Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The Calgary Stampede unveiled its 2026 midway food lineup on Thursday, complete with all the bizarre, deep-fried, drizzled and stuffed concoctions midway visitors have come to know and (sometimes) love.
This year’s menu features more than 65 new items, ranging from revamped classics like triple chocolate mini doughnuts and Korean BBQ poutine, to unexpected choices such as a rib-stuffed cookie and a pickled green cheeseburger.
Ashley Warner, the Stampede’s midway manager, said exhibitors spend months developing imaginative and exclusive dishes.
“It’s about delivering outrageously bold, fun and irresistible creations that give guests new ways to experience the excitement, creativity and spirit of the Calgary Stampede,” she said.
For those who prefer to stick to what they know, midway staples such as corn dogs, mini doughnuts and fresh-squeezed lemonade are still on offer.
Here are some of the more adventurous choices on this year’s menu.
Crunchy critter corn in a cup
No Stampede midway lineup would be complete without a dish featuring insects, and this twist on Mexican street corn, topped with crunchy dried mealworms, checks that box.
This year’s insect-forward dish is a twist on Mexican street corn, topped with crunchy dried mealworms. (Calgary Stampede)
In addition to the “savoury, nutty flavour” the Stampede website says the mealworms bring, the corn is also topped with chili spice, lime zest and cheese.
Mealworms aside, the Stampede says “this unforgettable dish is the ultimate mix of smoky spice, tangy zest and a satisfying crunch.”
Cookies ‘n’ cream Korean dog
This sweet and savoury combination features a halal hotdog and mozzarella, deep-fried in a panko-cornflake crust.
The cookies ‘n’ cream Korean dog features a deep-fried hotdog topped with sweet icing and crushed Oreos for a savoury-sweet combination. (Calgary Stampede)
Topped with a drizzle of sweet icing and crushed Oreos, the Stampede describes it as “crunchy, gooey, chocolatey chaos” in a street food meets dessert mash-up.
Area 51 taco burger
This Mexican-inspired burger features ground beef, nacho cheese, jalapenos, shredded lettuce and a slice of sweet mango dipped in chamoy (a popular Mexican condiment made from pickled fruit) and Tajín, as well as a cilantro-lime sauce.
The Area 51 taco burger includes a Mexican-inspired burger stuffed into a Doritos- and cheese-crusted bun. (Calgary Stampede)
It’s all packed into a UFO-shaped bun, coated with Doritos and cheese.
Deep-fried Cheetos pizza slice
Jason Sheardown, the culinary director at Pizza 73, said when developing midway food there is a balance to creating something fun and endlessly enjoyable.
“How do you walk that fine line of doing crazy things like deep-frying a slice of cheese pizza covered in flaming hot Cheetos, and then still make it delicious so people want to eat it, eat the whole thing, tell their friends, have it again?” Sheardown said.
Jason Sheardown holds a slice of the Cheesy Saddle Slice, a slice of cheese pizza dipped in corn dog batter, dusted with seasoning and deep-fried. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
Known as the “Cheesy Saddle Slice,” it also comes with the option of a creamy garlic sauce and either pickles or char pepperoni, he said.
“This is one of the best parts of my job. I love creating food and then to have the opportunity to create food with no rules,” he said.
Ramen doughnut
Doughnuts are a midway staple, and this one provides a new twist on a well-known classic.
The ramen doughnut, also called a “ramenut,” is a cheese-filled doughnut with a crust of ramen noodles. (Calgary Stampede)
Also called “ramenuts,” the dessert features a cheese-filled doughnut topped with a golden crust of ramen noodles, served with various in-house sauces.
Wagyu okonomiyaki giant senbei
Ying Yan Situ with Kachi Kachi World Senbei and Sushi, is bringing a Japanese flavour to Stampede with their giant wagyu beef senbei.
The Stampede described the senbei as a grilled rice cracker with premium wagyu that’s “bigger than your head.”
The wagyu okonomiyaki giant senbei is described by the Calgary Stampede as ‘bigger than your head.’ (Calgary Stampede)
“We’ve put lots of love inside for people to share the Japanese street food culture,” Situ said.
The 10-day annual rodeo and exhibition runs July 3 to 12.