Unless you live in the Western part of the country, rodeos are a less popular form of entertainment. These events feature cowboys and cowgirls showcasing their skills with bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, and barrel racing. Rodeo’s origins trace back to Mexico, coming from the word “rodear,” which means “to round up or encircle.” Here we’ve wrangled 10 of the best rodeos in the US. Safe to say it was much safer.
Pendelton Round-Up Grandstand
Oregon’s Pendleton Round-Up Grandstand is one of the oldest rodeos in the country, staging rodeos since 1910. Attendees can expect an authentic Western atmosphere, along with core rodeo events. The Pendelton Round-Up Grandstand also offers specialty attractions, such as the Happy Canyon pageant, Indian dances, and Teepee Village. Experience an incredible sense of community by joining the 50,000 people who attend annually.
Reno Rodeo
The Reno Rodeo in New Mexico is a 10-day event featuring top professional cowboys and cowgirls in the nation. It is also a non-profit organization that consists of 1,000 volunteers with proceeds going back into the community. The “Wild, Richest Rodeo in the West” attracts big crowds and is a huge economic driver for the region.
Greeley Stampede
In Colorado, the Greeley Stampede is a multi-day festival with concerts, community events, and a rodeo. Started in 1922, the event began as honoring local potato farmers. It has since evolved to include various attractions and activities. The Greeley Stampede is a fun community event that has something for all ages. Expect to see professional cowboys and cowgirls showcase their incredible skill.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Here is a ten-day festival in Wyoming that is ripe with rodeo events, concerts, parades, and carnival rides. The rodeo competition attracts pro cowboys and cowgirls—some of the best in the country. Cheyenne Frontier Days is recognized as the largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration, drawing up to 200,000 yearly attendees. One of its more unique events, the free pancake breakfast, is a crowd favorite.
Prescott Frontier Days
Also known as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo,” Prescott Frontier Days is a multi-day celebration held in Arizona. The annual event usually occurs over the 4th of July weekend and features bull riding, bareback riding, and barrel racing, along with other attractions like dances, parades, and even a pancake breakfast. Prescott Frontier Days continues to draw big crowds since its inception in 1888.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest livestock and rodeo shows in the world. It has a rich history and has become an important revenue stream for the area. In addition to the traditional activities, the event features performances from nationally recognized artists. The rodeo also has a respectable mission to educate the public about agriculture and support Texas youth through scholarships.
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is a win-or-go-home championship recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The Las Vegas event lasts ten days and features the top 15 riders throughout the season. Winners of events such as bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, and barrel racing are awarded the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle, one of the most prestigious awards in the league.
Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo
This rodeo event takes place in Davie, Florida, a town also known as “Cowboy Town.” Recognized as one of the country’s best rodeos according to USA Today, the Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo hosts the Southeastern Circuit Finals. They have hosted over 280 PRCA-sanctioned rodeos, bringing together some of the best riders.
Snowmass Rodeo
This popular rodeo event is one of the longest-running rodeos in Colorado, dating back to 1973. From mid-June to mid-August, the rodeo takes place every Wednesday evening in Snowmass Village. The family-friendly event offers additional activities to the core rodeo events, including Calf Scramble, Mutton Busting, and a petting zoo. An added benefit—it’s affordable.
California Rodeo Salinas
The California Rodeo Salinas is the longest-running rodeo in California, which began in 1911. The community-wide event takes place at the Salinas Sports Complex, holding up 17,000 spectators. The event has become a stalwart in the community and has become a consistent revenue source. It has also been listed as one of the best rodeos in the country.
