Badlands ticket rescinded as Calgary logs nearly 200 Stampede-related noise complaints
Posted Jul 9, 2026 3:39 pm.
The City of Calgary says it has logged nearly 200 noise complaints tied to Stampede events as of early Thursday morning, with most involving large music festivals across the city.
City officials report that 186 complaints have come from several festival sites and venues, with the Cowboys Music Festival accounting for more than half at 124.
The Badlands Music Festival has generated the second-most complaints at 37. After reviewing a ticket issued to Badlands earlier this week, the city now says the fine has been rescinded.
“We are encouraged by the reduction in decibel levels over the past three nights, however, bass levels remain a challenge,” says the city’s Chief of Community Standards Ryan Pleckaitis. “We will be monitoring this venue closely.”
Officials say they continue to work collaboratively with event organizers to support compliance and respond to concerns.
Residents can report noise issues through 311, and information on noise regulations and major event permits is available on Calgary.ca. The city will release another update on the last day of Stampede.
The noise bylaw came under scrutiny when Penny Lane Entertainment president Paul Vickers, who owns Cowboys, complained it would hamper business, drumming up support from politicians, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas pushed back, saying operators knew months in advance, and an attempt to change the bylaw was defeated in council.
Complaint breakdown
- Cowboys Music Festival — 124
- Badlands Music Festival — 37
- Whiskey Rose — 6
- National Saloon — 1
- Other events — 18
