275 noise complaints lodged regarding Stampede-related events, festivals

Stampede-related events and festivals across Calgary brought in 275 noise complaints through 311 as of midday Sunday.

According to the city, the majority of the complaints—165 of them—were regarding Cowboys Music Festival.

The city said Badlands Music Festival brought in 43 complaints, Afro Switch 15, Stampede Mela 14, Whiskey Rose six and National Saloon one.

There were 18 complaints regarding other Stampede-related events and festivals.

Ryan Pleckaitis, community standards chief, said the city would “continue to work with event organizers, as bass levels remain a challenge.”

In a release, Pleckaitis said the city’s goal is “achieving compliance through working with operators or through enforcement, if necessary.”

Stampede wrapped its 10-day run Sunday night.

The city said “a fuller summary” of complaints pertaining to noise will come at a later date.

Complaints, Stampede-related or not, can be lodged through 311.

City noise rules and Cowboys

Much debate over city noise rules was settled just the week before this year’s Stampede.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas took to social media to announce the issuing of “a new, mutually agreeable amended permit to Penny Lane Entertainment (Cowboys’ operator).”

Farkas said the permit “delivers stronger protections for nearby residents while allowing the Cowboys Music Festival to move forward.”

“Penny Lane has agreed to end every live concert (now including weekends) at midnight instead of 1:30 a.m., reduce bass levels, lower overnight sound and make significant investments in additional sound mitigation measures,” Farkas said.

A later post by the mayor offered clarification.

“Before midnight, noise levels during live music will remain at last year’s levels (75 dBA max); bass levels have been reduced (82 dBC max),” Farkas said.

“After concerts end on Friday and Saturday nights, outdoor speaker music can be played at a reduced volume (65 dBA) and further reduced bass levels (80 dBC) until 1:30 a.m.

“There are no changes to the cool-down period times or decibel limits that were previously established on weekends (1:30 to 2 a.m.) or on weeknights (12 to 1 a.m.).”

In July 2025, the city received 126 complaints about noise and reduced access to the skate park.