CALGARY- With 10 full days of non-stop fun around the city, the Calgary Stampede has a reputation for draining wallets. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to save money both on the grounds and around town.
Advance deals
- Costco offers $50 worth of Stampede bucks for $40, which can be used on things like admission, rides, games, parking, rodeo tickets and food.
- Select 12 pack cases of Coca-Cola products have a coupon for an $8 voucher towards children’s admission.
- Safeway has a Ride & Play card which can be redeemed for a ride-all-day wristband for the midway, or 60 ride coupons. The cost is $37.85, which works out to a $20 savings.
- The Pizza 73 family pack deal includes two child admissions, pizza and coke for $22.50.
- The 2 for $25 deal at Mac’s includes two Stampede admissions and two Coca-cola beverages.
Value Days at Stampede Park
Those who time their visit right will be able to take advantage of discounts as part of Value Days.
Sneak-A-Peek- Thursday, July 3
The gates open from 5 p.m. to midnight, giving visitors to check out the Stampede grounds without the big crowds. Admission is $8, and all midways attractions are open as well as indoor exhibits.
Suncor Family Day- Sunday, July 6
Admission is free from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m., although you can’t actually explore the park until the gates officially open at 9 a.m. There is free breakfast for the first 20,000 guests in the Grandstand Courtyard, which runs from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Western Heritage Day- Tuesday, July 8
Admission is free all day for those aged 65 and up. Seniors and their guests are invited to explore the grounds starting at 9 a.m., and the gates won’t open to the general public until 11 a.m. Visitors can enjoy free coffee and doughnuts in the Agrium Western Events Centre from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The WestJet Skyride will also be free, and complimentary Standing Room tickets to the Rodeo and Evening Show are also being offered.
BMO Kids’ Day- Wednesday, July 9
Admission is free from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for children and their accompanying adults, and a free breakfast is being offered from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Grandstand Courtyard.
Click here for more information about Value Days.
Free events around the city
It goes without saying that the Stampede Parade is the kickoff to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The parade winds through the downtown core starting a 9 a.m. on Friday, July 4, and this year it will be led by parade marshal William Shatner. He will be joined by Olympic speed skaters Denny Morrison and Gilmore Junio.
During the Calgary Stampede, there is no excuse for skipping breakfast. There are dozens of free pancake breakfasts throughout the city every single day, and most are free or by donation. Some include entertainment such as line dancing or musicians, or petting zoos for the children. Click here to see the full list of pancake breakfasts around Calgary.
Fluor Rope Square is also a fun place to check out, with events every day during the Stampede except for Sundays. Marching bands, dancers, fiddlers and mascots converge on Olympic Plaza, while visitors enjoy a free pancake breakfast. Breakfast runs from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while festivities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
The Calgary Stampede runs from July 4-13.
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