8 Undiscovered Stampede Experiences in The C+E
The Calgary Stampede has swung open its doors for the first time in two years. Hot on the heels of a once-in-a-century cancellation in 2020 due to COVID, and after a long 16 months of distancing, closures, masking and limits on pretty much everything that brings a feeling of togetherness, Calgary’s community spirit is about to come alive once again.
The C+E is anchored by the colour and vibrancy of the Calgary Stampede whose long-term vision for Stampede Park as a year-round gathering place that embodies Calgary’s Community Spirit is essential in the realization of The C+E vision.
The C+E is a place of pride for all Calgarians, a place to gather to celebrate sports, arts and community spirit, and it is the next chapter of Calgary’s story. Over the next decade of development, the neighbourhood will welcome new amenities like a hotel, parks, an opera centre, shops and more, but the 10 days of the Stampede allow the district to give those who come and explore the area a little taste of what’s to come.
While there’s no shortage of incredible and well-known experiences within the Stampede grounds (we’re looking at you Stampede Summer Stage & midway food), we thought we’d share a list of lesser-known experiences that will have you exploring the corners of the district.
1) Youth Campus
Youth Campus is a hub of professional and educational arts, training, and performance located just outside the Stampede grounds within The C+E. The 10-acres of land with 465,000 sq. ft. of spaces features innovative, community-based programs; industry leading arts training facilities; and indoor and outdoor performance and gathering places. Stop by to check out the incredible outdoor amphitheater and if you time it just right, you’ll catch the Showband rehearsing.
2) Stampede Happy Hour at the King Eddy
Just steps outside the district is the historic King Eddy, Calgary’s longest operating bar, who are bringing daily no cover happy hour performances throughout the 10 days of the Stampede. Featuring a range of local favourites from Matt Masters to The Wine Soaked Preachers, this is the perfect pit stop for cold beer and good tunes.
3) Cycle Along the Elbow River Pathway
If fireworks and live performances aren’t your thing, saddle up your bike and enjoy the Stampede sights and sounds from a distance along the Elbow River pathway, which runs through ENMAX Park on the north side and the Erlton entrance on the south side of Stampede Park.
4) Take a free walking tour of the Warehouse district
Located between Macleod Trail and 4 Street SE, the Warehouse district is a mix of commercial, office and residential loft uses that stitch together the old with the new. Take a self-guided walking tour by Heritage Calgary of all the historical buildings that make up one of the largest concentration of historical buildings in Calgary.
5) Pickup a picnic box from Z-Crew café and set up in Enoch Park
Z-Crew café is located on 4th Street and 11th Avenue and have new perfectly portioned picnic boxes for you and your crew. Using ingredients that are locally sourced, free-range, and naturally smoked, these mouth-watering boxes are the perfect option to fuel up so you can keep the Stampeding goin!
6) Secret Parking Location
Calgary’s newest parkade also happens to be just over 5 minutes walking distance to the entrance to the grounds. The Platform Parkade & Innovation Centre, just opened in May 2021, and is the perfect spot if you’re heading down to Stampede by car. For those who are commuting by bike, Platform Parkade also has secure bike parking. And for those who want to fold in a game of 3-on-3 in the middle of their Stampede festivities, there is a public basketball court hidden within the street-level of the parkade.
7) Stamp-Eats Food Competition
This community culinary contest will see restaurants from across the city craft inspired Stampede-themed delicacies that diners can indulge in and vote for. Plus, $1 from every competing dish sold will directly support Calgary Meals on Wheels, ensuring that all Calgarians are well-fed. Just steps outside The C+E is participating restaurant Bottlescrew Bill’s.
8) Cool down with a seasonal scoop from Village Ice Cream
Hot summer Stampede days call for daily ice cream trips. We recommend trying out Village Ice Cream’s seasonal release Salty Malty Pretzel for a match made in ice cream heaven. Located less than 5 minutes from the grounds, Village is at 10th Avenue and 4th Street SE
