The Calgary Stampede – affectionately marketed as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” – is an iconic international event that takes place over 10 days in early July.

The world’s greatest rodeo, the event attracts over a million visitors to the city who arrive for the family activities and parties as well as the professional rodeo competitions like bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and chuckwagon races.

The Stampede kicks off with a popular downtown parade that finishes at the Stampede Grounds with its amusement rides and evening concerts. Every night concludes with a fireworks display, as well as fireworks of other kinds at the city’s packed bars, clubs and beer gardens.

Free pancake breakfasts abound around the city over Stampede: if savvy, you might pull off not paying for one breakfast over the 10-day event.