You don’t have to rope, ride or wrangle to appreciate Oregon’s rodeos. Bucking broncos, wild bulls, barrel racing and calf roping: Think of it as the West’s first extreme-sports venue.
The granddaddy of them all — the Pendleton Round-Up — is typically held in September in the state’s largest rodeo arena in Pendleton. One of the 10 largest rodeos in the world, it’s been a celebrated annual event since 1910. The town swells to the gills with professional cowboys and cowgirls, hopeful amateurs and enthusiastic spectators who come to enjoy a full roster of steer roping, barrel racing, bull riding, parades and kids’ events. If you can’t make it to the Round-Up, you can find your cowboy or cowgirl roots in Pendleton during the city’s Get Wild in Pendleton event series each summer.
Here’s a guide to some of Oregon’s most iconic rodeos.
Tillamook County Rodeo
The Tillamook County Rodeo, known as the Biggest Little Show on the Coast, has occurred annually since 1987 and provides fun for the whole family. Friday night is family night and includes stick pony races and autograph signings with rodeo queens. On Saturday everyone can enjoy the Hooves N’ Hops Brewfest before the rodeo, with local breweries from along the Coast as well as a cornhole tournament. Events during the rodeo include bull riding, broncs, barrel racing, steer wrestling, rope tying and a rodeo queen competition.
Sisters Rodeo
Awarded the 2019 Large Rodeo of the Year by the Columbia River Circuit, the annual Sisters Rodeo is held the second weekend of June in Central Oregon with a spectacular backdrop of the Three Sisters Mountains. The western town of Sisters is just a few miles away, with shopping, fine restaurants and plenty of special events for the entire family during rodeo week. On Saturday morning, visitors and locals alike line the downtown streets for a western-style parade of unique and creative entries. Sunday brings Cowboy Church in the arena and the ever popular Kiwanis Buckaroo Pancake Breakfast. The Biggest Little Show in the World is also popularly known as the friendliest rodeo in the world.
Crooked River Roundup
More than 75 years old, the Crooked River Roundup has captivated the hearts of those in Central Oregon and beyond. Located in Prineville, this medium-sized PRCA rodeo brings “western” back to rodeo. A punchy rodeo that includes a long alley roping setup and local events like the wild horse race and ranch bronc riding. Everyone loves to watch the kids in the calf scramble and the older fellas in the wild cow milking. Breakaway roping brings in more excitement and gets local gals in the arena. The PRCA events bring contestants from around the country who enjoy the challenges of great stock and the long alley for roping. What started in a pasture with a human fence has grown in 75 amazing years to a three-night event bringing in thousands. The Roundup earned the “2018 Medium Rodeo of the Year” from the Columbia River Circuit, and wins hearts every year for the sport of rodeo.
St. Paul Rodeo
The St. Paul Rodeo transforms a town of 425 into the epicenter of professional rodeo during the lucrative 4th of July run or “Cowboy Christmas.” The historic St. Paul Rodeo Stadium, constructed in 1944, features Arborvitae trees in the arena, offering a truly unique setting. The day after the rodeo local farmers begin planting grass for the St. Paul Buckaroos 1A football team to play in the arena. With $240,400 in added prize money, the small town of St. Paul ranks in the top 10 of regular season rodeos in the country.
Chief Joseph Days
The tiny town of Joseph swells to 10 times its normal size when it welcomes thousands of visitors to Chief Joseph Days. Held the last full week in July since 1946, Chief Joseph Days celebrates the history and culture of the West over six days. Visitors enjoy nightly PRCA rodeos Wednesday through Saturday at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena, just off Main Street. Chief Joseph Days has seen its share of recognition. Cowboys & Indians called it a “Best Fest of the West,” and won “Best Medium Size Rodeo” for the Columbia Circuit in 2018. Chief Joseph Days was the only small rodeo to make a Top 10 Must See Rodeos list with the likes of the Pendleton Round-Up. Named for the famous Nez Perce chief, Chief Joseph Days celebrates Nez Perce tribal members from around the region who participate in the Grand Parade down Main Street, and the pre-rodeo show Saturday night. The Nez Perce Friendship Feast is open to the public and features buffalo, salmon and Native dancing.
Columbia County Fair & Rodeo
Held Wednesday through Sunday, the third week of July, the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo is just a short 30-minute scenic drive from Portland along the Columbia River to St. Helens where the beloved tradition, more than 100 years old, makes for a wonderful family outing. In addition to the two-day NPRA Rodeo, there is the Jr. Rodeo as well as the Rodeo Queen Pageant. Other activities include stock car races, live music at the entertainment stage, 4-H presentations, vendor booths with great food, a carnival and exhibits.
