things to see & do
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COWTOWN YEAR-ROUND
Alberta Boot Company Over 6,000 pairs of cowboy and cowgirl boots in a variety of styles , colours , and materials are available at this local factory that ' s been around since 1978 , and every single pair is handmade right here in Calgary . They come in every possible size including sizes 3-15 and widths 4A-4E . You can even order custom-made cowboy boots in cowhide , or exotic materials including snakeskin and ostrich . 403-263-4623 , albertaboot . com
Country Thunder Music Festival Get ready to yeehaw with some of country music ’ s hottest superstars ! Brad Paisley , Thomas Rhett , and Blake Shelton are headlining this massive music festival August 18 - 20 along with several live music stages . countrythunder . com
Western Heritage
THE ICONIC WHITE HAT
Cowbells chime as you enter the unassuming warehouse home of the Smithbilt Hats factory and store . An array of beautifully handcrafted western headgear is displayed on its walls . The shop ’ s signature chapeau is the iconic white hat . Smithbilt Hats has been creating the iconic white cowboy hat , a symbol of western hospitality , since 1946 . These white hats have been presented to celebrities , dignitaries , and visiting guests from all over the world . The “ real deal ” are made from merino wool or fur felt , but you can choose a canvas version , too .
“ The white hat represents a world-renowned symbol of Western heritage and values ,” says Brian Hanson , Vice-President of Smithbilt Hats . “ It sums up the vibrant , friendly atmosphere of Calgary perfectly .” These elegant white hats have been presented to celebrities and statesmen , from The Rolling Stones to the Dalai Lama . As former and current Stampede rodeo organizers , Hanson and partner Byron Hussey both have significant cowboy hat credibility , and the shop ’ s hats are always part of their work attire . Once a customer chooses the colour and style — fedora , top hat , bowler , cowboy — they are typically invited to watch the shop ’ s craftspeople stretch , press and steam the hat in a contraption resembling a giant citrus press . The hat is then dried and flambéed like a baked Alaska , further hand-moulded , trimmed and stitched .
“ I think what surprises people most when they visit Smithbilt is , not only are we hand-making hats the same way they did a century ago , but we are still using the same equipment ,” Hanson says . 403-244-9131 , smithbilthats . com
CALGARY STAMPEDE
July 7 - 16 Since 1912 , the annual Calgary Stampede has been a captivating experience that celebrates Calgary ’ s western and indigenous history with exciting rodeo competitions , chuckwagon races , a midway carnival , live music , free pancake breakfasts across the city , and a parade to kick everything off . With something for everyone of all ages , The Calgary Stampede truly is The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth ! 1-800-661-1767 or 403-269-9822 , calgarystampede . com
Glenbow Visit Glenbow gallery and museum , located just off of historic Stephen Avenue , for the permanent display Mavericks : An Incorrigible History to learn about Calgary ’ s history as a wild west outpost , and the stories of men and women who embodied the spirit of Alberta . Also at Glenbow is Niitsitapiinni : Our Way of Life , a gallery that explores the history of Alberta ’ s Blackfoot people . 403-268-4100 , glenbow . org
Heritage Park Step back in time to the wild west at this attraction and Canada ’ s largest living history museum . Visitors can get hands-on experience with activities and meet costumed interpreters at a ranch house , a fur-trading fort , on a farm , in a saloon , at the Famous 5 Centre , and the antique midway . 403-268-8500 , heritagepark . ca
Ranchman ’ s Cookhouse and Dance Hall This legendary country-western bar is celebrating it ' s 45th anniversary ! Chow down on some BBQ food , or put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the free drop-in dance lessons on Thursday and Friday evenings before dancing to their all-country music playlist . 403-253-110 , ranchmans . com
Cowboy ' s Dance Hall This iconic club , synonymous with Calgary Stampede , is open year-round for urban cowboys and cowgirls to party with drink specials , country music , and Top 40 hits .
Ranchman ' s
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