The Visiting Bands Committee primary function is to help provide accommodation, meals and transportation for bands visiting Calgary for the Calgary Stampede. We coordinate appearances for the bands throughout Calgary during the 10 days of Stampede. These appearance include performances at Stampede Caravans breakfasts, venues on Stampede Park and performances at community events. The Visiting Bands Committee also hosts "Showbands Live" marching band competition in the Pengrowth Saddledome on the Tuesday during Stampede.
The Calgary Stampede is celebrating its 98th anniversary in 2010! The celebration will officially begin on Friday July 9, 2010 when over 350 000 spectators will line the downtown streets of Calgary to watch the
Calgary Stampede Parade.
Why come to the Calgary Stampede?
If your band decides to join us at the Stampede, we will attempt to alleviate some travel hardships for participating bands by providing each visiting band with:
- Free gym style accommodation.
- Free transportation to and from Stampede performances.
- Breakfast performances which include a free meal for the band members.
- Free admission to the Stampede for participating members to enjoy the entertainment on Stampede Park.
- Inexpensive and wholesome meals during the band's stay.
In addition your band can take home some of the $36 000 available in prize money. Showbands Live! takes place in the Pengrowth Saddledome and offers $18,000 in prize money. The Calgary Stampede Parade televised World-wide, has $18 000 in prize money for marching bands and is seen by over 300 000 spectators lining our city streets and millions more on live televised broadcasts.
Within our city and close by your band's Calgary tour can include:
- Enjoying an afternoon at the world famous rodeo.
- Watching our Chuckwagon Races followed by the Evening Stage Show Spectacular & fireworks finale.
- Whitewater rafting in the Rocky Mountains.
- Exploring Banff National Park.
- Visiting the Drumheller Dinosaur Museum.
Our committee provides visiting bands with a personal Stampede Host that is available to assist you with booking performances and visits to these and other great locations in the Calgary area.
Application Form
The first step in our updated application process is now in place with the posting of the online or downloadable application form for Stampede 2010 and beyond. Bands wishing to make an early application to attend Stampede 2011 are encouraged to apply online or download the PDF application form and fax a copy back to our committee to lock in your spot.
Join us for the 2010 Competition for Marching Show Bands and watch bands compete for over $18 000 in prizes and awards. The action begins at 1p.m. on Tuesday, July 13th at the Pengrowth Saddledome. The finals take place starting at 6p.m. on Tuesday, July 13th at the same location. Admission to Showbands Live is included with your Park admission.
The 2009 Calgary Stampede Parade had more than 20 bands performing for the estimated 350,000 spectators who lined Calgary's packed downtown core, including Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. These bands were competing for $22,000 in prizes and awards.
Watch here for 2010 Parade results as they become available.
The Director's Manual is a helpful guide to let you know what to expect and may answer some questions you have prior to arrival at the Calgary Stampede. Click here to download the 2010 Manual.
Please take a look at or download a copy of our Competition Manual for your reference. This manual is subject to change at any time, and any changes to this online edition will be brought forward at the Director's meeting on Monday July 12th. Any questions regarding the contents of the manual or further explanation of any points can be brought up there. If you have questions that require immediate attention, please email us at:csbands@csmarchingbands.com and put Competition in your subject line. Thank you.
Click here to download your copy.