Calgary Stampede Reviews Artist Lineup After Crowd Safety Issues

The Calgary Stampede announced it will reassess its artist lineup for free concerts at the Coca-Cola Stage following safety concerns linked to overcrowding incidents. The decision comes after a crowd crush occurred during a performance by hip-hop artist Don Toliver on July 8, 2024, raising alarms about the safety of concertgoers.

In a media briefing, Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, emphasized that attendee safety is paramount. “Going into 2026, one of our focal points will be continuing to evolve the Coke Stage,” he stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for guests. Cowley referenced two concerts that drew particularly large crowds: those featuring Toliver and R&B singer Khalid.

“We had two very large, high-volume nights this last week, and we know that some of our guests did not feel comfortable,” Cowley acknowledged. Kerrie Blizard, the Stampede’s director of public safety, previously described the Toliver concert as a “great success” based on attendance and feedback, despite the safety concerns.

Preparations for the concerts included setting up alternate viewing locations equipped with live streams, which, Cowley noted, were not well attended. Collaborations with the Calgary Police Service aimed to enhance safety, with the police issuing safety tips ahead of the Toliver performance.

Cowley indicated that the organization will evaluate which artists are booked for the Coca-Cola Stage moving forward. He noted that high-demand artists, particularly those appealing to younger audiences, often attract larger crowds that may be harder to manage. “We know these high-demand artists tend to be a little less ruly than, say, a classic rock band,” he explained.

Admission to concerts at the Coca-Cola Stage is included with general admission to the Calgary Stampede, with no age restrictions or attendance limits currently enforced. Cowley mentioned that the organization is considering implementing “additional barriers” to prevent overcrowding near the front of the stage. Staff members will also be observing safety measures at other events to gather insights for future improvements.

The Calgary Stampede, which is celebrated for its diverse music offerings, hosted over 100 acts across its major concert venues, including the indoor Big Four Roadhouse and the Nashville North party tent. Cowley emphasized the festival’s role in attracting a diverse audience, stating, “There are people who come to Calgary during these 10 days with the sole intent of watching concerts.”

Despite the challenges, attendance figures for this year’s event were impressive. The Calgary Stampede reported that 1,470,288 people visited Stampede Park, making it the second most-attended event in its 113-year history, just shy of the record set in 2024 with 1,477,953 visitors. Stuart O’Connor, president and chair of the Calgary Stampede board, noted that these numbers reflect the event’s appeal across various demographics.

The most popular day of the festival occurred on July 8, coinciding with the free admission offer and the controversial Toliver concert. Cowley elaborated on the Stampede’s strategy to manage crowd sizes, explaining that they are aware of which days will attract larger audiences.

“The great thing about those is that we require those people to come in free early. They typically don’t stay all day,” he said. Looking ahead, Cowley mentioned the planned demolition of the Scotiabank Saddledome, expected by 2030, which will add 11 acres to the park and potentially accommodate larger crowds.

As the Calgary Stampede prepares for future events, it remains focused on enhancing safety measures and ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. The ongoing evaluation of artist bookings and crowd management strategies will play a crucial role in shaping the festival’s future.