Weeknight concerts during Calgary Stampede must end at midnight, city memo says

Calgary's upcoming Stampede will feature earlier curfews for weeknight concerts, a decision that has drawn criticism from at least one major venue. City Community Standards chief Ryan Pleckaitis announced that concerts must conclude by midnight, with a half-hour "cool-down music" period allowed for patron exit. Weekend concert end times remain unchanged.

“

We made the decision that we needed to do something this year.

The city also reduced allowable noise levels, lowering them from 75 dBA to 70 dBA before midnight and from 65 dBA to 60 dBA after midnight. These new rules apply to music festivals held outside Stampede Park.

“

create uncertainty

Pleckaitis stated the changes stem from community concerns, citing 225 noise complaints during last year's Stampede, with 125 specifically targeting the Cowboys Music Festival. Residents reported vibrating windows and items falling from shelves, along with issues of social disorder and public urination.

“

If the bylaw requirements remain unchanged, our festival, and likely others across the city, will be forced to reduce hundreds of staff who have already been hired and are expecting to start work in two weeks.

Penny Lane Entertainment, which operates the Cowboys Music Festival, argues the new rules were implemented without consultation and create "uncertainty" days before the event. Paul Vickers, a partner at Penny Lane, warned that the changes could lead to staff reductions, artist cancellations, and public safety concerns if attendees are forced to leave downtown tents simultaneously. Vickers has requested the city allow the Cowboys Music Festival to operate under last year's bylaw rules, emphasizing readiness to welcome the world to Calgary.

“

We are ready to welcome the world to our city and these c