The Calgary Stampede is a beloved annual event for the cowboy crowd of Western Canada and beyond. Hosted each year in Calgary, Alberta, the Stampede is something of a rodeo cum summer carnival with all sorts of additional fun activities.
As the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, the obvious main attraction is the competition set between horses, bulls, steers and the riders. Rodeo events include barrel racing, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, and bareback riding. Calgary Stampede food is also a major highlight, offering unique and delicious options for attendees.
Other draws such as evening concerts, acrobatic performances, and a parade are also additions to the schedule. Another fan-favourite is a dog show called the Dog Bowl.
For families and individuals looking to experience additional local culture, the Calgary Stampede hosts a Powwow in partnership with indigenous nations of the traditional territories on which the Stampede is hosted, including the land of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina, and Îyâxe Nakoda First Nations as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 5 and 6.
For some folks, however, this myriad of other activities—fun as they may be—are secondary to the true main attraction: the food.
Must-Try Stampede Snacks:
Pickle Fry Poutine
If you’re in Canada, Poutine is the ultimate fair food you’ll find. There are no exceptions and I will not be taking questions at this time. Dill pickled French fries, aka “Pickle Fries” are brined, seasoned, fried, and topped with Quebec curds and hot gravy.
Korean Waffle
Don’t waffle on this choice. An Asian twist on a smash burger, this is a smash patty topped with pickled onions, kimchi, baby greens, pickled radish, cheese and Korean BBQ aioli, served on a waffle.
JAMAICAN MI JUICY IRIE ROLLS
Sometimes you just need a little spice, right? Two tortillas stuffed with shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeño peppers, corn, and jerk chicken, rolled up and fried.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Barbecue pulled pork coleslaw, green onions, and parmesan panko atop a pile of macaroni and cheese. Truly, the ultimate comfort food topped with the second ultimate comfort food.
Mexican Street Corn Ice cream
This is a sweet way to get a little adventurous with your snacking at the Calgary Stampede. Vanilla-infused corn ice cream served in a mayonnaise-parmesan cone, topped with Tajin spice, and garnished with a lime wedge and, of course, more corn. So unique and definitely worth snapping a pic to send to your best foodie friend back home with your aloSIM eSIM for Canada.
Momos on a Stick
Everyone loves Indian street food and momos are no exception. Fried Indian dim sum (vegetable or chicken) drizzled with a fusion of sesame sauce.
Jackie, La Vaquera
An arepa filled with marinated slow cooked brisket, coleslaw, pickles, and topped with homemade maple Jack Daniels sauce. There’s just something about barbecue in the summer, eh?
Watermelon Burger
Salty feta sandwiched between juicy watermelon. Listen, I know it’s counterintuitive to waste chews on something so light, but that’s exactly why it needs to stay on your must-try list. Calgary is hot in the summer and you just might be looking for the refreshing flavours of something like this.
Ferrero Rocher Bubble Tea
A creamy hazelnut drink handcrafted with tea leaves, fresh milk, and genuine Ferrero Rocher chocolates. The dreamiest dessert I can imagine.
Whether you’re there for the rodeo or just for the Calgary Stampede food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these must-try snacks that make the Calgary Stampede food experience unforgettable!
