Calgary Stampede returns

Dust off your boots because the Calgary Stampede returns this week, running from July 9 to 18.

The celebrations will look a little different for 2021, as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth has implemented a few pandemic-related changes for visitor safety.

Although there are no in-person events happening on campus, the University of Calgary is still buzzing with excitement around our latest entry in the world-famous Stampede Parade.

Although we cannot watch the parade together in person, this is still a great opportunity to celebrate the community, UCalgary and our partnership with the Stampede, says Sheila Wasylyshyn, director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement.

“The Calgary Stampede is a valued community partner,” she says. “In addition to existing research projects, we are thrilled to join them in celebrating the Stampede spirit again this year as they safely bring back some of the events that we missed in 2020.”

UCalgary Stampede Activities

Stampede Parade

July 9, beginning at 8 a.m.

In keeping with tradition, the Stampede Parade kicks off 10 days of festivities, but to keep the event safe in the era of COVID-19, there will be no in-person spectators. Don’t fret, though — you can watch its path through Stampede Park from the comfort of your own home.

The parade will be broadcast live on Global Calgary News, GlobalNews.ca, the Global News YouTube Channel, and Amazon Prime.

This year’s parade marshal is Katari Right Hand, who is from the Siksika First Nation and is featured on the 2021 Stampede poster. 

And keep your eyes out for UCalgary's Rex, along with the UCalgary float and volunteers who will appear in the parade.

Play Rex’s Roundup

Celebrate Stampede and UCalgary alumni by participating in Rex’s Roundup bingo. UCalgary has so many great alumni-owned businesses. Why not support them for a chance to win a gift basket worth $250?

Launching July 9.

Travel through time with historical photos

Take a stroll through the past and check out UCalgary's Calgary Stampede Archives, from the Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, which celebrate the Calgary Stampede history and western culture.

And more…

Keep an eye on upcoming issues of UToday for articles that highlight UCalgary and our connections to the Calgary Stampede.

Off-park Stampede events

Not only will the parade be broadcast live on Friday morning, but the Stampede Rodeo will air on Sportsnet. Fireworks to mark the start of Stampede 2021 will display around the city, and throughout the province on Friday evening. 

On-park Stampede events

Many on-park and in-person experiences are scheduled.

Head to the Calgary Stampede’s website for a detailed daily schedule of everything going on, where to find those treasured mini donuts and how to purchase tickets.