With less than two weeks until the Calgary Stampede, the city is buzzing with flags, parties, and painted windows. To get in the mood, a look back at over 100 years of Stampede posters reveals how the artwork has evolved, reflecting both the event's growth and the artistic trends of each decade.
Evolution of poster design
In the early 1900s, poster artwork often remained the same for a decade. By the mid-1900s, posters became text-heavy, providing detailed information on the event's schedule and location. Over time, colours became more vibrant, and photographs became the preferred main image for many years. Eventually, original illustrations took over, with new artwork featured annually.
Student competition begins in 2019
In 2019, the Calgary Stampede launched a student poster competition, allowing young Alberta artists to compete for their artwork to be featured on the official poster and for scholarship money. The first winner was Rebecca Shuttleworth, whose design was inspired by a photo by Samantha Callioux. Since then, winners have included Ariel Clipperton (2020), Lexi Hilderman (2021), Kane Pendry (2022), Brooklyn Payne (2023), Lloyd Templeton (2024), Elora Kiddle (2025), and Dayna Loepp (2026).
Notable discoveries
In 2019, one of three early posters missing from the Stampede's collection was found by Darlene Mowatt in her basement. The 1930 poster was unveiled on July 10, 2019, leaving only two missing posters from 1922 and 1926. According to the Calgary Herald, the story of the found poster was titled 'This is its home': Calgary woman finds missing Stampede poster on basement wall.
Historical context
The Calgary Exhibition started several years before the first Stampede in 1912; the second Stampede did not occur until 1919. Eventually, the two events merged. In 2012, for the Stampede's centennial, the Herald published all annual posters in its collection. For an in-person experience, the Sam Centre at Stampede Park showcases archive material, including posters and memorabilia.
Posters from 2013 to 2026
After the centennial, each year's poster featured distinct artwork. The 2013 poster by Duke Beardsley, 2014 by Adeline Halvorson, 2015 by Oleg Stavrowsky, 2016 by Michelle Grant, 2017 and 2018 by Shannon Lawlor, and 2019 by Rebecca Shuttleworth. The 2020 poster by Ariel Clipperton, 2021 by Lexi Hilderman, 2022 by Kane Pendry (showcasing Relay Races and Indigenous relations), 2023 by Brooklyn Payne (featuring three showriders), 2024 by Lloyd Templeton (titled 'Wichispa Skadabi Odaginabi' or 'Celebrating the Calgary Stampede', created with Stoney Nakoda Tipi Holder Duane Mark), 2025 by Elora Kiddle (titled 'Grit to Greatness', featuring barrel racer Kellie Jorgensen), and 2026 by Dayna Loepp (featuring champion grass dancer Tyrone Sitting Eagle of Siksika Nation).
2026 poster highlights
The 2026 Calgary Stampede poster features champion grass dancer Tyrone Sitting Eagle of Siksika Nation in an acrylic painting by AUArts student Dayna Loepp. The poster will take over the front page of the Calgary Herald on parade day, July 3, as part of the annual coverage of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
