The Calgary Stampede kicks off its 2025 edition on July 4, running through to July 13 with its traditional blend of Western heritage and family entertainment. The fun begins tonight, with a Sneak-A-Peek event offering early access to the festivities.

The Stampede traces its roots back to 1912, when former Wyoming cowboy Guy Weadick launched the event with support from Alberta cattlemen. The festival became an annual tradition in 1923 and has since grown into a Canadian household name that attracts more than one million visitors each year.

This year's must-see events include the return of the iconic RCMP Musical Ride, featuring 20 Mounties in red serge uniforms performing intricate formations on July 4-6 and 8-13. The elite Cowboy Up Challenge runs July 11-13 with defending champion Sophia Lowie of Leduc returning to compete, while the Heavy Horse Show—billed as "the longest-running agricultural competition on Stampede Park"—features one-ton horses competing for $20,000 in prize money from July 3-7. All Western events are included with admission to Stampede Park, with a 10-day SuperPass available for $50 plus fees.