How to Create a Calgary Stampede Display for Your Business on Any Budget

Yeehaw or Yee-naw? Whether you love the excitement or prefer to avoid the crowds, the Calgary Stampede is undeniably the biggest event of the year in our city. No matter where you’re from, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is an opportunity to soak in the energy and join the ten-day celebration.

crowds walking through the grounds of the Calgary stampede with the ferris wheel in the background.

Why create a Stampede-themed display for your business?

A well-designed Calgary Stampede display at your storefront, retail shop, or office can:

  • Increase foot traffic and attract potential customers.
  • Boost social media engagement with shareable, eye-catching visuals.
  • Showcase community spirit and connect with your audience in a fun, relevant way.

Whether you have a sizeable marketing budget or $0 to spend, we’ve got creative ideas to help you stand out during Stampede within your means.

Calgary Stampede Display Ideas for Any Budget

A photo backdrop is a fun, interactive display that encourages customers to snap and share pictures, promoting your business organically.

a couple poses for a photo inside of a chuckwagon display at the Calgary Stampede
Chuckwagon & mountain photo display at the calgary stampede
branded portable fabric backdrop at the Calgary Stampede
portable branded fabric backdrop
a 8ft portable fabric display showing a close up image of a wheat stalk against blue skies with clouds.
portable fabric displays can create any creative branded backdrop
  • Best for: Bars and restaurants, boutiques, retailers, and event spaces.
  • Budget-friendly options: Order a western-themed fabric backdrop online, or DIY with Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji finds. Add props like hay bales, cowboy hats, or rustic wooden frames.
  • High-impact options: Invest in a backdrop that allows you to switch up your graphics such as a portable fabric or pop-up display, or a modular wall setup with removable graphics panels. This allows for easy setup, takedown, and year-round use for other promotions.

Window graphics make your location stand out and capture attention during Stampede.

temporary window painted graphics that say "Happy Stampede" and a horseshoe with floral graphics.
Painted window graphics by Murally
  • Best for: hotels, retail, offices in high-traffic areas, bars and restaurants
  • DIY options: Get creative with window paint—a fun, budget-friendly way to showcase your Stampede spirit! But if you’re not artistic, consider hiring a mural pro like Murally (check her out on Instagram).
  • Professional options: temporary glass vinyl graphics that match your branding. Custom-printed, removable vinyl can be easy to install and remove once the rodeo fun is over.

Take your Stampede display outside for an even bigger impact!

outdoor pergola with string lights at the Calgary Stampede with decorative hay bales as part of the display.
Hay bales as part of a Custom outdoor western display
3 cowgirls dressed in red sitting on an outdoor mechanical bull with one hand each in the air
mechanical bull rental display
outdoor western-themed Stampede display in Calgary with fence posts, wagon wheels, and overhead rustic signage paired with hay bales.
outdoor restaurant display By Authentic Western Productions
outdoor truss backdrop showing Albertan praire. A corral is set up with barrels around a perimeter that holds an ATV.
outdoor rental exhibit with vinyl graphics, signage, and props
a woman hitting a target with a water gun to lift up a truck on a moving stage for the Calgary Stampede
custom-built target game that lifts a truck into the air!
  • Rustic Western Decor: Hay bales, saddles, ropes, and wagon wheels (check out Authentic Western Productions for rentals).
  • Budget-conscious options: Rental banner stands with themed graphics look professional without breaking the bank. Portable tents, flags, and umbrellas are also a great promotional option with your own stampede flair on graphics.
  • Custom-built elements: Outdoor branded games, signage, parade banners, or themed counters for a truly immersive experience.
  • Larger exhibits: Custom stages, branded food trucks, exhibition booths, a mechanical bull station, and even a giant claw machine – we’ve built some impressive setups for clients looking to make a wow statement!

Use a combination of backdrops, temporary graphics, and western-themed decor from the categories above to create unique settings that positions your business as best in the west!

custom kiosk with a rider, lasso, and horse outline next to "hello Calgary" for the graphics.
customized graphics for a product display counter
retail window display featuring western-style dresses, cowgirl boots and accessories. The display features wagon wheels and a colourful painted rose mural on the outside.
stampede retail display at Kismet, Floral murals by Murally

Bonus Tips for Maximum Stampede Display Impact

  • Incorporate your brand name and social media info within your display so visitors can tag you.
  • Run a giveaway to encourage social media engagement—offer a prize for the best Stampede-themed post tagged with your business.
  • Start early! If you need custom design, fabrication, and installation, get in touch with us and plan ahead.
customized trade show display with a mountain backdrop and campfire area at the Calgary Stampede
branded backdrop and campfire zone at the 2024 Calgary Stampede

No matter your budget, a creative Stampede display can help you boost brand visibility, engage your audience, and celebrate Calgary’s biggest event.


Check out some of the other projects we’ve built throughout the years at Stampede:

20ft outdoor vinyl truss sign with lighting. The background shows stormy skies in the background of an Albertan grassy prairie. In front of the backdrop is a portable sign holder, ATV, barrel and wooden rustic fencing. This display is featured each year at the Calgary Stampede.

STAND OUT WITH YOUR STAMPEDE DISPLAY

Ready to rope in a great display this July? Let’s get planning! We’ve got you covered, from graphics to outdoor rentals and custom displays.

Scroll to Top