The final attendance numbers for the 2026 Calgary Stampede are now confirmed, and this year’s edition of “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” finished slightly below last year’s total.
Organizers said 1,411,954 people passed through the gates during the 10-day event, making it one of the largest Stampedes in recent years, though still short of the 2025 and 2024 totals.
Attendance Down From Last Year
This year’s attendance was about 60,000 fewer than the 1,470,288 visitors recorded in 2025.
The 2025 total had also fallen just short of the all-time record of 1,477,953, which was set in 2024.
Stampede Still Delivers Big Business Boost
Although attendance dipped this year, local business leaders say the event continues to play a major role in Calgary’s economy.
Shelia Taylor, executive director of the Calgary Downtown Association, said the Stampede still has a huge impact on downtown businesses.
She said the event helps drive hotel stays, restaurant visits and other spending across the city, making it an important and positive period for Calgary.
Downtown Calgary Benefits From Stampede Crowds
The Calgary Stampede brings large numbers of visitors into the city for rodeo events, concerts, food, rides, nightlife and western-themed celebrations.
That surge in activity supports restaurants, hotels, transportation services, bars, retailers and tourism operators throughout the downtown core.
Even with slightly lower attendance, the event remains one of Calgary’s biggest annual economic drivers.
Stampede Grounds Shift From Crowds to Cleanup
On Monday, the crowds wearing cowboy hats and boots were replaced by workers in work clothes and safety boots.
Crews began dismantling the midway and preparing rides for transportation to Edmonton.
The midway at the Calgary Stampede is operated by North American Midway Entertainment, the Stampede’s official midway partner.
Midway Heads to Edmonton for K-Days
After teardown in Calgary, North American Midway Entertainment was preparing to move its rides north on the QE2 highway for K-Days in Edmonton.
K-Days is scheduled to run from July 17 to July 26, 2026, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Exhibition Grounds.
Workers Offered Pay for Teardown Help
The midway operator was offering $20 per hour to people who arrived for the day to help with the teardown.
The work involved preparing rides, equipment and carnival infrastructure for transport to the next major summer event.
The 2026 Calgary Stampede drew more than 1.4 million visitors, falling short of last year’s attendance but still delivering a major boost to downtown Calgary businesses.
Hotels, restaurants and local operators benefited from the 10-day event, while the midway quickly shifted into teardown mode for its next stop at Edmonton’s K-Days. Despite the slight decline, the Stampede remains one of Alberta’s most important summer attractions.