Written by Alan T Vuong, ATV April 24, 2024
Summer is fast approaching and that means I will be heading back to Badlands Music Festival this July. This event is a series of electronic, hip hop and country music shows that take place downtown during the famous Calgary Stampede. I have now attended the past 4 events in a row going 5 times last year to see: Loud Luxury, Fisher, Excision, Skrillex and Deadmau5.
About Badlands Music Festival
Badlands Music Festival takes place during the 11 day Calgary Stampede annual event. So for 2023 it was July 6 to 16 and featured artists from different genres like country, electronic, hip hop and pop. As with previous years, doors open at 4 or 5 PM with the opening artists starting at 6 or 7PM.
The main headliners come on anywhere between 10.30 and 11 PM and finishes at midnight because of noise laws with surrounding residents. At midnight, the volume is lowered and a local DJ comes on until 2 AM to finish the party. I usually leave shortly after the headliner is finished.
set times for one of the shows I went to
Tickets for each night ranges from free entry before a certain time to $100 or more depending on the artist headlining that night. Some shows sell out fast so it is a good idea to buy them sooner than later. The best deal is to get an Outlaw pass which starts at $199 plus taxes and fees. This includes priority entry to all 11 shows and private washrooms and bars. I bought this pass for the past 3 years and have already done so for 2024.
Getting There
Badlands tent stayed at the same location as last year. It could be found at 725 9th ave SW. Since it was west downtown, it was really easy for me to get to. I could easily wheel from my place in my powerchair in 20 minutes or hop on the C train a few stops.
entrance to the festival
The 7th street SW or the 8th street SW station is the closest ones to the event depending on which train line you are coming from. Depending on my mood or who I am with, we would take the C train or just walk/stroll there and back.
C train station only a few minutes walk/stroll from the festival
Location
Since it was at the same location as last year, the layout of the venue was basically the same. There was still separate lines for general admission, VIP, and for those with the Outlaw pass. Bathrooms are designated that way too, so if you prefer the nicer trailer bathrooms over the porta potties, you would have to buy a VIP ticket.
easy to wheel around since the venue is on a parking lot
There are bars everywhere but they still get really busy, so a VIP pass gets you dedicated bars with shorter lines. There are also a few food vendors and food trucks for guests to buy food. Since there is no re entry to the festival, I make sure I eat before arriving instead of buying expensive fast food with long lines.
free water station
Free water stations were back so I always bring my refillable water bottle. The Chinook Garden was also back where people can buy cannabis products. Since the venue is on a parking lot, it was easy for my wheelchair to roll around everywhere.
have to get staff member to get to this accessible porta potty
Stage
Like previous years, there is only the one main stage. It is located to the far right of the entrance. The closer to the front of the stage you go, the more crowded it would be. That also goes for the later the night is, the busier it is. That is because some people show up closer to when the main headliner comes on.
ramp to raised viewing platform
Even though it can get very crowded, I still stay close to the stage sometimes since most people are mindful about crowding me. There is also a raised wheelchair accessible viewing platform about half way back from the stage. I sometimes go there if I don’t feel like being in a crowd of people. It still gives a great view of the stage.
view of the stage from the raised viewing platform
Final Thoughts
Badlands Music Festival 2023 was another great time for me. I had fun at all 5 shows that I went to and had no issue getting around the Badlands tent or the stage. It can get crowded but people are generally aware not to hit my powerchair. The wheelchair accessible raised viewing platform is also a great option too. I can’t wait to be back for 2024 and already have my Outlaw pass.
I will be back for 2024