of the Stampede promotion committee. Artist Cherisse Mia was photographed at the Calgary Stampede's Art Showcase on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Gavin Young/Postmedia Roughly 12 years ago, Cherisse Mia decided she was going dedicate herself to art. Her children had grown up, so the self-taught Calgary artist committed herself to her practice full-time. She treated it as if she were taking art in university, buying all the books and supplies, and taking inspiration from artists such as early 20th-century Russian abstract painter Wassily Kandisnky and Austrian symbolist artist Gustav Klimt. She also made hundreds of sketches and set out to find her voice through trial and error. 'I started teaching myself full-time, just dived head on,' Mia says in an interview from her booth at the Western Oasis Art Show at the BMO Centre. 'I did painting every day for three years.' In 2017, she applied to get in to the Western Oasis Art Show, the annual Calgary Stampede gathering of dozens of artists. She didn't get in, so she opted to set up a booth on Stephen Avenue near the Calgary Convention Centre, which had a street market set up during the Stampede. 'I had to put up my booth and take it down every single day for the entire time,' Mia says. She caught the attention of someone who worked at the convention centre, who gave her a window to display her art. She eventually sold pieces to the centre. In 2018, Mia was accepted into the Stampede art show and has attended every year since. Jared Parsonage rides Ranhan during the Calgary Stampede rodeo on Friday, July 4, 2025. Photo by Darren Makowichuk / Postmedia When Jared Parsonage emerged as the top bull rider at the Calgary Stampede rodeo in 2023, he proclaimed that the third time was a charm. Having finished second in 2019 and third in 2022, Parsonage had extra motivation to finally capture the $50,000 prize and championship bronze statue. Now, he's on the hunt for more as one of 10 bull riders competing in Pool A from Friday to Saturday looking to lock down one of three coveted Championship Sunday spots on July 13. As the fourth competitor out of the chutes on Friday, Parsonage posted a respectable score of 81 points atop Ranhan to put him in second spot. He then watched on as Utah's Hayes Weight surpassed him with an 83-point performance on Smoke Show before Idaho's Tristen Hutchings had the ride of the afternoon and the best score of 88.5 on Alberta Prime Devil's Advocate. Visitors pass by the Yahoo sign on Family Day at the Calgary Stampede, Sunday July 7, 2024. Gavin Young/Postmedia From how to get to Stampede Park, when you can save money, highlights from the rodeo infield, where to dance up a storm and how to fill your belly, we have you covered with our ultimate Calgary Stampede visitor's guide. Ready to watch this year's Calgary Stampede Rodeo? This primer will help, whether you're a rodeo newbie or veteran. Pictured, Dawson Hay rides One More Reason during the Saddle Bronc event at day nine of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo in Calgary in 2023. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia. The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth begins Friday at GMC Stadium, and with it comes the world's largest outdoor rodeo. The Calgary Stampede Rodeo features 210 of the globe's top cowboys and cowgirls competing for a prize purse of $2.17 million in 2025. Get the lowdown in the ins and out of the rodeo. Jason Glass cheers as he heads to the win and the overall championship in Heat 9 of the Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede on July 14, 2024. Mike Drew/Postmedia Chuckwagon historian and commentator Billy Melville said although the sport has been around for more than a century, the objective has always remained the same. 'Even though it's gone through a number of changes, there are three underlying principles that have guided the chuckwagon races since Day 1,' said Melville, who loves talking about the sport his grandfather, Orville Strandquist, excelled in at as both a driver and an outrider for seven decades up until the 1990s. 'A chuckwagon race does three things. Number one is that it tests the skill of the driver; number two is that it tests the skill of the outriders; and number three, it demonstrates the speed of the team. It's really no more complicated than that.' Country star Shania Twain will perform at the Saddledome on July 5. Dean Pilling/Postmedia While the Calgary Stampede is not likely to lose its boastful moniker 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,' organizers of the 10-day spectacle have been taking great effort in recent years to add to its branding to emphasize there is more than a rodeo happening at Stampede Park. It is also being sold as 'The Greatest Music Festival in the West,' a testament to the eclectic music programming that takes over four venues on the Stampede grounds. More than 100 acts, including many that can be seen with the price of admission, will be playing over 10 days. The Calgary Stampede fireworks on July 13, 2023. Photo by Darren Makowichuk / Postmedia Where else can you watch fireworks 10 days in a row? Calgary has the special privilege of a spectacular nighttime show starting at around 11 p.m. from July 4 to 13 while the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth takes over the city. Want to know where you can best see the fireworks? Here are the four best spots to take in the Stampede fireworks from around the city. While not free, this option gets you the best possible view. The fireworks shoot off right after the Grandstand show ends and you can get the best close-up view while on the Midway or right outside the rodeo grounds. This spot has the best free vantage point. It is right across the river from the Stampede grounds in the community of Ramsey. Scotsman's Hill a very popular spot for fireworks viewing so show up early to find a spot to park and sit. Getting dropped off by a generous family member or a ride-share or taxi is a great option. A little farther north from Scotsman's Hill is Tom Campbell's Hill Natural Park. Near the Calgary Zoo, this spot still is close enough to give a great view of the fireworks. There is a parking lot on the north side of the park and is an 11-minute walk from the Calgary Zoo CTrain parking lot. The Max Bell Centre, on the edge of Albert Park and Radisson Heights, offers good views of the Stampede fireworks and a large parking lot.
