Discover What Rides Are at the Stampede? All 25+ thrilling rides at the 2025 Calgary Stampede Midway! From super-thrilling rides like Mach 3 to family-friendly attractions, get height requirements, ticket prices, safety tips, and expert insights for the ultimate Stampede experience.
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The Calgary Stampede Midway: North America’s Premier Traveling Carnival Experience
The Calgary Stampede stands as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” and at its heart is one of the most spectacular midway experiences in North America. With more than 25 major rides and attractions spanning 10 days each July, Stampede Midway transforms Calgary into a thrilling carnival wonderland that attracts more than 1.4 million visitors annually.
North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the world’s largest carnival company, provides the spectacular rides that make Stampede Midway legendary. This partnership ensures that visitors experience state-of-the-art attractions, from record-breaking thrill rides to nostalgic family favorites, all backed by strict safety protocols and advanced digital ticketing systems.
Major Thrill Rides: Heart-Pounding Adventures for Adrenaline Seekers
Mach 3: The Ultimate Extreme Experience
The crown jewel of Stampede’s thrill rides, Mach 3 features massive rotating arms that send riders hurtling at extreme speeds and heights. With 8 tickets and a minimum height requirement of 55 inches, this ride consistently draws the longest lines but delivers unparalleled intensity. Expert tip: Arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize wait times, which can be over an hour during peak periods.
X-Drive: The Newest Addition for What Rides Are at the Stampede?
What Rides Are at the Stampede? After years of anticipation, X-Drive finally became fully operational in 2025. This state-of-the-art attraction features arm-spinning seats that flip unexpectedly, creating a thrilling experience. With a height requirement of 55-77 inches and a ticket price of $6, it represents the latest in carnival ride technology.
Star Dancer: The Perfect 10
Rated a perfect 10/10 by fans, Star Dancer combines a rotating claw mechanism with a pendulum motion, ultimately completing a full 360-degree rotation. The 54-inch height requirement and $6 ticket price make it accessible to many thrill seekers, although the ride duration is shorter than similar attractions in other locations.
Mega Drop: Classic Freefall Excitement
This thrilling drop ride lifts passengers 150+ feet before dropping them into a heart-stopping freefall. The scenic views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains make the climb worthwhile, while the sudden drop provides a pure adrenaline rush. Height restrictions range from 54-87 inches, 6 tickets required.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Fun for All Ages
The Superwheel: Calgary’s Sky-High Landmark
Standing 150 feet tall, the Giant Wheel offers breathtaking views from the mountains to the center. This family-friendly attraction has a minimum height requirement of just 42 inches and offers great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Traditional Swing Rides
Both the Wave Swinger and Swing Tower provide classic carnival experiences with modern safety features. These attractions offer mild thrills while still providing excitement, making them perfect for families with children who meet the 40-inch height requirement.
Double Decker Merry-Go-Round
This two-level carousel represents a timeless carnival tradition, admitting young riders up to 42 inches tall for just 5 tickets. The upper level provides better views and a premium experience.
Moderate Thrill Options: The Perfect Middle Ground
Outlaw Roller Coaster: The Triumphant Return
After a five-year absence, the Outlaw roller coaster returned to Stampede in 2024, featuring traditional drops, hills, and helixes. While the track connections can create a challenging ride due to assembly/disassembly requirements, it is the perfect mid-way coaster experience.
Niagara Falls Log Flume
Perfect for Calgary’s hot summer days, this water ride features two hills and refreshing splashes. However, like many Midway attractions, it can experience operational downtime, so timing your visit is crucial.
Gravitron Experience: Starship 3000
This classic spinning attraction uses centrifugal force to pin riders against a wall, creating a unique zero-gravity sensation. With a minimum height of 42 inches and a ticket price of 6, it is accessible to most visitors.
Digital Innovation: RFID Ticketing Revolution
This season introduces North American Midway Entertainment’s revolutionary RFID wristband system. This digital ticketing solution eliminates traditional paper tickets, allowing visitors to purchase and reload credits at kiosks throughout the midway. The system accepts both cash and cashless payments, streamlining the ride experience while providing enhanced tracking and security.
New and Noteworthy Events: Evolving With the Sport
Breakaway Roping: Newly added, this event features female athletes and showcases high-speed rope skills without compromise. National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) now runs alongside the NFR, reflecting the sport’s commitment to inclusion.
Junior NFR Events: Including pole vaulting, more youth and women’s competitions reflect demographic shifts and bring families into the sport.
Audience Interest: What Are the Rodeo Events at the NFR?
- Attendance: The NFR routinely sells out its 17,000+ capacity venue, the Thomas & Mack Center, and recently set new records with over 170,000 fans in attendance across all performances.
- Atmosphere: Affordable tickets and a vibrant fan experience (Cowboy Christmas, Rodeo Fan Fest) attract both die-hard rodeo fans and newcomers.
- Economic Impact: Las Vegas businesses get a huge boost during the NFR season, with hotels, restaurants, and retailers benefiting from the influx of western sports fans.
Safety Standards: Industry-Leading Protocols
Following the 2010 scorpion incident that injured 10 people, both Alberta regulations and NAME’s internal standards were significantly enhanced. Current safety protocols include:
Daily Inspection Requirements
Each ride undergoes comprehensive visual and functional inspections every morning before opening. Certified maintenance personnel check the drive chains, hydraulic systems, brakes and control interfaces, with all observations recorded in a legal logbook.
Advanced Testing Methods
Non-destructive testing using ultrasonic inspection, X-ray examination, and magnetic particle testing now covers all components of the ride, not just the areas recommended by the manufacturer. This comprehensive approach goes far beyond provincial requirements.
Height Requirements: Science-Based Safety
Height restrictions are carefully calculated based on system effectiveness and rider physiology. Stampede’s height requirements range from 40 inches (swing rides) to 55 inches (higher attractions), with many rides offering adult supervision options for younger children.
Expert Recommendations and Insider Tips
Timing Strategy
Industry experts recommend arriving early in the morning or visiting in the evening hours to minimize wait times for popular attractions. The Midway typically opens at 11 a.m. most days, with extended hours until midnight.
Budget Planning
With ticket prices ranging from 5-8 tickets per ride and an average of 5.8 tickets per attraction, visitors should budget accordingly. Unlimited Ride Wristbands offer better value for those planning multiple rides.
Safety First Approach
Municipal Affairs Minister Shaye Anderson personally tested the rides to demonstrate safety, stressing that “nobody should be concerned about these rides” due to improved inspection protocols.
Economic Impact: More Than Just Entertainment
The Calgary Stampede generates an economic impact of approximately $282 million over its 10-days run, with 29% of visitors coming from outside Calgary. International tourism, particularly from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, increased by 17%, with many visitors particularly drawn to the mid-course experience.
Case Study: The Success Story
Despite falling short of the 2024 attendance record, the 2025 Omak Stampede welcomed 1,470,288 visitors. The Midway’s role in this success cannot be understated, as it serves as a gateway attraction that encourages longer stays and increased spending throughout Calgary.
Looking Forward: Innovation and Expansion
With the successful implementation of digital ticketing and the return of classic attractions like the Outlaw Roller Coaster, Stampede Midway continues to thrive while maintaining its authentic carnival atmosphere. North American Midway Entertainment’s commitment to safety and innovation ensures that visitors can expect state-of-the-art attractions through industry-leading safety protocols.
The Calgary Stampede Midway represents the perfect blend of traditional carnival excitement and modern innovation, offering 25+ attractions that cater to every thrill level while maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry. Whether seeking extreme adrenaline or family-friendly fun, the Stampede provides an unforgettable experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
