Every year for ten days Calgary hosts the Stampede. Self-proclaimed as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" it is quite the spectacle to behold. In general, Calgary is not the most exciting city, most tourists come here to visit the Rocky Mountains and Banff. But in early July, things change as the city steps up for a 10 day party.
The Stampede is more than just a rodeo, they have a whole exhibition similar to the traveling ones which visit many North American cities. It's a giant fair which spills out beyond the grounds and spawns parties and events across the city. There is something for everyone, from free pancake breakfasts put on by various organizations across town to boozy breakfasts which lead to afternoon concerts and nights of debauchery.
The main attraction during the Calgary Stampede is the rodeo. Competitors from across North America come to show off their Cowboy and Cowgirl skills. The best events are the ones where someone has to ride an angry bull for the longest. They also have races and events where they tie up animals. Some people find these sports controversial or abusive towards animals but these are the people who bring us our food.
The Rodeo is a popular event, they host two per day and things get crowded. It's worth watching if you have never been to one before as the events are easy to understand and it's not like anything else.
The best is when the animals win and the humans fall off. I'm rooting for the horses. They are such beautiful creatures and the trainers devote their lives to these animals.
Above is one of the party events downtown, there are multiple parties happening and hundreds of musicians come to town, it's not just country and western either. They have Rockstars, Popstars and even Hip Hop artists. Some events are reasonable to attend while others are a few hundred bucks just to get in.
If you are in the area or thinking of visiting, Stampede time is one of the best times. It happens just as the mountains are getting warm enough to hike on without much snow at the top and the city is a happening place.
All Photos taken with an S20 phone and are unedited