Staff Picks: What to Do During the Last Weekend of Stampede

Check out arcade games, mechanical bull riding and more in The Big Four Roadhouse

Did you know The Big Four Roadhouse offers more than just concerts during Stampede? I certainly didn’t, and it’s been one of my most pleasant Stampede discoveries this year. It turns out the venue has tons to offer attendees, including a cocktail bar with live music in the evenings, a food hall with lots of seating, the chance to ride a mechanical bull and dozens of modern and vintage arcade games to play. The venue is less busy than the rest of the outdoor grounds (at least on my visits), and the fact that it’s indoors makes it a great destination when you want to escape the heat while still having fun. —Alana Willerton, digital managing editor

Watch cultural performances, interact with robots and more at The Market

The Market inside the BMO Centre always has hundreds of cool local vendors and shops to explore, but it also has so much more to offer than just shopping. I headed over to the BMO Community Square inside The Market and watched a variety of awesome cultural dances and performances. There was also a youth robotics competition happening where you could try performing tasks with a remote-controlled robot built by kids at the tournament. The Action Zone at the other end of The Market featured a rock-climbing wall and ninja-style obstacle course open to kids and adults. Overall, The Market was another great place to cool down from the heat, with ample seating arrangements and a relaxed atmosphere. —Viancy Salubre, digital editorial intern

See the doggy athletes at the Dog Bowl

If you’re a dog fan, this is the show for you. If you’re indifferent, these dogs will change your mind. Taking place in Community Park South, this show is free with admission and is a must-see event during your time on the grounds. See the SuperDogs perform their impressive tricks, agility skills and comedic performances. Plus, this year has a brand new show theme, Wild Wild Woof, a western-inspired adventure that brings it all together. This show has multiple showtimes every day. —Chris Landry, assistant editor

Visit the Stampede Cellar Champion Wine Experience

This speakeasy-style lounge on the third floor of the BMO Centre doesn’t just offer expansive views of Stampede Park, it also offers daily performances by the Duelling Piano Kings (you can requests songs to be played), various live singers and a cabaret by Le Cirque de la Nuit. In addition to the menu of award-winning wines, there is a menu for food, so you can spend some quality time here away from the crowds on the grounds. This year, the lounge is presented by Holt Renfrew, and you can visit its pop-up shopping experience right as you step off the escalators before you enter the lounge. —Tsering Asha, senior editor

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