Elevating your Stampede Experience at YYC

The Calgary Stampede is a symbol of western hospitality, and being known for emulating that legendary hospitality is something that we’re pretty proud of as an airport. So giddy up, because from July 3-15 we’ll have plenty of activities and NEW events to put you and our guests in that Stampede spirit. With everything from Canadian music stars to first-ever petting zoos, there will be plenty to see and do at YYC as we ramp up our Stampede experience.

Stampede Promo Committee with Music from Larry and Gary Suds
Get your guests lassoed! The Stampede Promo Committee, with Larry and Gary Suds will be back at YYC getting visitors into the western spirit and performing old-time country favourites. Taking a break from your desk to listen to some country tunes is a great way to get into the Stampede spirit.

July 4-15, from noon to 10 p.m., at International Arrivals

Bistro Beer Garden
In partnership with the Bistro on the Bow, we‘re recreating a major Stampede attraction for our adult guests: a beer garden! The garden will be complemented by Larry & Gary music performances and will be serving classic Stampede treats like mini donuts, and corndogs. Plan a lunch, or afternoon outing, and join us to saddle up at this YYC saloon.

July 4-15, from 10 a.m. to midnight at International Arrivals

Annual Team YYC BBQ in Support of #NotInMyCity
We’ve kicked the annual Team YYC BBQ up a notch this year with live music from Country Hall of Famer, Paul Brandt. There will lots of great grub, games and prizes up for grabs, as well as the opportunity to connect with your fellow Team YYC community. We’re still looking for volunteers! Sign up here.

July 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in front of the Delta Hotel.

YYC Kiddy Corral 
We’re having a special day for youngest cow-folks and families on July 13. In partnership with Butterfield Acres, visitors will get a unique sample of what you can experience at the Stampede grounds with a petting zoo, cotton candy, popcorn, tattoos and face painting. Team YYC members are welcome to bring their children and families.

July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m., across from Door 3 on the Arrivals Level.

White Hat Ceremonies
If you have any friends or family coming to town for Stampede, treat them to our famed White Hat Ceremonies, for a memorable arrival experience. In addition to becoming an honourary Calgarian, they’ll receive a cowboy hat as a keepsake of their YYC experience. White Hat Volunteers will also be surprising and delighting one lucky random guest each day, and your friend or family member might be one of the lucky ones.

Book White Hat Ceremonies here.

Pre-Board Pals
We can’t wait for this cuteness overload! YYC’s Pre-Board Pals are gearing up to wear their (mini) cowboy hats while they distribute free Stampede admission passes to YYC guests. The pups will be onsite providing their regular service of greeting and comforting guests and Team YYC.

Local Entertainment
As Brooks and Dunn say it best: “get down - turn around - go to town - boot scootin' boogie.” On various days throughout Stampede we’ll be hosting performances by local music and dance talent. Stay tuned for a schedule of performances coming soon. 

Photos with Rodeo Royalty
Greetings from the Queen(s). Various Rodeo Royalty will be joining us to welcome guests and take Polaroid photos (for a take-home keepsake) with guests at International Arrivals. Meghan Markle, who?

Photo Ops
Paparazzi please! Snap a pic at one of our many western-themed photo opportunities located around the airport and share them with us so we can like or retweet.

See a full the calendar of events below.