Calgarians share money-saving strategies with one month to go until Stampede

With just a month to go before more than a million people flood into the Calgary Stampede, many Calgarians are already thinking about how to stretch their dollars at the 10‑day festival.

As the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, some attendees say planning ahead is becoming just as important as choosing which shows or midway rides to hit.

A series of conversations with Calgarians shows a mix of budgeting tactics, impulse‑spending worries, and tips for making the most of the Stampede without overspending.

“I’m more like a budget person,” says Twerlie Aday. “If I want to budget something or have this happening, I would budget it and make a wise decision.”

Her friend, however, admits he’s a little more worried about saving funds.

“I’m an impulsive person, so foods and stuff are very tempting,” said Louise Giuna.

Others say the key is to prepare before stepping through the gates. Alejandria Wheldon recommends buying Stampede Bucks or ticket packs in advance and going with a group.

“Planning ahead is a really big part of it,” she said. “If you’re trying to save some money, there are ways you can do it in a big group.”

For Finn Fangith, the Coca‑Cola Stage remains one of the best value spots on the grounds.

“It’s free to attend the Coca‑Cola events,” he said. “All you need is just to get into Stampede then you’re good.”

Stampede communications manager Julie Forget says a no‑cost day at the festival is absolutely possible.

“You come in on a value day, that’s free admission,” she said. “There’s free programming at Nutrien, there’s free programming in the BMO Centre, walk around the midway.”

“There’s just so, so much. If you’ve got kids, there’s the Kids’ Frontier.”

Forget adds that her personal go‑to is the SuperPass, which allows unlimited entry without buying daily tickets.

Details on value days, ticket packs and passes are available on the Calgary Stampede website.