Boots on, hats ready, it’s Stampede season at UCalgary!

Giddy up! UCalgary is saddling up to celebrate Stampede 2025 with campus festivities and community moments that capture the heart of Calgary’s celebration of all things Western.

The University of Calgary is bringing people together through community and Calgary’s western roots with events and experiences for all.

With ten days of music, food and festivities ahead, here’s how you can enjoy the celebration this year:

Join us for our annual President’s Stampede BBQ

Dig into a delicious lunch while enjoying line dancing, live music and a warm western welcome from our partners at the Calgary Stampede. The BBQ will take place at the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) quad on campus July 2 from 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m.

Plan to arrive early as food is available for the first 1,600 guests and bannock is available to the first 1,000 people.

Bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation for the Student’s Union Campus Food Bank and make sure to take a photo with Rodeo Rex.

RSVP here.

Celebrate the start of Stampede at the Parade

The Calgary Stampede Parade is the official kickoff to all the festivities across the city. UCalgary has been part of the action since first entering a float in the Stampede Centennial Parade in 2012.

On July 4 at 9 a.m., come cheer on UCalgary volunteers marching alongside the out-of-this-world parade float, Space Rex.

Vet Med brings animal expertise to the Stampede

Stop by the UCalgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) booth in the Nutrien Western Event Centre to meet students and faculty and learn how animals are cared for at the Stampede. 

Behind the scenes, UCVM researchers are undertaking vital animal welfare studies — from monitoring heat stress to tracking heart activity and horse stride patterns — helping make the Stampede safer for all the livestock attendees.