The Stampede is peak Western Canada. The Calgary Stampede has been a major pillar of Western Canadian culture since 1912. Today, the festival attracts over one million people annually, all eager to experience one of the world's largest rodeos, a music festival, a massive midway, stage shows, and so much more.
Country music is a big part of the Calgary Stampede’s programming, but it’s not all ten gallon hats and songs about trucks. If you’re visiting the Stampede this year, you’ll see hip-hop (Classified), pop-punk (Simple Plan), pop (Walk Off The Earth), and rock (The Sheepdogs), in addition to big name country stars like Lady Antebellum and Zac Brown Band.
Without further delay, we present the music fan’s guide to the Calgary Stampede. Here are five acts that you you should check out while kickin’ it in Calgary.
The Calgary Stampede is July 8th-17th in Calgary, Alberta. You can buy tickets to concerts here.
Dear Rouge
Dear Rouge are Vancouver’s answer to Metric. Led by wife and husband duo Danielle and Drew McTaggart, this dance-rock outfit has had a breakout year thanks to their single “Black To Gold.” The combination of rock’n’roll swagger and catchy pop hooks led them to a 2016 JUNO win for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Catch them on the Coca-Cola Stage at the Calgary Stampede on Friday, July 15th at 8:00pm.
Jocelyn Alice
Calgary’s own Jocelyn Alice has yet to release her debut EP, but the pop singer-songwriter is already catching major buzz for her hit single, “Jackpot.” It’s easy to imagine this electro-pop earworm in Lorde or Ellie Goulding’s repertoire, and if sonic lightning strikes twice, Jocelyn Alice could have a come up on her hands. This hometown hero performs on the Coca Cola Stage at the Calgary Stampede on Wednesday, July 13th at 8:00pm.
Coleman Hell
We didn’t know that banjo-infused electro-pop was a thing until we heard “Two Heads” by Coleman Hell. A member of Toronto’s Sideways Collective, Coleman Hell has been riding high with over 65 million streams on Spotify and peaking at #1 on Hype Machine. It’s one of those inescapable, rare pop offerings that you can’t quite put your finger on, and you won’t easily forget. Don't miss his set on Saturday, July 9th at 9:00pm on the Coca-Cola Stage.
The Glorious Sons
Kingston has well-established rock and roll roots. As the Tragically Hip embark on what looks like their final tour, rising rockers The Glorious Sons will continue to carry the torch for the Lime Stone City. Gritty riffs mingle with pummelling drums, and soulful, borderline anguished vocals. If Canadian rock is in need of a resurgence, look no further. The Glorious Sons play at the Calgary Stampede on Friday, July 15th at 9:30 on the Coca-Cola Stage.
Zac Brown Band
This festival is host to all sorts of genres, but let’s be real—It wouldn’t be the Calgary Stampede without a bit of old fashioned country music. Zac Brown Band are our generation’s most celebrated live country band, and their brand of joyous melodies, musicianship, and feel-good lyrics will be the surefire highlight of your Stampede. Don't miss them on the Saddledome Stage on Thursday, July 14th.
