Stampede 2025 Set to Spur a Major Boost to Calgary’s Economy

For 10 days starting this Friday, July 4, Calgarians and visitors from across the province, country and the world will gather on Stampede Park in celebration of shared Western heritage, cultures and community spirit. But beyond the thrill of the Rodeo, the buzz of Midway and the connection behind a pancake breakfast, something bigger will happen across Calgary — business done by the shake of the hand, a tip of a cowboy hat and the spirit of coming together.

“The Calgary Stampede is more than just a ten-day festival,” says Joel Cowley, Chief Executive Officer at the Calgary Stampede. “It plays a vital role in supporting our economy, creating jobs—including many first-time jobs for young Calgarians — and bringing together our city through shared energy and opportunity.”

Early indicators point to Calgarians and visitors from near and far ready to embrace The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth once again in 2025. During the 2025 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction in April, business leaders demonstrated outstanding community support, with the auction raising an impressive $3.84 million, with overall proceeds up an astounding $725,000 compared to 2024.

With advanced ticket sales for the 2025 Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show tracking ahead of 2024 presales, and our Premium hosting venues sold-out with a waiting list and expansion plans underway, there is a palpable feeling of excitement on the horizon for the 2025 Calgary Stampede.

But the economic impact that will happen across our annual celebration will extend far beyond Stampede Park, with sizeable benefit on the horizon for both Calgary and Alberta.

“Stampede is so much more than just a rodeo, midway and mini donuts. It’s an economic driver for the city, a cultural touchstone, and a clear example of what happens when a city opens its arms to the world,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Hosting the Calgary Stampede brings the world to our doorstep. It boosts our reputation globally, sparks local spending, drives hotel bookings and fuels job creation. That’s impact you can feel.”

“The Calgary Stampede is more than The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth — it is a critical economic driver and a powerful platform for doing business. Not only does the Stampede provide a huge economic uplift from the significant revenues generated by visitors and locals alike, it supports thousands of local jobs and boosts the bottoms lines of thousands of businesses across sizes and sectors — many of which rely on these 10 days for the majority of their annual sales and income,” says Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “But the Stampede’s true value lies in bringing people together: it's where deals are made over a handshake or a haybale, where business leaders gather to share ideas and where Calgary’s spirit of entrepreneurship, hospitality and community is on full display for the world to see.”

A 2019 study by the Conference Board of Canada found that the 10 days of Stampede alone generate approximately $282 million in economic impact for Alberta, including $227 million for Calgary.

"The Stampede is Calgary’s global calling card. It’s when we open our doors to the world and say: come see the ambition, innovation and opportunity that define the Blue Sky City,” says Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “These 10 days are a powerful opportunity to showcase Calgary to investors, site selectors and business leaders from around the world. The connections made this week on the grounds and across the city will spark long-term growth, investment and momentum that lasts far beyond July.”

In 2024, 27 per cent of visitors to the Stampede were from outside of Calgary. With many unique and exciting experiences to share with guests both on and off Stampede Park, this translates to visitors supporting hotels, shops, restaurants, rideshares and other attractions across Calgary.

"Visitation to Calgary is looking strong this year with record-breaking numbers anticipated between May and September. Recent data suggests spending and visitation from US-travelers in Calgary has trended positively since the beginning of the year, and we expect this to continue," says Alisha Reynolds, President and CEO, Tourism Calgary. "Destination-wide events like the Calgary Stampede are a significant cultural tourism draw of new, and repeat, travelers into our region and a vibrant summer festival season not only increases length of stay, but it also encourages them to return for more."

As Calgary saddles up to welcome more than a million guests to Stampede 2025, the Calgary Stampede and its partners remain committed to building on the energy and momentum that our annual festival brings.

“As a not-for-profit, the success of the Calgary Stampede allows our organization to invest in youth, education, the arts, agricultural programming, and celebrating with the community, year-round,” says Cowley. “The revenue generated during the Stampede sustains these initiatives and creates tremendous economic impact for both Calgary and Alberta, which in turn creates a vibrant community filled with opportunity.”

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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