There’s nothing quite like the closing weekend of the Calgary Stampede—two jam‑packed days when the city’s spirit hits peak "yahoo" season. If you’re a Boardwalk Resident wondering how to wring every last drop of excitement out of 2025’s “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” we’ve rounded up a full menu of must‑do events, best‑kept secrets, and snack‐worthy stops. Cowboy boots optional (enthusiasm mandatory).
Starting the Final Weekend Strong: Boardwalk Stampede Breakfast
We kicked off our Friday morning bright and early with fluffy pancakes, sizzling sausages, and extra‑thick maple syrup at the annual Boardwalk Stampede Breakfast! We had a blast connecting with our Associates, meeting each other’s families and friends, and playing some stampede themed games, and it was the best way to start the final weekend of the 2025 Calgary Stampede! We hope you guys also find a good griddle fired up somewhere around Calgary before next Monday too, because who doesn’t love a good breakfast.
Feel the G‑Force at the Rodeo Semi‑Finals & Showdown Sunday
Every afternoon at 1:30 p.m., GMC Stadium erupts with bull riders, barrel racers, and bronc busters building toward Showdown Sunday, the richest afternoon in rodeo with $1.5 million on the line. Grab seats early (sunhat advised), then spend the commercial breaks counting how many mini donuts you can inhale before the next eight‑second ride.
Nighttime Adrenaline: Chuckwagon Finals + Grandstand Spectacle
At 7:30 p.m., the Evening Show ignites: first the Rangeland Derby chuckwagon finals, measured on the Richter scale for sheer noise, followed by the pyrotechnic‑heavy Grandstand Show presented by Freedom Mobile. Think Broadway meets rodeo—with fireworks that double as the city’s unofficial summer test of every car alarm within a five‑kilometre radius. Stampede Powwow: Indigenous Excellence Takes Centre Stage
On both July 12 and 13, the Saddledome hosts the Stampede Powwow: world‑class drummers, dancers, and regalia in a competition that spotlights Treaty 7 cultures. Even better, it’s free with Park admission. Go for the competition, stay for the celebration of cultures.
Free Concert Marathon: Coca‑Cola Stage
Live music marathons are a Stampede hallmark, and the final weekend is stacked:
- Saturday, July 12 – HAYLA (8:15 p.m.): London electronic‑pop with serious dance‑floor vibes.
- Sunday, July 13 – LØLØ (7 p.m.) + Mayday Parade (8:15 p.m.): Pop‑punk anthems to keep your vocal cords busy. Pro tip: concerts are free with gate admission—arrive an hour early if you want rail space.
Two‑Step Until You Can’t
If boot‑scootin’ is more your jam, Nashville North’s roster of surprise guests, last‑minute drop‑ins are a tradition, they will keep the floor shaking past midnight. (Check the Stampede app for set times; capacity expands after 8 p.m.)
Midway Bucket‑List Bites
This year’s headline snacks range from dill‑pickle lemonade to cricket‑topped tacos (yes, really). Balance the weird with classics: mini donuts, corn dogs, and that giant bucket of fresh‑cut fries that somehow disappears between you and your best friend.
Chill Zones for the Over‑Stuffed
When you need a breather, wander into Western Oasis for air‑conditioned art galleries and wine tastings, or stroll Elbow River Camp to learn beadwork techniques and grab handcrafted jewelry. Kid crews in tow? The BMO Kids’ Zone has story‑time with Bluey, petting zoos, and Superdogs shows practically every hour.
Fireworks Finale: Claim Your Blanket Spot
Cap off each night by claiming lawn space near the Saddledome berm. The fireworks start moments after the Grandstand Show ends (around 11 p.m.) and last ten dazzling minutes ending the Stampede, and your weekend, on a literal high note.
Calgary Stampede Tips for Boardwalk Resident Members
- Transit over traffic: C‑Train runs later than usual—skip the parking hunt.
- Hydrate like a hero: Calgary sun + midway sugar + dancing = sneaky dehydration.
- Stampede SuperPass: If you’re hitting the grounds both days, the gate‑crasher pass pays for itself by noon Saturday.
- Sunscreen, you will need it for those hot days on the grounds
- Fringe is a lifestyle, not a suggestion.
Until next year, saddle pals, make these last two days count. See you at the chuckwagon rails and on the dance floor!