Round Up Your Marching Band for the Colossal Calgary Stampede

Round up your marching band for the colossal Calgary Stampede!

Each year, more than 1 million people descend on the city of Calgary for an exhilarating 10-days of rowdy rodeos, star-studded shows, and a focus on the indelible culture that makes Calgary a standout destination.

The best part? The Stampede Parade ‘kicks’ off the festivities with spectacular floats, magnificent equestrian units, and a dazzling display of marching bands…

Have we ‘spurred’ your interest?

About the Stampede

The Calgary Stampede began in 1886 with a local agricultural fair.  Throughout its 138-year history, it has become one of Canada’s largest festivals and a colossal attraction for visitors from around the globe.

There are 10 days of exhilarating shows, agricultural competitions, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, foodie favorites, local attractions, and a midway packed with excitement!

The Stampede also hosts some of the biggest celebrity names on the planet. The 2024 Stampede slate of performers includes the Jonas Brothers, Miranda Lambert, and Motley Crue.

Imagine an event that features this kind of star power and YOUR student talent!

Plenty of Performance Opportunities

The Calgary Stampede has PLENTY of performance opportunities for your marching bands. If you’re seeking international exposure or just a fantastic venue, the Stampede has an option that’s perfect for you.

Calgary Stampede Parade

Since 1912, the iconic Calgary Stampede Parade has opened the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth with a unique blend of spirit and style. More than 350,000 attendees line the streets to enjoy this remarkable spectacle of showmanship as it winds 2.8 miles through downtown Calgary.

The parade has a storied history of showcasing western tradition and Calgary culture.  Each year it features 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses, and more than 4,000 participants – including well-known marshals like Walt Disney, William Shatner, and Kevin Costner.

If you’re looking for a great resume builder for your band, THIS is where you want to be!

Showband Showdown

This high-energy marching band competition takes place annually in McMahon Stadium (home of the Stampeders!) the *Wednesday before Stampede begins. Showband Showdown is organized by the Calgary Stampede Showband team and attracts a raucous crowd of thousands of audience members.

All Guest Bands and Calgary bands like Stetsons and Show Riders start the showdown as part of a mass band performing a specially arranged piece. Then-marching bands wow the crowds with their own exciting field shows and receive helpful commentary from professional adjudicators.

FANFARE

FANFARE is the Stampede Guest Bands’ signature event and a celebration of the marching arts! Every guest band is encouraged to join in the revelry at Enbridge Plaza at Stampede Park.

Groups as small as 20 and as large at 175+ are invited to participate – and can participate in more than one category (i.e. full marching band, drumline, ensembles, color guard, etc.) FANFARE is adjudicated, and groups receive comments and feedback on their performances.

The Steps

Experience the long-standing Calgary Stampede performance tradition as you take your place on the BMO Centre Grand Staircase.

The legacy continues twice daily with dynamic verve and vigor that audiences expect! Performances draw big cheers from big crowds as you take to the Steps.

Caravan Breakfasts

The legendary Caravan Breakfasts entice crowds of more than 1,000 as they enjoy a sweet and savory start to the day.  They also get an extra serving of spirit as marching bands perform.

As a bonus, bands can indulge their never-ending teenage appetites with plenty of pancakes following their performances!

While You’re Here

Follow your show stopping performances by taking in the sights! Standing proudly in the center of Calgary is the Calgary Tower. Its Observation Deck offers magnificent, 360-degree views of the city, mountains, foothills, and prairies.

The Heritage Park Historical Village is a living history museum dedicated to telling the stories of Western Canada and preserving its culture and heritage. Here you can catch a ride on a steam train or trolley, explore Gasoline Alley Museum, check out the military museums, hop on a hayride through the scenic village, and so much more.

The Calgary Zoo takes you on a journey through seven Canadian ecological zones and introduces you to the animals that live in them. Here the focus is on caring for more than 4,000 animals and conserving their natural habitats.

And don’t forget that beautiful Banff National Park is just a short drive away! Canada’s first national park boasts white-capped Rocky Mountains, brilliant, turquoise glacial lakes, and a captivating mountain town just waiting to welcome you!

Plan with the Calgary Stampede’s Trusted Partner

Kaleidoscope Adventures is Calgary Stampede’s exclusive travel planning partner. We are a full-service student trip planner with 30+ years of planning inspiring performance travel.

Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, impeccable customer care, and an expert team make planning your Calgary Stampede trip simple and efficient.

Start Planning Your Calgary Stampede Performance Adventure

Round Up Your Marching Band for the Colossal Calgary Stampede -It’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!