The 114th edition of the Calgary Stampede concluded on Sunday, attracting over 1.4 million guests over the course of the 10-day event. While not breaking attendance records like in 2024 and 2025, CEO Joel Cowley praised this year’s turnout as a significant achievement. Cowley highlighted the challenges of economic uncertainty and affordability concerns faced by Canadians but expressed satisfaction with exceeding 1.4 million attendees in 2026.
To make the Stampede more accessible, organizers implemented four free-admission days and various off-site community activities such as pancake breakfasts and downtown events. Cowley noted that about 70% of attendees were locals, while 11% came from other parts of Alberta, 12% from across Canada, and 7% from international locations. He emphasized the importance of outside visitors in driving the event’s economic impact, citing last year’s Stampede that generated $389 million in economic activity in Alberta.
Stampede president Stuart O’Connor lauded the success of this year’s festivities, citing the record-breaking participation in the Stampede parade and the diverse lineup of over 100 artists performing at the event. The popular Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races and rodeo competitions continued to captivate audiences, setting new attendance records. However, a recent incident involving a horse injury during the chuckwagon races reignited concerns about animal welfare at the Stampede.
Despite criticism from groups like the Vancouver Humane Society, Cowley remains optimistic about the Stampede’s future, especially with the unveiling of a 20-year master plan for Stampede Park earlier this year. The positive feedback from guests, improvements in security, crowd management, and park facilities, coupled with the forthcoming redevelopment of land post-Scotiabank Saddledome demolition, signal a promising outlook for the Calgary Stampede.