The Calgary Stampede Is Right Around the Corner — Let’s Talk Food!

At Progressive Edge Dental Hygiene Instruments, we take pride in being a Calgary-based business, and that means when Stampede season rolls in, we’re first in line to see what’s new, exciting, and downright outrageous on the midway.

This year’s foodie lineup is stacked with creations that range from seriously delicious to “should we be scared?”  Whether you’re a local or visiting our hometown for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, these dishes will give your taste buds a thrill ride of their own.

Here’s what we can’t wait to try… and a few that make us nervous in the best way possible.

Excited to Try: Stampede Food With Flair

1. Lobster Tornado Roll – Viet 2 Go Ltd (Booth #LB10)
Vietnamese summer rolls on a stick? Yes, please. This dish blends lobster, veggies, and bold homemade sauce for a refreshing but indulgent twist. Bonus points for being easy to eat on the go between rides and rodeo events.

2. Chow-boy Bao – Mumbai Bites (Booth #2058)
Spiced ground meat, mango salsa, and crispy noodles in a soft bao bun? It’s like global street food meets Stampede cravings. We’ll take one of each filling, thank you.

3. Nashville Hot Chicken Mac – Ogopogo Mac and Cheese (Booth #2073)
This mashup is what dreams (and spicy food sweats) are made of. Crispy chicken tossed in hot rub, fried pickles, mac & cheese, and creamy dill sauce? It’s comfort food, Stampede-style.

4. Apple Cinnamon Crumble Perogies – International Perogies (Booth #2055)
Mini perogies dusted in cinnamon sugar, filled with cheddar and potato, and topped like an apple pie—yes, we are very intrigued. Crunchy cereal bits? We’ll allow it.

5. Chocolate Pretzel Caramel Cheesecake – Granny’s Cheesecake (Booth #2006)
Chocolate-dipped, drizzled in caramel, and topped with pretzels and coconut—it’s salty, sweet, and decadent enough to fuel your whole Stampede evening.

6. Fiery Dill Coke – Covet Sips & Sweets (Booth #2075)
We love dill. We love Coke. We’ve never had them together… but we’re ready to live a little. Throw in pickled jalapeños and a pickle spear, and suddenly your beverage has its own personality.

A Little Nervous, But Curious: Stampede’s Wildest Food in 2025

1. Crocodile-Aid Buckets – Family Squeezed Lemonade (Booths #3018/2000/2017)
This over-the-top lemonade comes in a giant clear bucket filled with boba, chewy candy worms, sweet tea, and even a plastic alligator swimming in the mix. It’s part drink, part souvenir, part science experiment. We’re scared. But also… see you in line.

2. Dill Pickle Mini Donuts – Mini Donut Factory (Booth #2063)
Hot, sugary donuts coated in pickle-infused sugar? It sounds wrong—but maybe it’s oh-so-right. Sweet, salty, and a little sour… could be the ultimate Stampede food fusion.

3. Fruit Loops Chicken Burger – Steve-o’s Homestyle Fried Chicken (Booth #2013)
Fruit Loops. Fried chicken. Strawberry drizzle. If your inner child made a sandwich, it might look exactly like this. We’re equal parts fascinated and terrified.

4. Skittle Dog – Burgers & Wurst (Booth #2078)
Infusing Skittles into an all-beef hot dog isn’t something we expected… or asked for. But hey, it’s Stampede. Maybe the sweet-savory trend is here to stay?

5. Maple Glazed Donut Grilled Cheese – Melt Town Grilled Cheese (Booth #2025)
Swap bread for maple donuts and add bacon or pulled pork? That’s a full meal (and maybe a nap) waiting to happen. We’re intrigued. Our arteries? Less so.

6. Spam-pede Bao – The Dumpling Hero (Booth #2103)
Spam, garlic shrimp, pineapple, seaweed, and teriyaki sauce—this one’s a true global fusion. It could be amazing… or a little too much. Only one way to find out.

Why We Love Stampede Food (Even the Weird Stuff)

Calgary comes alive every July—and while the rodeo and midway are the stars of the show, the food has become an event of its own. These unique eats represent the bold creativity and fearless spirit that makes the Calgary Stampede unforgettable.

And as a Canadian company that thrives on innovation, we can’t help but admire that energy. Just like the chefs who dream up these wild dishes, we believe in rethinking the status quo. Whether it’s better dental hygiene instruments or new takes on mac and cheese, it’s all about pushing boundaries for something better.

Final Thoughts: Would You Try These?

Whether you’re hitting up the Stampede for the deep-fried everything, the wild rides, or just the vibes, these food options are guaranteed to add a story (and maybe a sugar crash) to your day. You can find the full list of food to except here! 

We’re proud to be a part of the Calgary community — and sharing the excitement of the Stampede is just one more reason we love calling this city home.