2027 Calgary Stampede Poster captures the 'Best Seat in the House'

CALGARY (Oct. 5, 2026) — The 2027 Calgary Stampede Poster was unveiled today, featuring an electrifying moment from the iconic Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Created by 23-year-old Barrhead, Alta. artist Keagan George, Best Seat in the House depicts bull rider Hayes Weight of Goshen, Utah, aboard Judge and Jury at the 2025 Calgary Stampede.

“I wanted the bull’s head to command a large part of the Poster and create that feeling of being close to the action,” explained George. “The crowd in the background shows the scale of the Rodeo, while the movement of the bull, rider and chaps builds anticipation. I made the fringe on the chaps red because it’s eye-catching and connects the piece to the Calgary Stampede. I hope people see it as thrilling, dramatic and full of action.”

Through her distinctive approach to realism, George captures the power, intensity and edge-of-your-seat excitement of bull riding at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo, where world-class athletes compete at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Weight won the final day of Pool A with the ride depicted in the artwork, earning a place on Championship Sunday.

“Each year, the unveiling of the official Stampede Poster gives us our first exciting glimpse of the Stampede ahead,” said Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, First-Vice Chair of the Board, Calgary Stampede. “Keagan George’s artwork captures the energy, courage and extraordinary athleticism that make the Calgary Stampede Rodeo unlike anything else. It also showcases the remarkable talent of Alberta youth and the value of creating opportunities for young people to develop, grow and succeed. Best Seat in the House is a thrilling way to begin the countdown to Stampede 2027.”

Guests can secure the best seats at great prices starting today with the launch of ticket sales for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show, taking place July 9-18, 2027.

A self-taught animal artist raised on a homestead near Barrhead, George first drew animals using images from feed store calendars. Wanting better reference material, she began photographing calves and other animals around her family’s homestead. Those familiar subjects became the foundation of an artistic practice that continues to focus predominantly on animals — particularly cattle.

The 2027 Youth Poster Competition marked George’s fifth time participating. During those five years, she advanced to the Top 30 twice and the Top 8 twice before being selected as the 2027 Stampede Poster Artist.

“I was shocked — I truly wasn’t expecting it,” said George of finding out she’d won this year. “This was my favourite piece so far and the one I felt was most like a Stampede Poster. When I first entered the competition, I didn’t really understand what made a strong poster. Over the years, I learned from the workshops, the mentors’ feedback and the winning artwork that came before mine, and I built on that with each new piece.”

As the 2027 Stampede Poster Artist, George becomes the ninth Alberta youth to have artwork featured on the official Calgary Stampede Poster since the Youth Poster Competition began in 2018.

More than a work of art, the official Stampede Poster provides a prominent platform for Alberta youth to share their talent and perspectives while becoming part of Stampede history. The Youth Poster Competition reflects the Calgary Stampede’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills, build confidence and pursue their ambitions.

Since 2018, the Dustin Peers Memorial Scholarship, generously funded by the Brandon Flock Foundation, awards $20,000 in educational scholarships annually to the competition’s top eight finalists, including $10,000 to the first-place winner, making it one of Canada’s largest art scholarships.

The Calgary Stampede Youth Poster Competition is generously supported by Michaels Canada, whose contribution included providing materials for participants in the program.

Applications for the 2028 Stampede Youth Poster Competition are now open. Alberta artists aged 15 to 24 are invited to start imagining what they might create and submit their application by Dec. 4, 2026. To learn more visit calgarystampede.com/postercompetition.

Feel the rush, hear the cheers and experience the spectacle of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show. Tickets for Stampede 2027 are on sale now at calgarystampede.com/tickets. The 2027 Calgary Stampede takes place July 9-18.

DIGITAL ASSETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE, WITH CREDIT TO THE CALGARY STAMPEDE.

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the West. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that shares Western hospitality and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. For more information, visit calgarystampede.com

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