For the Benefit of Community: Calgary Stampede Generates $721 Million in Annual Economic Impact for Alberta

CALGARY, AB (Feb. 5, 2026) — Since 1886, the Calgary Stampede has been a place where organizations, the community and visitors from around the world have gathered. Whether coming together to celebrate community spirit, exchange ideas, showcase agriculture practices, or seal a deal with the shake of the hand and a tip of the cowboy hat, Stampede Park has existed as a place to connect and conduct business.
 
For more than a century, we have been proud to be a growing contributor to our community. From a new economic impact analysis conducted by MNP LLP (MNP), the Calgary Stampede generated $721 million in total economic output across Alberta in 2025—a 33 percent ($181M) increase in economic output compared to an economic impact study previously conducted in 2019.
 
The study examined the economic impact created by Stampede operations and visitor spending tied to the annual Stampede celebration in July, as well as events held year-round on Stampede Park. The analysis focused on incremental economic benefit, measuring spending by out-of-town visitors and Stampede operational spending associated with events, isolating new dollars entering the local economy, rather than total economic activity.
 
Beyond provincial impact, Stampede-related activity generated $872 million nationally in economic output, and locally, $664 million in economic output for Calgary, including $190.7 million in wages and salaries to Calgarians. This economic output translates into filling hotels, restaurants, local businesses, attractions, taxis and ride shares. It also means creating jobs, attracting tourism and visitors, connecting agricultural and industry thought leaders and building our city. 
 
"These economic impact numbers are a clear reflection of the strong community support of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, and continued demand for conferences, conventions, trade shows and community events both on Stampede Park and across the city,” shares Joel Cowley, Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede. “As a not-for-profit organization, the Calgary Stampede is proud to contribute meaningful economic value to our neighbours. This study highlights how our gathering place attracts investment and reinforces a resilient, competitive economy, while contributing to a vibrant community.”
 
Key impact analysis findings: 

• $872.4 million in total annual economic output in Canada
• $721.2 million in total annual economic output in Alberta
• $664.2 million in total annual economic output in Calgary
• $190.7 million in annual wages and salaries for Calgarians

The new study also shows that the Stampede’s annual 10-day celebration remains not only a signature Canadian event, but an economic engine, generating $389 million in economic output in Alberta in 2025. Events hosted at Stampede Park throughout the rest of the year, in tandem with Stampede operations and spending also contributed an additional $332 million in economic output provincially.
 
“Calgary is incredibly fortunate to be home to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and Stampede Park. These iconic anchors attract visitors from across Canada and around the world, inspiring longer stays and return visitation,” says Alisha Reynolds, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary. “We’re proud to work alongside the Calgary Stampede to attract visitors and events as we continue to grow the visitor economy and strengthen Calgary’s value proposition as a compelling, year-round destination for business, sport, and leisure.”
 
The new analysis shows a nearly 48 per cent ($214M) increase in economic output to Calgary alone since 2019, emphasizing the rise in year-round activity on Stampede Park.
 
“The results from the MNP analysis demonstrate the positive momentum our city continues to build,” adds Cowley. “Together with our partners, we are strengthening Calgary’s reputation as a sought-after tourism and events destination, and an agricultural hub, while supporting increased development and investment in and around the southeast corner of downtown Calgary and Stampede Park.”
 
Through unwavering community support and the dedication of our more than 3,000 volunteers, alongside 1,200 year-round employees and 3,500 seasonal employees, the Calgary Stampede is able to reinvest revenue into youth, education, the arts, and agricultural programming, while celebrating with—and in—our community year-round.

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 preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

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Calgary Stampede                                     

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