Family Fun at the Strathmore Stampede: What to Do with Kids
Strathmore’s biggest summer bash is back, and it’s not just for cowboys and cabaret lovers. The Strathmore Stampede (August 1–4) packs a serious punch for families looking to make memories without spending a fortune, or losing their kids in the beer gardens.
Whether your crew is into animals, action, or good old-fashioned carnival chaos, here’s your roundup of the best kid-friendly fun at this year’s Stampede.
Running with the Rams
Ages 5 – 7 | $5 entry | 11:15 AM Friday to Sunday
Pre-register online or head to the arena the day-of if your kiddo wants to run wild (with supervision, of course). More info here
All Weekend Long: Carnival Chaos & Outdoor Fun
From 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (6:00 pm Monday), the Stampede grounds turn into a kids’ dream zone. Expect a steady stream of:
Carnival games
Dunk tank
Zorb Ball Collision Track
Off-road RC race track
Farm maze
Petting zoo (11:00 am–4:00 pm)
Pony rides (11:00 am–1:00 pm, 4:00 pm–6:00 pm)
Visit the RCMP horses
Iron Clover Forge Blacksmith demos
Perfect for littles who love hands-on exploring, bouncy fun, or critters of all shapes and sizes.
Stock Dog Trials & Demos
Friday to Sunday | Times vary
Watch these clever canines show off their herding skills. It’s equal parts “aww” and “whoa.”
Demos: Friday 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Trials: Sat/Sun 11:30 am–2:30 pm
RCMP Musical Ride
Daily at 1:00 pm and warm-up at 3:00 pm
A Canadian classic. Precision, pageantry, and pure horse-powered nostalgia. Great spot to chill and take it all in.
Western Market
Daily until 10:00 pm (Monday until 5:00 pm)
Shop for handmade goods, treats, and fun finds while the kids munch cotton candy or track down one more balloon animal.
Show-Stoppers for All Ages
Calgary Stampede Showriders:
Friday to Sunday at 4:30 pm and Monday at 2pmPiper Yule Trick Riding:
Friday to Sunday at 5:00 pm. High-flying stunts, fast horses, and cowboy flair. It's the stuff family memories (and phone videos) are made of.
Main Stage Live Music & Entertainment
Friday, August 1
Emerging Artist Showcase: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Hayley Isabel & Band: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Craig Silver Band: 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Saturday, August 2
Emerging Artist Showcase: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
The Calverts: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Lip Sync Battle: 8:00 pm – 9:0 0pm
Sunday, August 3
Amber Williams Band: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Emerging Artist Showcase Winner: 8:30 pm
Redneck Rockstars: 9:15 pm – 11:00 pm
Fireworks Show: 11:00 pm sharp
Bring a blanket and settle in, there’s something for all musical tastes, and the fireworks are the cherry on top of a packed weekend.
Admission & Tickets
FAMILY FRIDAY (August 1) = FREE admission to the grounds!
(Note: Rodeo and chuckwagon tickets are sold separately.)
General Grounds Admission (Sat to Mon):
Kids 5 & under: FREE
Ages 6–12: $5
Seniors: $5
Everyone else: $8
Grounds admission is included with any rodeo or chuckwagon ticket.
Tickets:
Buy online or by phone, credit card payment available, and tickets are emailed right to you
Onsite payments: Debit, VISA, MasterCard, or cash
ATMs are located near the grounds if you need to top up
Bonus: Bars & Nightlife (Post-bedtime fun for grownups)
Once the sun goes down and the littles are wiped, there’s still rodeo, chucks, cabarets and concerts, so maybe trade bedtime for a babysitter one night.
Final Round-Up
The Strathmore Stampede isn’t just boots and beer; it’s a full-on family adventure. Whether your kids are fearless rodeo fans or just here for the pony rides and petting zoo, this year’s lineup has something for every age (and attention span).
Dust off your hats, pack some snacks, and head east for a day - or a weekend - of good old-fashioned Stampede fun.
This article was created using publicly available information from the Strathmore Stampede website and Facebook page. Event details are subject to change, check official sources for the most up-to-date info.
