The 114th edition of the Calgary Stampede concluded on Sunday, drawing over 1.4 million attendees during the 10-day extravaganza. Although not breaking attendance records like the 2024 and 2025 editions, CEO Joel Cowley expressed satisfaction with this year’s turnout, hinting that it might rank as the third most-attended in history.
Cowley attributed the event’s success to surpassing the 1.4 million guest mark in 2026 despite economic uncertainties and affordability concerns among Canadians. The Stampede addressed these concerns by offering four free admission days and engaging in various community activities outside the park, such as pancake breakfasts and downtown events.
The CEO noted that approximately 70% of attendees were local, with 11% from other parts of Alberta, 12% from elsewhere in Canada, and 7% from international locations. He emphasized the significant economic impact generated by external visitors, citing last year’s Stampede as contributing $389 million to Alberta’s economy.
Stampede President Stuart O’Connor highlighted several factors contributing to the event’s success, including a record-breaking parade with 125 entries and a diverse lineup of over 100 artists performing across different stages. The popular Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races and Indigenous relay racing continued to captivate audiences, setting new attendance records for the rodeo and evening shows in GMC Stadium.
However, an incident involving a horse injury during the chuckwagon races raised concerns about animal welfare at the event. Despite the incident, Cowley assured that the injured horse was receiving care at a reputable veterinary clinic, expressing hope for its recovery.
The Vancouver Humane Society, a vocal opponent of rodeo events at the Stampede, criticized the incident as part of a recurring pattern of animal injuries and deaths. The organization called for changes to prioritize animal safety in such events.
Looking ahead, Cowley expressed optimism for the Calgary Stampede’s future, citing a new 20-year master plan for Stampede Park unveiled earlier in the year. He emphasized the positive outlook supported by increased attendance, positive feedback from guests, and ongoing enhancements in security, cleanliness, and crowd management. Additionally, with plans to demolish the Scotiabank Saddledome freeing up 11 acres of land, the Stampede grounds are poised to accommodate larger crowds more effectively.
