City of Calgary monitoring Stampede music festival noise after dozens of complaints

Noise complaints are increasing this year at the Calgary Stampede, but only one tent has been ticketed so far for exceeding noise limits.

Calgary is continuing to monitor noise levels from Stampede music festivals after dozens of complaints were filed during the first few days of this year’s celebrations.

City data shows 70 noise complaints were received between July 2 and July 5. The Cowboys Music Festival accounted for 40 complaints — one more than during the same period last year.

Badlands Music Festival received 16 complaints, an increase of 10 from 2025, and was issued a ticket after multiple warnings for exceeding permitted noise levels.

As the Roundup MusicFest prepares for another busy night, organizers say they’ve made a point of reminding concert goers to respect nearby residents.

“We asked people on stage multiple times during the evening to leave quietly and be respectful of the residents,” said Robert Duteau of 51 North Productions.

“Our motto is to leave the park in as good a condition as we found it, if not better.”

Ahead of Stampede, the city reached an agreement with festival organizers to reduce noise levels. Live concerts are limited to 75 decibels — or 82 decibels when bass frequencies are included — with those limits dropping to 65 decibels and a bass level of 80 decibels after midnight.

Mayor Jeremy Farkas said the city will continue working with organizers, police and bylaw officers to ensure the agreement is followed.

“We worked in close partnership with industry to ultimately provide more relief for local residents than was initially proposed,” Farkas said.

“We’ll continue to monitor the situation.”

CTV News measured sound levels Tuesday night using a smartphone decibel meter outside festival grounds at Cowboys. Readings varied between 65 to 80 decibels.

The City of Calgary is expected to provide an updated count of noise complaints on Thursday as Stampede festivities continue.