Rodeo Schedule

2021 Rodeo Schedule

Rodeo Date Town/City Website

Bonnyville Pro Rodeo June 18-19 Bonnyville rodeocanada.com

High River Pro Rodeo June 26-27 High River rodeocanada.com Ponoka Stampede June 28-July 4 Ponoka rodeocanada.com

Benalto Pro Rodeo July 4-7 Benalto rodeocanada.com

Calgary Stampede July 9-18 Calgary calgarystampede.com Strathmore Stampede July 30-Aug 2 Strathmore strathmoreag.com/about Sundre Pro Rodeo Aug 6-8 Sundre sundrerodeo.com/

Stavely Pro Rodeo Aug 12-14 Stavely rodeocanada.com

Okotoks Pro Rodeo Aug 27-29 Okotoks rodeocanada.com Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo Aug 27-29 Drayton Valley rodeocanada.com Canadian Finals Rodeo Nov 3-7 Red Deer cfrreddeer.ca

Photo Courtesy of Gordon Hodgkinson

When we launched this travel guide in 2013, we recognized that a Calendar of Events for both the Rodeos as well as the Pow Wows in the region would be of real value to our readers.

The typical rodeo in Western Canada is a competitive sporting event that occurs during a specific weekend within a given community, between May and October. Cowboys and cowgirls test their skill and speed working with horses and livestock in activities that mirror working practices of cattle herding. Some spectators attend to witness the gut wrenching, down in the dirt action, up close and personal. Pancake breakfasts, parades, barbequed beef, dances, mutton bustin’, and pony races all make today’s rodeo a family-friendly experience.

The term Pow Wow (or powwow) is used to describe a social gathering of First Nations people. Events vary in length and celebrate their rich culture. Competitive dancing is featured. Contestants dawn colourful traditional dress and utilize hoops, chanting and drums in their performances.

Public events are re-opening for 2021 - even the renowned Calgary Stampede, the largest outdoor rodeo in Canada. First launched in 1912, this event typically runs for a full 10 days, starting the first Friday of July.

In Bragg Creek, the Tsuu T’ina Pow Wow & Rodeo usually takes place the last weekend of July. It is one of the largest First Nations rodeos in Canada.

Please see above for a list of Rodeos for the 2021 season but be sure to check their website for up-to-date information. Watch for the Pow Wows schedule in our 2022 edition.