How does one review the stampede... Do you work in the core? Are you going to tons of corporate sponsored parties. Free drinks, Free food and fun? Lining up to go to the hottest bars and clubs? Do you just go to the grounds...Greasy food and rides? The rodeo itself? The Stampede encompasses so much of Calgary and extends well beyond the grounds... but it can also be a distant thing you don't see or participate in. You can have an absolute blast and never see a horse or you can just watch rodeo events... The stampede is diverse and has something for everyone - you make what you want out of it.
Unless you are well connected it can be a bit pricey. In the end its a touristy thing that most Calgarians use as an excuse to party. A lot of livers are lost to these 2 weeks.