The Thrill of a Lifetime: 2026 Calgary Stampede Poster Revealed as Tickets Go on Sale for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

The Calgary Stampede proudly unveiled the 2026 Stampede Poster on Monday, Oct. 6, showcasing the exceptional talent of 22-year-old artist Dayna Loepp. The unveiling coincides with the launch of ticket sales for the 2026 Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show, happening July 3–12, 2026.

Loepp’s work, a 20-by-30-inch acrylic on canvas titled When the Grass Dances, captures Champion Junior Men’s Grass Dancer Tyrone Sitting Eagle of Siksika Nation competing at the 2024 Calgary Stampede Powwow presented by TC Energy. The painting honours both the vibrancy of powwow traditions and the intergenerational connections that continue to connect families and communities to the Stampede.

“Elbow River Camp has been an integral part of the Calgary Stampede since 1912, when families from the local First Nations first journeyed to Calgary and set up camp to participate in the inaugural Stampede,” says Stuart O’Connor, President & Chair of the Board at the Calgary Stampede. “The 2026 Poster’s tribute to First Nations artistry at the Stampede Powwow is a powerful reflection of this enduring relationship and a reminder that language, culture and tradition remain at the core of the Stampede.”

 Born in Steinbach, MB, Loepp grew up in a quiet, rural environment that felt limiting for her artistic ambitions, which led her to apply to and be accepted into multiple art programs across Canada. She eventually chose the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) in Calgary and in the summer of 2023, was drawn to the sound of drumming from Elbow River Camp presented by Enbridge where she witnessed hoop dancing for the first time. The performance moved her deeply, striking a chord with her artistic sensibilities. It was also the moment she felt truly connected to the city she now calls home — an experience that ultimately inspired her to paint what would later be chosen as the 2026 Stampede Poster.

 “Watching the First Nations dancers, I can't express it any other way except beautiful and meaningful,” says Loepp, who is in the final year of her Bachelor of Design degree at AUArts. “It left me wanting to learn more about Elbow River Camp and the Stampede, and it all came together during this year’s competition, when I was introduced to Tyrone through the program. Getting to know him, learning about his dances and his family’s traditions made a deep impact on me, and I hope that others see that come through in my painting.”

As a proud member of Siksika Nation, Sitting Eagle’s roots with the Stampede run deep. His grandparents, Laura and Gerald Sitting Eagle, were Tipi Holders for nearly 40 years before passing the tipi to his parents, Tyrone (Hutch) and Pam Sitting Eagle. His knowledge of hoop and grass dancing reflects a family tradition passed down through generations, and one which he has begun passing on to his own children.

The grass dance, traditionally performed as a warrior act to bless and flatten the ground before setting up camp, is characterized by flowing movements that mirror the gentle swaying of grass in the wind. In When the Grass Dances, Sitting Eagle is shown wearing his grass dancing regalia, whose long fringes and colourful patterns are a contemporary modern style of the traditional grass dance attire. Loepp involved Sitting Eagle throughout the process, providing photo updates of her progress and asking for his input, which gave him an opportunity to see the painting evolve.

“I think the painting turned out awesome. Dayna really captured the movement of me dancing, even better than in the original reference photo,” says Sitting Eagle with admiration. “I hope the 2026 Poster will encourage people to visit Elbow River Camp during Stampede and learn more about the people of Treaty 7 and the different tribes within the Blackfoot Confederacy.”

Loepp won the Youth Poster Competition on her third year of participating, securing her place as the 2026 Poster Artist and the eighth Alberta youth to design the Stampede Poster since the program began in 2018.

“For me, the competition has been a huge source of validation,” shares Loepp. “It showed me that hard work really does pay off, and that my path as a painter and graphic designer is both possible and worthwhile. Winning has given me peace of mind as I finish my education, and the confidence to believe I can pursue a career as an artist.”

As the 2026 winner, Loepp receives the $10,000 Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is awarded to finalists, making the program one of Canada’s largest art scholarships.

“This competition is an incredible platform for young Alberta artists to showcase their talent and be part of Stampede history,” says O’Connor. “The program’s dedication to youth achievement aligns with the Calgary Stampede Foundation’s commitment to supporting youth in our community by providing dynamic programming to enhance leadership, personal growth, citizenship and education.”

The Calgary Stampede is now accepting applications for the 2027 Youth Poster Competition. Alberta youth ages 15 to 24 are invited to apply by Dec. 5, 2025. Details are available at calgarystampede.com/postercompetition.

When the Grass Dances is on display at Sam Centre until Oct. 14, alongside the seven previous Youth Poster Competition winning artworks and a selection of Stampede posters spanning over 100 years in the Branded: The Art of Calgary Stampede Posters exhibit inside the Ross Glenn Gallery.

Sam Centre is a must-see destination, immersing visitors in the Stampede’s legendary stories, offering an exciting opportunity to learn about and experience the history of the Stampede through interactive exhibits. Learn more about Sam Centre at samcentre.calgarystampede.com.

Feel the rush, hear the cheers, and witness the spectacle at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show. Don’t wait — tickets are on sale now: calgarystampede.com/tickets.