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Calgary issues 70 Stampede noise complaints, one ticket at Badlands

The City of Calgary logged 70 noise complaints over the first four days of Stampede, and issued a ticket to Badlands Music Festival organizers after multiple warnings.

Sidewalk patio on a main street in Kensington, Calgary
Library photo Sidewalk patio on a main street in Kensington, Calgary. Does not depict this event. Thank you for visiting my page from Canada / CC BY 2.0. Resized; may be cropped for display. Photo source Photo licence

The City of Calgary received 70 noise complaints for tents and events across the city over the first four days of Stampede, July 2 to 5, according to a city newsroom update published July 6, 2026.1

Cowboys Music Festival accounted for 40 of those complaints, compared with 39 at this time in 2025. Badlands Music Festival accounted for 15, compared with six at this time in 2025.1

The remaining complaints were one for National Saloon, five for Whiskey Rose and one for Mexifest, the city said.1

Community Safety Peace Officers take noise readings each night from nearby residential locations, according to the city.1

Every noise reading taken for Cowboys Music Festival has been below its allowable maximum decibel limit as set out in its Noise Exemption Permit, the city said.1

After multiple warnings, a ticket was issued the night before publication to event organizers at the Badlands Music Festival tent for exceeding its allowable maximum decibel limit. The city said the ticket is under review.1

The city said it strongly encourages event organizers to adjust decibel levels to comply with their noise exemption permits and to avoid escalating enforcement action.1

The next noise complaint and violation data update is scheduled for July 9, 2026.1

Prepared with reporting tools under our editorial standards. Our editorial approach.

Sources

  1. Stampede Noise Complaints and Infractions · City of Calgary