From Draft Horses to Stock Dogs: 2025 Calgary Stampede Events You Don’t Want to Miss

From thunderous hooves to four-legged finesse, Western events at Stampede 2025 offer an unforgettable blend of horsepower, heritage and family-friendly fun — and every event is free with admission to Stampede Park. Many of the action-packed competitions and showcases take place in the air-conditioned Nutrien Western Event Centre, making it the perfect place to relax, recharge and be thoroughly entertained.

Topping the list of can't-miss experiences in the Nutrien Western Event Centre is the exciting return of the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride, set to captivate audiences with a celebrated display of Canadian pride and equestrian precision. Twenty Mounties in full red serge will guide their horses through intricate, music-driven formations in a show of unity, tradition and spectacle. The Ride’s appearance at this year’s Stampede, July 4-6 and again July 8-13, is a highlight of its Alberta tour — and a stirring nod to Canada’s heritage.

Fans of speed and horsemanship won’t want to miss the Cowboy Up Challenge, where 10 elite horse-and-rider teams tackle skill-testing obstacles in a high-stakes, high-energy Extreme Cowboy Race. Held in the Nutrien Western Event Centre, the competition kicks off Friday, July 11 with additional rounds July 12 and the final on July 13 — all starting at 7 p.m., with pre-shows at 6:30 p.m.

Among this year’s competitors is 19-year Sophia Lowie of Leduc, Alta., who returns to defend her 2024 title. Lowie made the winning ride in last year’s thrilling, winner-take-all final round, competing against riders from all over the world. The Cowboy Up Challenge continues to draw global talent and remains, in the words of Extreme Cowboy Race founder Craig Cameron, “the highest viewed and highest paying Extreme Cowboy Race in the world.”

Celebrating 35 years of vintage power, the Vintage Tractor Pull is back July 8-9 in the Northern Lights Arena, located just east of the Agriculture Building on Stampede Park. Restored tractors built in 1960 or earlier compete in six weight classes in this invitational fan-favourite. Come early to admire these machines at the Show and Shine, a rare chance to get up close to these beautifully restored agricultural icons.

Don’t miss the elegance and tradition of the Heavy Horse Show, the longest-running agricultural competition on Stampede Park. Held daily July 3–7 in the Nutrien Western Event Centre, it features majestic, one-ton horses in polished leather harnesses, culminating in the World Championship Six-Horse Hitch with $20,000 in prize money on the line for first place.

For a quieter kind of horsepower, head to Draft Horse Town in the Agriculture Zone presented by Brandt, where visitors can meet towering workhorses like Clydesdales and Belgians — some as tall as two metres at the shoulder and weighing as much as a compact car. Experience living history through blacksmith and wheelwright demos and pose for photos with the largest horses at the Stampede.

Another crowd-favourite, the World Stock Dog Championship, features 60 of the sharpest working dogs in the world facing off in a fast-paced sheep-handling challenge. Qualifying rounds run July 8-9, with the top 12 advancing to the championship final on the afternoon of July 9.

Finally, don’t miss the 45thanniversary of the Canadian National Miniature Horse Show in the Northern Lights Arena and the Nutrien Western Event Centre on July 11-13, where guests can see the very best miniature horses in action. These small but mighty equine athletes will compete in a wide variety of classes, including halter, driving, jumping and obstacle competitions — showcasing agility, grace and personality in every class.

All these experiences are included for free with your admission to Stampede Park. The 2025 Calgary Stampede runs July 4-13, with Sneak-A-Peek night happening July 3.

The Stampede SuperPass is the best value this summer. For just $50 plus fees and GST, enjoy unlimited admission to Stampede Park for all 10 days — including access to fan-favourites like the RCMP Musical Ride and more. It’s an easy, affordable way to make the most of your Stampede experience. Available online or in-store at participating Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo and Chalo FreshCo until July 3, 2025.

For full event details and schedule updates, visit calgarystampede.com.

A gallery of photo and video files depicting these events is available for media to download and use here. Please credit 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 preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

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