This is a guide to an adventurous and fulfilling Calgary Stampede for seniors. The ten-day long event has been a staple in Calgary since 1886 and has gained global notoriety for its jaw-dropping rodeos, music concerts, tourist attractions, carnival rides and astonishing community events. If you are a cost-effective senior with the spirit to adventure, here are some fun events for you to check out.

  1. SNEAK-A-PEEKWant to check out the Stampede before the hype catches on? Here’s a chance to pay a discounted rate of $9 to get to experience the Stampede grounds before the rest of the crowd. Experience the energy, rides and attractions before the Stampede commences. This event begins at 5 pm on July 4th, 2019 and goes till midnight, but indoor features and activities close at 11 pm.
  2. Parade DayWhether you want to keep the adventure going or missed the ‘Sneak-a-peek’ event the Parade day is the perfect event to feel a bountiful sense of what the Stampede is really about. Follow the parade and get easy access into the Stampede Park for free from 11 am to 1:30 pm. This event is on July 5, 2019.
  3. Cenovus Family DayThis fun family event is a giveaway in itself. There’s free entry from 7:30 am to 10 am. There’s also free food for about 25,000 people. There is a fun peak of fun activities at 9 am, so stick around after grabbing some pancakes. Make sure to remember to grab meal tickets at the park entrances. This event will be located by the Grandstand Courtyard and is on July 7, 2019.
  4. McDonald’s Community DayThis community event is free all day for seniors (65 years and above). Seniors can also gain ticket access to the Rodeo or evening show if they get tickets at the Grandstand Ticket Office after 11 am. Also, there will be free donuts and coffee in the morning while supplies last. This event will be on July 9, 2019, and goes from 10 am to midnight.
  5. Affordable Calgary Stampede for SeniorsThis fun-packed event is a pocket-friendly experience of the Stampede action. There will be an array of attractions starting with a delicious Stampede breakfast of bacon and flapjacks from 8:15 am to 10:30 am. The delicious breakfast is only a taste of this event. A myriad of interactive and entertaining activities will usually follow around 9:30 am. There will be singers, dancers, hat stomping contests, fiddlers, face painting, a petting zoo and more. Square dancing will also be facilitated from 10 am to 12 pm on Center street and Stephen Ave SW. All of this will be for free! Entertainment usually rounds up around noon giving you lots of time to engage in other family and community activities during the day. The event will be hosted at Fluor Rope Square (1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary) on July 6, and will also go from July 8 to 13, 2019.

In addition to the senior-friendly events around the Calgary Stampede, the grounds boast disability services such as access ramps. They even offer wheelchair rentals on site through Guest Services for $3 per hour (with a $50 deposit). Click Here to learn more about how the Calgary Stampede is making the event Senior-friendly!

Other Resources

Calgary Stampede. (2019). Value Days.

Calgary Stampede. (2019). The early years.

Family Fun Canada. (2019). Get the Best Bang for your Buck at the Calgary Stampede – Value Days & Special Deals.