Calgary Stampede: Afternoon Show & Rodeo Events

What happens when the best rodeo riders in the world show up on the same afternoon?

You get stadium seating for the world's largest outdoor rodeo, with seven events running daily starting at 1:30 p.m., plus all-day access to Stampede Park's music stages, First Nations cultural camp, and midway rides. Your admission is included with the ticket, so you walk in and go straight to the action without another line or another fee.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see world-class rodeo competitors without arranging your own transport or paying separate park fees—the fixed start time and included admission mean you show up and the afternoon is already planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Attend Calgary Stampede Afternoon Show

• Arrive at Stampede Park
• Watch cowboy and cowgirl competitions
• See barrel racing and breakaway roping
• Enjoy additional rodeo events
• Experience First Nations culture at Elbow River Camp
• Explore Midway rides and agricultural events
• Listen to live music performances

The Experience

Every day at 1:30 p.m., the Calgary Stampede afternoon show starts, and it's the kind of thing where you feel the energy shift before anything even happens. Cowboys and cowgirls line up in the arena—barrel racing, breakaway roping, and five other events that run back-to-back for hours. The skill is real. The horses and bulls are world-class. You're watching competitors who've trained their entire lives for this, and it shows in every run, every throw, every split-second decision.

The Calgary Stampede draws over a million visitors a year, and the afternoon show is where most of them end up. You get stadium seating, so you're not standing the whole time, and the view is set up so you can actually see what's happening in the arena—not squinting from the back of a crowd. The park itself is massive: there's the Elbow River Camp where you can experience First Nations culture and traditions, five music stages scattered around with 300 performers, and a midway with rides that run all day. You're not locked into just the rodeo; you can move around, grab food, check out other parts of the Stampede between events.

Your ticket gets you into Stampede Park on the date it's valid, so you show up whenever works for you that day. The afternoon show starts at 1:30 p.m., but the park opens earlier if you want to walk around first. Bring comfortable shoes—the grounds are huge, and you'll be moving between the arena and other attractions. Public transit gets you there, or you can drive and park. If you're bringing kids, there's plenty to keep them occupied beyond the rodeo: the midway alone is a full afternoon on its own.

Top questions

What time does the Calgary Stampede afternoon show start?

The rodeo events begin at 1:30 p.m. daily. You can arrive earlier to explore the park and grab food before the show starts.

What events are included in the afternoon show?

Barrel racing, breakaway roping, and five additional rodeo events. The lineup changes slightly day to day, but all are world-level competitions.

Is park admission included with the ticket?

Yes. Your ticket includes entry to Stampede Park on the date it's valid. You don't pay separately for park access.

Can I move around the park during the show, or do I have to stay in the arena?

You can come and go. The park has five music stages, a midway, food vendors, and cultural attractions. Many people watch part of the rodeo, explore other areas, then return to the arena.

How long does the afternoon show last?

The show runs several hours, with back-to-back events from 1:30 p.m. onward. You can stay for the whole thing or dip in and out.

Is there parking at Stampede Park?

Yes, parking is available on-site. Public transportation also serves the park if you prefer not to drive.

Are children allowed, and is there anything for them to do?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap. Beyond the rodeo, the park has a full midway with rides and attractions for all ages.

Do I need to book in advance, or can I buy tickets at the gate?

Advance tickets are available and recommended, especially during peak days. Tickets purchased in advance guarantee entry on your chosen date.

What’s included

Your ticket includes Calgary Stampede Park admission on the date it's valid, stadium seating for the afternoon rodeo show starting at 1:30 p.m., and access to all park attractions including the midway, five music stages with 300 performers, and the Elbow River Camp where First Nations culture and traditions are on display.