Wyoming Summer Rodeo Guide
When summer arrives in Wyoming, so does the heart-pounding excitement of rodeo season. From June through August, the official sport of the Cowboy State takes center stage, filling fairgrounds and small-town arenas with cheering crowds and the thrill of competition. Ready to see where legends are made? Discover Wyoming’s summer rodeo scene and learn what to know before you go.
Your Summer Rodeo Roadmap
Across Wyoming, summertime means a full lineup of rodeos that bring towns together and visitors along for the ride. Read on to see what’s happening across the Wild West this season.
Range War Rodeo
Location: Buffalo
This newer rodeo event brings top-tier competition to Johnson County, Buffalo, with multiple rodeos taking place throughout the summer. Expect high-energy competitions like barrel racing, breakaway roping, team roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and more.
Local Tip: Visiting in July? The Range War Rodeo kicks off Longmire Days, a beloved local festival. Make the most of your visit by checking out daytime events like the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and the Longmire Parade before heading to the rodeo at night.
Cody Nite Rodeo
Location: Cody
For more than 80 years, the Cody Nite Rodeo has brought wild family fun to summer nights in Cody. Running every evening from June through August, it’s the longest-running nightly rodeo in the country and one of the most welcoming, inviting riders of all experience levels to step into the arena and compete.
Local Tip: Before you leave, make sure you take home a few keepsakes! Snap a photo with Norman the Bull and pick up a souvenir from the Cody Nite Rodeo Store near the main entrance.
Cody Stampede Rodeo
Location: Cody
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend with broncs, bulls and Western pride at the Cody Stampede Rodeo. This PRCA event is a long-standing tradition that draws top talent and big crowds to the “Rodeo Capital of the World” for four days of non-stop rodeo competition.
Local Tip: The Buzzard Roost offers premium views above the rough stock chutes, but seats are reserved annually by boxholders. Join the waitlist early for a chance at these coveted spots.
Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo
Location: Casper
Head to Casper for a whole week of fair fun and rodeo thrills. The Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo combines classic carnival rides, local food and live entertainment with high-energy events in the arena like bull riding, team roping and tie-down roping.
Local Tip: Celebrate Wyoming’s farming and ranching heritage by exploring the barns at the fair to see horses and other small farm animals up close.
Laramie Jubilee Days
Location: Laramie
What started as a simple horse race has grown into a week-long tribute to Wyoming’s Western roots. Laramie Jubilee Days keeps things classic with a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo, youth horse shows, bull riding and family-friendly fun that’s been a local favorite for decades.
Local Tip: If you're bringing kids, don’t miss the Kids Horse Show. This beloved event marks the start of the week and brings generations of local families together to cheer on the next round of young riders.
Sheridan WYO Rodeo
Location: Sheridan
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo has been going strong since 1931. Four days of competition, parades, street dances and the World Championship Indian Relay Races make it a true highlight of Wyoming’s summer rodeo scene.
Local Tip: Want an up-close experience? Grab seats at the north end of the arena for a great vantage point. You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Location: Cheyenne
Cheyenne Frontier Days is known as the “Daddy of ’Em All” for good reason. This legendary event has honored Western heritage since 1897 and remains the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, featuring big-name concerts and top talent from across the country.
Local Tip: For a behind-the-scenes look, join a free Behind the Chutes Tour. You’ll walk through the chutes and get a firsthand glimpse of what it takes to run this legendary event.
Red Desert Roundup Rodeo
Location: Rock Springs
Founded in 1978, the Red Desert Roundup Rodeo is an official PRCA event held each year in Rock Springs during the last weekend of July. It draws crowds for a heart-pounding weekend of bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and plenty of hometown pride.
Local Tip: Families with kids and teens will love the pre-show activities, including mutton busting, a kids calf scramble and a teen cash scramble.
Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo
Location: Douglas
For over 100 years, the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo has celebrated the spirit of the West, combining time-honored traditions with authentic ranching culture. Watch working cowboys compete in the Ranch Rodeo, followed by two nights of top-tier PRCA action.
Local Tip: Head to the food court and try the Fair Food Flights. This popular program lets you sample smaller portions from a variety of vendors, so you can try a little bit of everything!
Jackson Hole Rodeo
Location: Jackson
With the Tetons as your backdrop, the Jackson Hole Rodeo is a summer staple that gives visitors an authentic taste of cowboy life. You’ll find plenty of chances to catch the action, with events running all the way through Labor Day.
Local Tip: Plan to arrive early, around 7:15 p.m. You'll beat the crowds, skip the long lines and get your pick of seats before the arena fills up.
Jackson Hole Rodeo
Location: Jackson
With the Tetons as your backdrop, the Jackson Hole Rodeo is a summer staple that gives visitors an authentic taste of cowboy life. You’ll find plenty of chances to catch the action, with events running all the way through Labor Day.
