Ten Places to See Live Music During the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede (July 7-16, 2023) is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, and music enthusiasts can get their fill during the 10-day festivities — from emerging local talent to stadium-filling heavy-hitters. But the live music isn't contained to the grounds. There are plenty of places to catch shows throughout the city. Here are 10 of the many places to see live music during the Stampede.

Stampede grounds

The Stampede grounds are the main event, but you'll find more than country music here. Each year brings a mix of contemporary and legacy acts across four key venues on the grounds, not to mention smaller stages and the nightly Bell Grandstand Show. Kyle Nixon, Director, Stampede Programming, says part of the fun is exploring and discovering something new, like the opening acts before more well-known names.

"It can create very formative memories for folks that are going. It's potentially their first concert," he says, noting the energy of the Stampede concerts is unmatched, and it's become one of the top music festivals in North America.

Nashville North

The Nashville North tent is a Stampede rite of passage that draws arena-calibre country artists. It's the perfect place to do some two-stepping and enjoy live music, whether it's the main event or the opener. There's often a line to get into this popular venue, but Nixon has a few tips.

"If you're looking to see a headliner, a great way to do so is to get there a couple hours early to enjoy the atmosphere because there is a bunch of entertainment prior to the headliner," he says. "But we also have a Buck the Line pass for Nashville North, which can be purchased on-site or if you pre-purchase it, it also includes your gate admission."

Five shows to see this year: Jess Moskoluke, Mackenzie Porter, Dallas Smith, High Valley and Elle King.

Coca Cola Stage

This eclectic stage hosts genres from alternative rock to hip-hop and everything in-between. It's an all-ages concert series that's included with gate admission, making it a cost-effective way to see top talent.

"When we're looking at the acts that are coming into the Coca-Cola Stage it really is contemporary artists and artists that have that summer festival feel and can really draw a crowd," Nixon says.

Five shows to see this year: Vance Joy, Jessie Reyez, Orville Peck, Tegan and Sara and Broken Social Scene.

Big Four Roadhouse

The Bud Light Stage at the Big Four Roadhouse is an 18-plus venue that creates a can't-miss party. Nixon notes the stage often showcases a variety of EDM and hip-hop artists that support a high-energy atmosphere. Entry is included with Stampede admission.

Five shows to see this year: Dwayne Gretzky, Diesel (AKA Shaquille O'Neal), Cheat Codes, Lord Huron and Cypress Hill.

Scotiabank Saddledome

For a stadium concert experience, get tickets to the Stampede Saddledome shows, which include some of the biggest names in music. Get these tickets early, as they often sell out.

Shows​ ​to see this year: Pitbull and Alabama

Elbow River Camp

Pay a visit to the Elbow River Camp, where you can learn about the cultures of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina First Nations of Treaty 7. Visit 26 tipis, browse creations from local artisans and sample traditional foods like bannock. And don't miss the cultural demonstrations, powwow or nightly music,​ ​dance and drumming performances.

​​Around the city

Ranchman's Cookhouse and Dancehall

This country hotspot has been a Stampede destination for 50 years. Don your best Western wear and join the party. It's where you can see some top-notch live country music and work on your dancing skills. Fun fact: Ranchman's was featured in the movie Cool Runnings.

Five shows to see this year: Girl Crush, Flaysher, Donny Lee, Robert Gosse and the Taylor Swift Tribute Band.

Fluor Rope Square

Fluor Rope Square in Olympic Plaza is one of the many places to get a free pancake breakfast (or several) during Stampede, but don't miss the daily live music and entertainment. There's no charge to enjoy the family friendly ​ ​events on the square's Stampede calendar.

The Ironwood Stage & Grill

Located in Inglewood, Calgary's oldest neighbourhood, the Ironwood Stage & Grill is a year-round destination for live music — and Stampede is no exception. Catch a show or even take the stage during one of the regular open-mic nights.

Five shows to see this year: Tom Phillips & The DT's, Greg Albright & The Notsobrites, Redhead Mack, The Bitter Ends and Paradise Lanes.

Wildhorse Saloon

Check out daily concerts and hit the non-stop dance floor in the heart of downtown. The Wildhorse Saloon brings in rock, pop, country and alternative artists, and there are plenty of options for tasty eats and cocktails while you're there. Make sure to visit the Wildhorse Midway, too.

Five shows to see this year: The Rural Alberta Advantage, Tokyo Police Club, Dean Brody, The Sheepdogs and Chad Brownlee.

Cowboys Music Festival

This packed lineup of live music takes place right by the Stampede grounds. You'll find plenty of recognizable names at the festival that span multiple genres, from country to hip-hop. Pro tip: Get a Fast Pass to skip the line.

Five shows to see this year: Dustin Lynch, Sam Hunt, Nelly Furtado, TLC & Shaggy and Ice Cub, 24kGolden and Steve Aoki.

The King Eddy

Stop by the King Eddy on Music Mile, an all-ages venue steeped in history. It welcomes musicians representing a wide range of genres and is steps from the Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre.

Five shows to see this year: Devin Cooper, Blake Reid Band, The Buckleys, The Polyjesters and Jake Vaadeland.