The Calgary Stampede 2026 is already showing a slight attendance decline compared with last year, when the event came close to breaking the all-time record set in 2024.
Known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show in the World,” the Stampede has welcomed 327,456 visitors through the gates over its first three days, including Sneak-A-Peek.
Calgary Stampede Attendance Down From 2025
Opening day attendance reached 155,518, while Saturday brought in 139,914 visitors.
Sneak-A-Peek attracted around 32,000 people.
By comparison, in 2025, opening day saw 161,057 visitors, Saturday drew 142,199, and Sneak-A-Peek welcomed 35,715 people.
At the same point last year, total attendance stood at 338,971, meaning this year’s early total is lower by just over 11,515 visitors.
2025 Nearly Broke Stampede Attendance Record
The Calgary Stampede came very close to setting a new attendance record in 2025.
That year, total attendance reached 1,470,288, falling short of the all-time record by about 7,000 visitors.
The current record remains 1,477,953, set in 2024.
Stampede Parade Draws Huge Downtown Crowd
While attendance inside Stampede Park is slightly lower so far, the Calgary Stampede Parade still drew a major crowd downtown.
Officials confirmed that an estimated 315,000 people gathered Friday morning to watch the parade.
The parade featured more than 125 entries along the route.
Tim Hortons Family Day at Stampede Park
Sunday marks Tim Hortons Family Day at Stampede Park, running until 11 a.m.
The day includes a free pancake breakfast at the GMC Stadium Courtyard until 10 a.m.
Family Day has been one of the Stampede’s biggest attendance days in recent years. In 2024, it attracted 201,260 visitors, while 2025 brought in 182,063 visitors.
Day 3 Events at Calgary Stampede
Several entertainment options are scheduled across Stampede Park on Day 3.
Near the Grand Staircase, visitors can watch freestyle motocross, the Stampede Showband, the Band of Outriders, and the High Dive Show.
Family Activities and Kids’ Events
The BMO Kids’ Zone includes appearances and activities such as Paw Patrol, the Dino Stompin’ Jamboree, and the Bubble Playstop.
The Kids’ Midway also features the Little Rodeo, giving younger visitors more family-friendly entertainment options.
Elbow River Camp Programming
The Elbow River Camp has several events scheduled throughout the day.
Visitors can take part in or watch traditional games, view tipis, and see Camp Riders.
The area continues to highlight Indigenous culture and community programming as part of the Stampede experience.
Rodeo, Evening Show and Fireworks
The Stampede rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m.
The evening show starts at 7:15 p.m. and ends with the Grandstand Show before fireworks begin at 11 p.m.
These major events remain among the most popular attractions at Stampede Park.
Coca-Cola Stage Performances
The Coca-Cola Stage has several performances scheduled throughout the day.
Bennett Mitchell performs at noon, followed by Kue Varo and The Only Hopes at 1:15 p.m.
Alex Hughes is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Later in the evening, Boy Golden performs at 7:30 p.m., and Our Lady Peace headlines at 9 p.m.
Nashville North and The Big Four Lineup
At Nashville North, Garrett Gregory performs at 4 p.m.
At the same time, Quinton Blair takes the stage at The Big Four.
Later, Kelsi Mayne is scheduled for multiple shows at Nashville North, while Blair returns for another performance at The Big Four.
Sons of Legion are also scheduled to perform at The Big Four at 9 p.m.
Late-Night Nashville North Performances
The Nashville North Stage continues into the night with Brook Phillips at 7:45 p.m.
Russell Dickerson follows at 9:15 p.m.
Calgary’s own Foxx Worthee performs at 11 p.m., and Johnny Rivex is scheduled for 11:59 p.m.
The Calgary Stampede 2026 has started with slightly lower attendance than last year, with 327,456 visitors recorded over the first three days, including Sneak-A-Peek. While this is down from 338,971 at the same point in 2025, the event remains a major draw, with the downtown parade attracting about 315,000 spectators.
As Tim Hortons Family Day, the rodeo, evening show, fireworks, concerts and family activities continue, the Stampede still has several high-attendance days ahead. Whether 2026 can approach the record set in 2024 will depend on turnout through the rest of the event.