Local Tip: Plan to arrive early, around 7:15 p.m. You'll beat the crowds, skip the long lines and get your pick of seats before the arena fills up.
What to Expect at a Rodeo
Rodeo draws millions of fans each year, and you’ll feel that energy whether you’re in a grandstand or by the fence at a small-town arena. No two venues are exactly alike, but the setup is generally the same. Most venues have a dirt floor, sturdy fencing and chutes for the animals and riders. Beyond the arena, you might catch a livestock show, browse local crafts, listen to live music or hop on a carnival ride.
Rodeo Events That Define the West
At its heart, rodeo is a showcase of everyday ranch skills turned into a competitive sport. Events typically alternate between timed competitions, like team roping and steer wrestling, where the fastest run wins, and roughstock rides, like bull riding or bronc riding, where judges score both the rider and the animal for difficulty and technique. Below is a quick overview of the events that make up a Wyoming rodeo. Want to learn more about how each one works? Explore our Official Guide to Rodeo Events here!
Bull Riding
Bull riding is an eight-second test of nerve and balance. The rider grips a rope around the bull’s chest and tries to stay on while the bull bucks, twists and spins. One hand must stay in the air, and touching the bull or themselves with that free hand means disqualification. Judges score half on the rider’s control and half on the bull’s power and unpredictability.
Steer Wrestling
Steer wrestling, or bulldogging, tests a cowboy’s strength and timing. The cowboy starts behind a barrier that gives the steer a head start; chasing too early means a penalty. A hazer rides alongside to keep the steer straight. The cowboy jumps off his horse, grabs the steer’s horns and uses his weight to wrestle it to the ground.
Barrel Racing
In this timed event, a rider and horse race around three barrels set in a triangle, weaving in a fast cloverleaf pattern. The goal is to make tight, clean turns without tipping a barrel. Riders may bump barrels to keep them upright, but knocking one over adds extra seconds to the time. Each run is timed to the hundredth of a second, so every fraction counts!
Team Roping
Team roping is the only rodeo event where two riders work together to catch a steer. The first rider, called the header, ropes the steer’s horns or neck and then turns the steer to set up the second rider. The second rider, called the heeler, ropes the steer’s hind legs. The run ends when the steer is roped properly and both horses stop and face each other.
Bareback Riding
In bareback riding, the cowboy holds onto a rigging strap with one hand and stays on a bucking horse for eight seconds without a saddle. The rider must “mark out” by touching both spurs to the horse’s shoulders as it leaves the chute or risk disqualification. As the horse bucks, the rider moves in sync, lifting his knees and dragging his spurs up the horse’s shoulders for extra points.
Breakaway Roping
This event is similar to tie-down roping, but the calf is never flipped or tied. The rider gives the calf a head start, then chases it down and ropes it around the neck with what’s called a bell-collar catch, where the rope loops over the calf’s head like a collar. The rope is tied to the saddle horn with a string that snaps when the calf is caught, stopping the clock.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Saddle bronc riding is a classic rodeo event, rooted in the old days of breaking wild horses for ranch work. Riders use a hornless saddle and hold one rein attached to the horse’s halter. When the gate opens, they start with their feet forward, touching the horse’s shoulders. Scores depend on staying in rhythm, balanced for eight seconds and not grabbing the horse or gear with their free hand.
Dress for the West
There’s no dress code at the rodeo, but most visitors like to lean into the spirit of the West! A good pair of jeans, a comfortable button-down and sturdy boots will have you ready for the stands or walking the grounds. If you’ve got a cowboy hat, this is the perfect place to wear it! Add a jacket if you're heading to an evening show, and pack sunscreen and sunglasses to stay protected during the day. You can learn more about what to wear to a Wyoming rodeo and where to shop for your look here.
Rodeo Tips & FAQs
What are some tips for first-timers attending a rodeo?
Buy tickets early since summer rodeos can sell out fast, and check the website for seating details. Read up on events beforehand so you know what to expect and dress for the weather with comfy shoes for walking on dirt or grass.
What are the dos and don’ts at a rodeo?
Arrive early so you have time to find your seat and get settled before the action starts. Cheer for the riders, soak up the excitement and always respect the animals while following arena rules.
What safety tips should I be aware of?
Stay behind fences and barriers and keep a safe distance from animals and chutes. Watch your step on uneven ground and follow directions from event staff. Bring water and sun protection if you’ll be outside for long periods of time.
What should I bring to the rodeo?
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat will help with Wyoming’s sunny days. A small bag for snacks, water and a blanket or stadium cushion can make your seat more comfortable. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash for food, drinks or souvenirs.
Are rodeos kid-friendly?
Yes! Many rodeos have family sections, petting zoos and kids’ activities. Check the event details so you know what’s available for young fans.
Plan Your Rodeo Adventure
Ready to cheer from the stands and experience the Wild West’s true cowboy spirit? Explore our events page to find upcoming rodeos and more ways to make the most of your summer in Wyoming.
