The 114th edition of the Calgary Stampede concluded on Sunday, attracting over 1.4 million visitors during its 10-day run, according to event organizers. While this year’s attendance figures did not surpass the record-breaking numbers of 2024 and 2025, Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley hailed the event as a significant success. Cowley expressed optimism that the 2026 Stampede could potentially rank as the third most-attended in history, citing the challenges posed by economic uncertainties and affordability concerns for Canadians.
To address these concerns, the Stampede implemented initiatives such as offering four free admission days and hosting various community events both on and off the park grounds, including pancake breakfasts and downtown activities. Cowley noted that approximately 70% of attendees were from Calgary and nearby areas, with 11% from other parts of Alberta, 12% from different regions in Canada, and 7% of international visitors. He emphasized the economic impact generated by external visitors, highlighting the $389 million in economic activity spurred by last year’s Stampede across Alberta.
Stampede President Stuart O’Connor highlighted the factors contributing to the event’s success, including the largest Stampede parade in recent memory, which featured 125 entries and drew massive crowds. O’Connor also praised the diverse lineup of over 100 artists performing at this year’s Stampede concerts, with standout performances by A$AP Rocky and Alanis Morissette. Additionally, traditional events such as the Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races and Indigenous relay racing continued to captivate attendees.
However, an incident during the chuckwagon races, where a horse was injured, reignited concerns about animal welfare at the Stampede. Despite initial assessments indicating no fractures, the injured horse was deemed to have sustained a serious injury and is under veterinary care. The Vancouver Humane Society reiterated its opposition to the rodeo events, citing a pattern of incidents and animal deaths at the Stampede.
Looking ahead, Cowley highlighted the Stampede Park’s new 20-year master plan, unveiled earlier in the year, as a crucial step towards ensuring a prosperous future for the Calgary Stampede. He emphasized the positive feedback from guests, improvements in security and crowd management, and upcoming enhancements to the park grounds following the demolition of the Scotiabank Saddledome. Cowley expressed confidence that the Stampede’s future is bright, with the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and operational efficiency.