We’re just under a month away from kicking the dust off our boots, and moseying on down to our favourite country bars and their iconic Stampede Tents once again! The first weekend of July brings 10-days of pure Calgarian chaos, and it can be hard to know where to start when planning your jam-packed Stampede itineraries.
But don’t fret, there’s only one place you need to be for Stampede 2025 to get the quintessential Stampede experience, and that’s the iconic Ranchman’s Saloon – here’s why:
1) A killer lineup with music for everyone
Not only does Ranchman’s wrangle in some amazing trending talent, but for those of you who just don’t get country music the way true Calgarians do, Ranchman’s is here to satisfy the ears of everyone and anyone with their live DJ sets on Calgary’s largest outdoor patio, a Taylor Swift tribute show with Seraphina Allen and the ultimate karaoke contest.
With three stages of performances going at all times on the main stage inside, in the Ranchman’s Stampede Tent and on the patio, the lineup this year is HUGE. Here’s a few performances we’re excited about:
TOBY – Tribute to Toby Keith
Ranchman’s Stampede Tent: July 6
Hayden Blount
Ranchman’s Main Stage: July 8
Braxton Keith
Ranchman’s Main Stage: July 9
Steve McQueen Band
Ranchman’s Stampede Tent: July 12
The Martin Boys
Ranchman’s Stampede Tent: July 13 & 14
2) You can learn to line dance and two-step for FREE
Pull up to Stampede like a pro after Ranchman’s free dance lessons bootcamp on July 2, where the pros will show you everything you’ll need to know when that cutie across the bar asks you to dance, or when Cadillac Ranch plays with free line dance lessons on July 3. You can also catch a workshop with Texas’ Tara Bianco on July 9, and if you’re feeling pretty confident after that, there’s a whole line dancing competition to Beyonce’s country best!
Feel like you need some extra practice? Ranchman’s has you covered with free lessons every Wednesday and Friday – ALL YEAR LONG. So put your boots on, check out their schedule and head down to Ranchman’s so you can pull out some sweet moves this Stampede!
3) Day parties that might just outshine the late-night lineups
In an age where younger generations are drinking less alcohol and going out at lower rates than any generation before, day parties, sober get togethers and brunch raves have come front and centre – and Ranchman’s understood the assignment.
From SaddleUp Sober, an all-ages, inclusive and high energy event with no alcohol, to charity events like the 1st Annual Honky Tonk Olympics on July 6 with proceeds going to Zero Hungry Kids and the Brakemen Foundation, and the Firefighters vs. Cowboys Pole Climb event on July 7 with proceeds going to the Burn Treatment Society, you can have fun and feel good about it (and the morning after!)
Also make sure you don’t miss out on The Kings Head Rocks The Ranch on July 6, with Bryan Adams tribute band Reckless for a full day of music, energy and rock in the Ranchman’s Stampede Tent.
4) A great time without breaking the bank
You won’t find a more iconic and affordable high quality lineup and venue during Stampede than at Ranchman’s. With passes at other music festivals during Stampede costing well over $100/person for basic, one-day general admission, Ranchman’s thinks you deserve better. Cover inside is only $20 (basically unheard of during Stampede), and $10 for the tent, with 1-Day Chute Passes having you riding into Ranchman’s like a VIP with express entry and no cover for $32.55.
The patio with live music all day long is also completely free for all 10 days for the ultimate day in the sun, and they’re even giving brave cowboys and gals free mullets on July 8, 11 & 12 for your Stampede glow-up in the Ranchman’s Tent at 7pm.
5) There’s a mechanical bull. Enough said.
When you think Stampede, what are the top three things that come to mind? For us? Live music, beer, and mechanical bulls – and Ranchman’s has this in SPADES. The quintessential Stampede experience is just one mechanical bull ride away, and Ranchman’s has got you covered.
No matter what your Stampede plans are, you have to sneak in some time at Ranchman’s to get back to your Calgarian roots, or feel like a local if you’re just visiting for some Stampede 2025 shenanigans!