CBC
6 hours ago
- CBC
Calgary Stampede: What the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth says about the economy
The purple toasted cob of corn shines under the afternoon sun as 25-year-old Allison Zhou lifts it up to show her friends on the opening day of the Calgary Stampede. It's ube-flavoured and covered in white and black sesame seeds. The cost? $15. "Overpriced, but it's my first Stampede," said Zhou, who moved to the city a few months ago from Toronto. "It's very unique, so I'm down to try it." At the midpoint of 2025, it's been a tough rodeo for Canada's economy so far, ever since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, sparking a tumultuous trade war with wide-ranging impacts on consumer spending, jobs and travel plans. For all the talk of a recession, there are few signs of economic hardship as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off in Calgary — a 10-day long celebration with midway rides, bucking broncos and dozens of concerts. Splurging and hunting for deals Colton Denis, 17, bought a SuperPass and plans to attend every single day of the Calgary Stampede. Does he have a budget? "Heck no. Spend all of it," he joked, while walking to the midway looking for pizza. "10 out of 10. This is going to be awesome." It's not just teenagers in the mood to splurge. Doug Coleman, 64, is visiting from the Maritimes to take in the festivities, and he hopes to see singer Shania Twain, this year's parade marshal, who will also be performing. This week, Coleman is firmly putting aside any thought of fiscal restraint. "I'll be OK. It's just a tap," said Coleman, motioning how he'll be paying with his credit card. "I'll buy what I want. I deserve it." There's less talk about being frugal in favour of shelling out cash for a good time. Some of the menu items on the midway include a $26 bucket of crocodile-themed lemonade, a $13 jumbo corndog, and a $16 basket of garlic parmesan fries. General admission tickets are now $25 for an adult, compared to $18 in 2015. For all the extravagant spending and often hefty price tags at an event like the Stampede, some people feel like they can still find a bargain. Fred Parafina, 55, sports a big grin as he holds up two pairs of Lane snake-skin boots he bought for his wife at a western wear shop near the midway. They're her favourite brand, and he called the $200 he spent an "amazing" deal. WATCH | Why the Stampede can be a bellwether for the economy: What the Calgary Stampede reveals about the economy 11 hours ago Duration 2:03 Record-setting chuckwagon auction set the tone The Stampede is home to the most famous chuckwagon race in the world, known as the "Half-Mile of Hell." A few months before the race, companies bid on the chance to sponsor each team and have their logos displayed on the canvas covering each wagon. The 2025 tarp auction set a record for the highest average bid. The total tally of $3.84 million fell just short of the all-time high of $4.015 million set in 2012 — the Stampede's centennial year — which included 36 drivers, compared to 27 this year. At the April auction, reigning chuckwagon champion Jason Glass hauled in the top individual bid of $230,000 from Birchcliff Energy, surpassing last year's biggest bid by $20,000. At the time, Glass called the result of the bidding "a great relief," considering the economic volatility and trade uncertainty was prominently on everyone's mind on the eve of the auction. But the economic worries of a few months ago seem largely in the rearview mirror, at least in Alberta. Oil prices this year have repeatedly soared and plummeted, like riding the Outlaw roller-coaster. Resource-based provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador are generally fairing better than trade and manufacturing-focused provinces such as Quebec and Ontario. Staycations and American visitors a boon Stampede attendance soared to an all-time high in 2024, with 1,477,953 visitors, surpassing the previous record set in 2012. Organizers are expecting similar numbers this year, possibly even bigger ones. Various passes are selling well, while premium seats for the rodeo and chuckwagons sold out before Stampede began. "There are a lot of people staying closer to home this year," said Stampede spokesperson Julie Forget. "This is one of the biggest events in Canada, and I think it's on a lot of people's bucket list to come and check out." Fewer Americans are travelling north of the border to Canada this year, although Calgary is proving to be an outlier. In April, 8.9 per cent fewer U.S. residents made the trip to Canada compared to the same month in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. The number of Americans travelling specifically by air to major Canadian airports showed a drop of six per cent in April. However, at the Calgary International Airport, the figures were completely different, with U.S. arrivals up by 29 per cent. "We think people are going to be staying closer to home and perhaps going to the Stampede," said ATB Financial chief economist Mark Parsons, who is also expecting another record-setting year for attendance. "We also see Americans continue to come to Alberta and that bodes well for visitor spending." Despite the fact that Canada is in the middle of a trade war and consumer sentiment has been rattled by inflation in recent years, there's optimism in Alberta, Parsons says, with the first-ever liquified natural gas exports this week, renewed enthusiasm to build major energy projects in the country, and relatively low interest rates. Calgary's population is booming, too, with nearly 100,000 new residents in 2024. Parsons says the Stampede is a bellwether of the overall Alberta economy because "it really sets the stage for how people are feeling." And people like Calgarian Todd Scott are feeling excited. He's arrived at the Stampede grounds with four kids in tow. His budget is "unlimited," and with food, rides and carnival games, he expects money will quickly go out the window. "The whole thing is a splurge."
Toronto Star
10 hours ago
- Toronto Star
‘What are you doing here?': Carney makes first Stampede visit as prime minister
CALGARY - Canada's new prime minister, best known as a buttoned-down banker, donned a cowboy hat and toured the stables Friday evening at the Calgary Stampede. Over an hour-long tour winding through the rodeo grounds, Mark Carney crawled into a tank, snacked at food stations and posed for dozens of selfies, marking his first visit to the Stampede as prime minister.
