10 Rodeos Every Fan Must See
Heading off to see the some of the best rodeos in our country will also take you amongst the beauty of the American West. Competitors from all over will bring their horses in the safety and comfort of quality horse trailers, ready to kick up some dirt, much to the audiences delight. Find a buddy and take a trip to see the top 10 rodeos for memories that last for years to come.
1. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston, Texas
Texans claim to have the biggest of everything, and the Houston event won’t downplay that notion. With a rodeo parade and many activities to enjoy during the expansive 20-day event: you can go to concerts, livestock competitions, pig racing and a 5K or 10K walk and run events. More than 2.5 million people go to the Houston show, and you can expect to see some of your favorite musical performers there, too.
2. Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, Wyoming
Heading to Wyoming gives you views of breathtakingly beautiful scenery around Cheyenne. The Frontier Days event claims the title of “Daddy of ‘Em All.” From its start in 1919 as an authentic stock show, it offers a week of rodeo action and concerts featuring big-name entertainers, and a chance to see country acts like Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert perform live in a huge venue.
3. Calgary Stampede – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A little further north in Calgary, you can see a rodeo that started even earlier than the Cheyenne Frontier Days. You’ll be amazed when you see how much practice it takes to compete at this classic event. The chuckwagon races let you see the rough and tumble ways of the West at a rodeo that started all the way back in 1912.
4. National Finals Rodeo – Las Vegas, Nevada
At a huge event that draws the best of the best cowboys and cowgirls, you can see the top 15 competitors as they go head-to-head for the World Championships in Las Vegas. Unofficially called the “World Series” or the “Super Bowl” of rodeo events, it showcases the top rodeo performers in each event.
5. Pendleton Roundup – Pendleton, Oregon
You may notice that the top rodeos have a long history, and the Pendleton event in Oregon is no exception. The Roundup festivities feature a huge rodeo and live music throughout a whole week of activities. The Westward-Ho Parade, Indian Pow-Wows and nightly shows make the event a top one to visit and enjoy the atmosphere.
6. Greeley Stampede Rodeo – Greeley, Colorado
At an event that celebrates the western heritage of the state, you can see not only a rodeo, but the beautiful horse trailers that bring the animals to compete. Greeley’s famous Demolition Derby, an Independence Day Parade, a huge carnival with food and children’s activities, a concert series and an American Bullfighting show insure you have a grand time.
7. Caldwell Night Rodeo – Caldwell, Idaho
More than 600 top notch contestants meet under the lights at the 84-year old event in Caldwell for five thrill-packed nights. You can join more than 45,000 spectators to see the professional cowgirls and cowboys compete on their excellent animal athletes.
8. Ellensburg Rodeo – Ellensburg, Washington
For an authentic rodeo experience, check out the one-ton bulls that challenge the cowboys to stay on top against powerful attempts to throw them off. Ellensburg claims the worst and meanest thousand-pound animal athletes in the world. A carnival and midway add to the fun.
9. Dodge City Rodeo – Dodge City, Kansas
A celebration that lasts 10 days in Dodge City includes the Little Britches Rodeo and attracts contestants from a dozen neighboring states. The rodeo highlights the Dodge City Days and packs the event with champion riders.
10. Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo – Fort Worth, Texas
Proud of the oldest continuous stock show and rodeo running since 1896, the Fort Worth event features everything you hope to see—and more. Professional cowboys competed for $700,000 prize money in 2018, and you can enjoy attending one of the oldest classic rodeo events in the country.
