As the Canadian Finals Rodeo makes its debut in the city of Red Deer, Alberta, even veteran CFR goers may need some tips of what to expect from the new city, the new venue, and an exciting new chapter in the history of this event. So if you want to know what to do, where to eat, or just how to get around in Alberta’s third-largest city, we’ve got you covered!

If you can’t make it in person, watch the Canadian Finals Rodeo  LIVE on FloRodeo October 30 to November 4.

Ways To Watch The Rodeo:

If you haven’t purchased your tickets for the Canadian Finals Rodeo yet, you may be out of luck. The event is selling out fast, but a few select tickets have just been released for the public, and some singles remain in certain sections to purchase so snap them up while you can HERE.

If you can’t get tickets, you can still catch all of the CFR action you can handle live on FloRodeo by signing up HERE.

The Venue:

• Westerner Park is located at 4847A 19th Street Red Deer, Alberta
• Parking is $6/entry, or $30 for a parking pass – both can be purchased at the gate upon arrival. 
• There is some construction occurring on Highway 2 and some of the roads surrounding the venue. View the construction map and open routes of entry HERE.
• Accessibility: The venue is equipped with accessible parking spots close to the entrance, clear, wide and paved walkways and ramps for wheelchair access, seating close to the action, and accessible washrooms. 
• Most of the CFR events are happening on-site, here’s a look at the venue map:

Things To Do:

There are a ton of things to do on site at Westerner Park during the day, and well into the night after each CFR performance. Check out their full list of events HERE, but these are some of our favorites:

• CFR Tradeshow: There will be a tradeshow on-site at Westerner Park for anyone wanting to shop during the day. It will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM.
• Free Pancake Breakfast: Westerner Park will be hosting a free pancake breakfast (with a suggested charity donation) every morning from 8 AM to 10 AM in the Parkland Pavilion.
• Kids Zone: The Kid Zone will be open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM in Salon B of the Priarie Pavilion (same area as the CFR Tradeshow) 
• The Cabaret: The TD Cabaret Stage in the Parkland Pavilion on Westerner Park is going to be a hopping place to be every night with the line up of artists the venue has in store for fans:
  • Tuesday: Alecia Aichelle, Sweet Tequila, Jamie Woodfin, Captain Tractor
  • Wednesday: Dean Ray Band, Garrett Gregory, Jake Mathews
  • Thursday: Karac Hendricks, Jaywalker, Nice Horse, Meghan Patrick
  • Friday: Dean Ray Band, Chris Buck Band, Emerson Drive
  • Saturday: Wry & Ginger, Alecia Aichelle, Jamie Woodfin, The Dungarees, Lindsey Ell
• The Miss Rodeo Canada Competition: Watch professional rodeo queens compete to become the first lady of Canadian professional rodeo. See more pageant information HERE.
  • Horsemanship: October 30, 9 AM Agricentre East, Westerner Park
  • Public Speaking: November 1, 2 PM Baymont Inn and Suites
  • Crowning Reception: November 2, 9:30 PM Lookout Room, Westerner Park 
• Cowboy Church: Join the Fellowship Of Christian Cowboys in the Marquis Room located within the Harvest Centre on Westerner Park for Cowboy Church from 10 AM-12PM on Sunday.
• Contestant Autographs: Get an autograph and talk to your favorite CFR competitors starting an hour before each CFR performance in the ENMAX Centrium.
  • Tuesday: Steer Wrestlers
  • Wednesday: Team Ropers
  • Thursday: Saddle Bronc Riders
  • Friday: Tie-Down Ropers
  • Saturday Junior CFR Matinee: Bareback Riders
  • Saturday Evening: Barrel Racers
  • Sunday Matinee: Bull Riders

Where To Eat:

I’m a food person, so of course I had to scour the internet to list some of the best places to eat in Red Deer during the Canadian Finals Rodeo. With the city about to be absolutely flooded with people, I suggest a reservation if you want to ensure you don’t have to wait in line to get a bite to eat.

Red Deer has some great chain restaurants like The Keg, Browns Social House, and Original Joes, but here are some locally owned restaurant’s that are popular on Trip Advisor, The Culture Trip, and a couple that have been recommended to me by some local Red Deerians (and yes, that’s what you call them — I checked):

• The West Lake Grill at Heritage Ranch
• India Feast 
• The Red Boar Smokey 
• Old Mexico Taco Buffet
• It’s All Greek To Me
• Boulevard
• Queen’s Diner
• To The Lost Cocktail Lounge
• Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
• The Rusty Pelican

Red Deer is going to be one hopping place next week, we can guarantee that. But if you can't make it in person, you can still watch CFR45 live on FloRodeo by signing up HERE.