Stampede festivities have generated 186 noise complaints so far, according to a second update from the City of Calgary — over 100 more than the city's previous update on Monday.
Complaints by Venue
Complaints — accurate up to 7 a.m. Thursday morning — have come from a number of festival sites and event venues throughout the city. Of the 186 noise complaints received so far, the Cowboys Music Festival on the west side of downtown has generated the majority, with 124 as of Thursday morning. The Badlands Music Festival has been the source of 37 complaints, while six community gripes were related to Whisky Rose. The National Saloon has been the source of one complaint thus far, while other Stampede events have tallied 18 noise complaints, collectively.
City Monitoring and Enforcement
“Community safety peace officers continue to monitor noise levels at permitted events throughout Stampede and conduct noise measurements from nearby residential areas to assess compliance with approved Noise Exemption Permit conditions,” the city said in a news release. “The city remains committed to balancing Calgary’s vibrant festival atmosphere with the needs of nearby residents. Our officers work closely with event organizers throughout Stampede to address concerns, encourage compliance and take enforcement action when warranted.”
A previous noise violation ticket issued to the Badlands Music Festival in the downtown has been rescinded, the city added. As a result, there are currently no active enforcement actions associated with that incident.
Bass Levels Remain a Challenge
“We are encouraged by the reduction in decibel levels over the past three nights; however, bass levels remain a challenge,” said Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief of community standards for the city. “We will be monitoring this venue closely with the goal of achieving compliance through working with operators or through enforcement, if necessary.”
Background on Noise Regulations
Noise regulations became a national story in the lead-up to this year’s Stampede, after the city amended its policies by requiring Stampede tents to end weeknight concerts by midnight and comply with lower decibel limits than last year — changes made in response to a horde of complaints the city received during the 2025 Stampede. The operator of the Cowboys Music Festival criticized the rule tweaks in June, claiming they’d hurt the festival’s bottom line to the point he’d need to lay off workers. Provincial and federal politicians, including Premier Danielle Smith and Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre, waded into the debate by accusing the City of Calgary of being the “fun police.”
Continued Cooperation and Reporting
In its Thursday update, the city said it is continuing to work with event organizers to address noise concerns and support compliance with their noise exemption permits. Residents who wish to report noise concerns can call 311, while information about noise regulations and major event permitting is available on Calgary.ca. The city’s next update on noise violations will be provided on Sunday.
