If you’re a little low on cash (or just cheap) but don’t want to miss out on this year’s Calgary Stampede Park action, check out these offers:

Regular park admission is $16 for adults, $8 for kids (free for under 6) but if you go on a Value day you could get in for free (if you fit the freebie criteria).

If you are 65 or older…

WESTERN HERITAGE DAY – NOW IN THE AGRIUM CENTRE

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Free admission all day for seniors (65 years and over)

Seniors and accompanying paying guests admitted beginning at 9 a.m. Park opens at 11 a.m. to general public

Seniors must obtain a complimentary Park admission ticket from any cashier booth to access Park

Enjoy free coffee and donuts in the brand new Agrium Western Events Centre from 9-10 a.m. (while supplies last)

Free Morning Show in the Agrium Western Events Centre Arena -Lord Strathcona Mounted Troop at 10 a.m.

Free WestJet Skyride

Free Standing Room tickets to Rodeo and Evening Show for SENIORS ONLY 65 years of age or older. Tickets must be picked up at Ticket Office (opens at 11 a.m.)

If you have kids or can borrow kids (make sure you ask their parents first- always a good idea.):

BMO KIDS’ DAY

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

9 a.m. to midnight
Free admission 7-9 a.m. for children 12 and under and accompanying adults
Free breakfast (8-9:30 a.m., Grandstand Courtyard)
FREE variety show on the Grandstand stage (8-10 a.m.)
BMO Thunder Sticks distributed at breakfast (while supplies last)

Grandstand Bargains

Rodeo tickets can be a bit on the pricey side ($40-140 each including park admission). If you want to save a few bucks and are at the park you could pick up Day reserved or Standing room tickets that start as low as $14. Remember, Day Reserved seats and Standing Room are only available on Park the “day of” at 11 a.m and are limited so get there early to snag some.

Free Entertainment
Rope Square has a full program of free entertainment at Calgary’s Olympic Plaza downtown. There is an Indian parade and friendship dance (spectators are invited to join in), old-time horse-and-wagon ride (free tickets), square dancing, hat-stomping and flapjack-flipping contests, and much more.

Free Stampede Child’s Admission
If you buy a specially-labelled 12-can case of Coke®, Diet Coke®, or Coke Zero® in southern Alberta before or during Stampede Week, you can clip a coupon giving free admission to one child aged 7-12. The coupon is printed prominently on the outside of the cardboard case

Other Stampede Admission Bargains
Mac’s convenience stores in southern Alberta offer a Coca-Cola® 2 for $25 deal before (and possibly during) Stampede Week: $25 buys two pre-paid Stampede Park admissions (normally $34 for two adults) and 2 Coca-Cola® 591ml beverage products.

Stampede Grub Bargains
Food on the Stampede grounds can definitely be on the $$$ side. The Weadickville area (next to the main park entrance–check the map in your Stampede program) offers the best deals on food and bottled water that you’re likely to find on the Stampede grounds.

There are also day lockers in a few locations around the Stampede grounds (such as the Big 4 building), where you can stash drinks, snacks, and/or sandwiches from home to eat later. Get there early to claim a locker. They go fast!

If you know of any other Stampede cheapo tricks or tips, please leave them in the comments below!