June 25, 2026
Ready to ride? Stampede season returns to Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ!
Stampede season once again brings the city to life July 3 to 12 — and the University of Calgary, as always, is part of the action.
From campus events to downtown activations, here’s how you can get involved:
Riley Brandt, University of Calgary
President’s Stampede BBQ
Dust off your western wear and join President Ed McCauley on June 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the TFDL Quad for another edition of one of Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ’s signature Stampede-season traditions.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch while taking in live music, line dancing and a warm western welcome from our partners at the Calgary Stampede. This year’s celebration also features a live performance by rising Alberta country artist, Brettyn Rose.
Guests are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation in support of the , and don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with Rodeo Rex while you’re there.
Plan to arrive early — food is available for the first 1,700 attendees, with dessert offered to the first 1,250.
Register .
Laura James
Stampede Parade
The Stampede Parade marks the official start of the festivities, and Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ will once again be part of the celebration on July 3 at 9 a.m. in downtown Calgary. A proud parade participant since 2012, the university’s float showcases the creativity and spirit that make it unique. Don’t miss it — this year, Space Rex returns with a special UC60 flair in celebration of the university’s 60th anniversary.
Find a spot along the parade route and cheer on the university’s float as it makes its way through the city alongside community groups, performers and parade participants from across the region. Attend with friends, family or colleagues and show your Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ pride as you kick off Stampede season.
Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ at Stampede Park
Planning a visit to Stampede Park? While at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, be sure to stop by Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ's exhibit booths at the Nutrien Western Event Centre and Agriculture Building to discover how the university is helping shape the future of agriculture and animal health.
Hosted by the faculties of and , the exhibits showcase the innovative work of students, researchers and faculty members through interactive displays and educational experiences. Visitors can learn about groundbreaking research, connect with members of the Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ community, and explore how the university is addressing real-world challenges through research and innovation.
Whether you're pulling on your boots for a campus barbecue, cheering on the university's float at the Stampede Parade, or exploring agriculture research at Stampede Park, this year's celebrations offer something for everyone.
Grab your hat, gather your friends, and join us for a summer tradition that brings the university and community together. Happy Stampeding!