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Celebrate life on the open range at these summertime events that bring out some of the West’s best athletes. MAY JACKSON HOLE RODEO The Teton Range and Gros Ventre Wilderness make for a dramatic backdrop to this annual celebration of all things cowboy, held at the Jackson Hole Rodeo Grounds in Jackson. It’s among the earliest and longest-running events of the state’s rodeo season, held most Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from May through September. Bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing and roping are all part of the Jackson Hole Rodeo experience. JUNE FRIDAY NIGHT RODEOS IN DUBOIS Those seeking a peek at northern Wyoming at its wildest should check out the upper Wind River Valley town of Dubois, home to dude ranches, square dances and the summer Friday Night Rodeo series. Bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and steer wrestling are just a few of the highlights. Rodeos run throughout the month of August. CODY NITE RODEO The longest-running nightly rodeo in the country is the family-oriented Cody Nite Rodeo series, held from June through August in the town known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World.” Get a photo taken on Hollywood the Bull and meet the clowns and bullfighters that take center stage at this nightly event. JULY LANDER’S PIONEER DAYS RODEO Bronc riding is a big deal in Lander, and there’s no better evidence of that than at Pioneer Days. This annual Fourth of July extravaganza has a little bit of everything: bull riding for adults and children (ages eight to 14), saddle bronc and bareback riding, and timed events including barrel racing, calf roping and steer wrestling. SHERIDAN WYO RODEO Founded in 1931, the four-day Sheridan WYO Rodeo is part of the Million Dollar Silver Tour, with a trove of awards to back it up. The event kicks off with a family-friendly boot-kicking competition and stick-horse races for little cowboys and cowgirls, and continues with an array of festivities including a Native American powwow, parade, street dances and pancake breakfast. And of course, there are the competitions. The World Championship Indian Relay Races feature riders changing horses mid-race — one of the most heart-pounding portions of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo — plus bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer roping and much more. 2018 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL RODEO ASSOCIATION FINALS IN ROCK SPRINGS See champion cowboys and cowgirls in the early phase of their rodeo careers at this action-packed high-school-level event. “Versatility” is the name of the game here, with a wide range of events that include bareback riding, barrel racing, cutting horse, goat tying and pole bending. RED DESERT ROUNDUP RODEO IN ROCK SPRINGS Held the last full weekend of July, this PRCA rodeo brings Rock Springs visitors and residents together for three days of broncs, bulls and family fun. Events include bareback riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull riding. Be sure to check out the Saturday parade that goes through the heart of the beautiful historical downtown. CENTRAL WYOMING FAIR & RODEO IN CASPER Have a bareback ridin’, mutton bustin’ good time in Wyoming’s second largest city every July when the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo comes to town. The fair dates back to 1904, and has grown over the decades to bring countless riders and fans from throughout the region to Casper. Rodeo events include tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. But the rodeo’s just part of the fun. Find carnival rides, fair food, a demolition derby and children’s activities throughout the week, plus a “The Voice”-inspired contest where singers compete to be “The Voice of Casper.” TOP THINGS TO DO AT CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS Cheyenne Frontier Days began in 1897 as a humble affair, but it has since turned into the largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration in the world. Every July, visitors get a true taste of the Old West as the “Daddy of ’Em All” delivers 10 days of thrilling rodeo competitions, down-home food, carnival fun and world-class entertainment. PRCA RODEOS The event (July 20–29, 2018) draws some of the nation’s top talent from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, all vying for a piece of the million-dollar purse — the largest regular-season payoff in pro rodeo. Rodeos take place daily and include events like bareback riding, barrel racing, steer roping, steer wrestling and wild-horse racing. NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT Some of the biggest names in country music perform at the CFD Arena with past performers that include Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean. Other activities include watching the Championship Bull Riding competitions and attending the carnival with rides, line dancing and merchants selling everything from silver belt buckles to barbecue sauce. CULTURAL EXHIBITS The event offers so many opportunities to explore the heritage of the American West. Experience Native American dancing, music and storytelling in the Indian Village, trace the history of the rodeo at the Old West Museum and interact with frontier merchants, craftspeople and artisans in the Old Frontier Town. WY INDEED Download the Ultimate Guide to Rodeos at Travel Wyoming.com/rodeobook.
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