Noise deal reached for Stampede music festival tents

The City of Calgary has reached a compromise with festival operators on noise exemption permits for Stampede-time music tents, reverting to 2025 noise rules while incorporating new sound-control measures.

After two weeks of negotiations sparked by the Cowboys Music Festival uproar and the subsequent cancellation of Country Thunder, the City said concerts will still end at midnight on weeknights. However, noise levels before that will remain at last year's limits: 75 dBA maximum for regular sound, and 82 dBA for bass. On Friday and Saturday nights after concerts end, outdoor speakers can play at reduced volume of 65 dBA with further reduced bass at 80 dBC.

Cowboys responded by redesigning its sound system with new investments in mitigation technology. The venue installed a redesigned beam steering system to direct sound to the audience while reducing spill, along with a redesigned directional cardioid subwoofer to contain bass within the venue. The stage setup now uses sound dampening mats, trailers, shipping containers, vendor structures and tent walls to reduce sound transmission. Cowboys will continuously monitor sound both at the site and around the perimeter.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas called it "a win-win agreement." He noted residents had reported shaking windows, rattling shelves, property damage, and excessive intoxication outside their homes. "So, here's the balance," Farkas wrote on social media. "Stronger late night protections for residents through addressing bass concerns, while acknowledging operators' investments and technical solutions."

The City also amended noise permits for Badlands and Wildhorse music festivals to reflect the same decibel changes.