Lake County Round-Up
A hundred years of Buck’n, Bronc’n, and Bust’n at the Lake Country Round-Up! This PRCA Rodeo runs on true grit and generations of volunteerism. Saddle up Labor Day weekend in Lakeview for a great show full of Professional Bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling and more. Bring the family for the County Fair, which runs concurrently through the weekend. Enjoy carnival rides, food vendors, and the 4H auction. Saturday night, catch a country star for the headline concert and make sure to hit the iconic ReRide room for a cool beverage before you see the show.
Pendleton Round-Up
There’s an abundance of traditions and history at the Pendleton Round-Up. With the history dating back to 1910, it has become a notable attraction for tourists and history lovers. The rich cultural heritage of our Native Americans make Pendleton Round-Up a perfect destination for unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Rodeo fans and the rodeo-curious are impressed with the frontier authenticity that’s been maintained for over a century.
Southern Oregon
Fall Classic Rodeo
Canyonville at Seven Feather Casino Resort
Mid-September
Lake County Round-Up
Lakeview
Late August to early September
Central Point Challenge of Champions
Central Point
Early January
Rogue Valley Rough Stock Rodeo
Grants Pass
Late April
Central Point Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo
Central Point
Late May
South Douglas Rodeo
Myrtle Creek • Mid-June
Yoncalla Rodeo
Yoncalla • Around July 4
Sutherlin Stampede Rodeo
Sutherlin • Late July
Klamath Falls Great NorthWest Pro Rodeo
Klamath Falls
Early August
Bullmania Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
New Year’s Eve
Jefferson State High School Rodeo
Klamath Falls
Early April
Jefferson State Winter Rodeo Series
Klamath Falls
Fall and Winter Months
Crater Lake Stampede Tour Rodeo
Chiloquin
Central Oregon
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo
Madras • Late July
La Pine Rodeo
La Pine
Fourth of July weekend
Pi Ume Sha Treaty Days Rodeo
Warm Springs
Third weekend in June
Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
Redmond
Late July, Early August
High Desert Stampede
Redmond • Late March
Wasco County
Tygh Valley • Late August
Crooked River Roundup
Prineville • Late June
Sisters Rodeo
Sisters
Second weekend in June
Eastern Oregon
Chief Joseph Days
Joseph • Late July
Spray Rodeo
Spray • End of May
Eastern Oregon Livestock Show
Union • June
Haines Stampede Rodeo
Haines • July 3 & 4
Elgin Stampede
Elgin • Second full
weekend in July
Baker County Fair and Panhandle Rodeo
Halfway
Early September
Baker City Broncs & Bull Riding
Baker City • July
Malheur County Fair & Rodeo
Ontario • Late July
Farm-City Pro Rodeo
Hermiston • August
Arlington Jackpot Rodeo
Arlington • May
Nyssa Night Rodeo
Nyssa • Late June
Vale 4th of July Rodeo
Vale • July 1-4
Condon High School Rodeo
Condon •Late August
Grant County Fair & Rodeo
John Day • August
Morrow County Fair & Rodeo
Heppner
Third week of August
Wheeler County Rodeo
Fossil • August
Harney County Fair & Rodeo
Burns • August
Treasure Valley Community College Rodeo
Ontario • Fall
Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Indian Pageant
Pendleton • Second full
week of September
Jordan Valley Big Loop Rodeo
Jordan Valley • Late May
Portland Region
Columbia County Fair & Rodeo
St. Helens • Mid-July
Northwest Bullfest
St. Helens • Late June
Willamette Valley
St. Paul Rodeo
St. Paul
June 30 – July 4th
Clackamas County Rodeo
Canby
Mid to Late August
Rough Stock Rodeo at Polk County Fair
Rickreall • Early August
Santiam County Stampede Rodeo
Sublimity
Third weekend in July
Eugene Pro Rodeo
Eugene • Early July
Hell on Hooves Rough Stock Rodeo
Albany
Mid to Late October
Hoof N’ Holler New Year’s Professional Bull Riding
Albany • New Year’s Eve
Benton County Fair & Rodeo
Corvallis
End of July, Early August
Philomath Frolic and Rodeo
Philomath • Mid-July
Molalla Buckeroo
Molalla
Around July 4
Cottage Grove Rodeo
Cottage Grove
Mid-July
Oregon Coast
Lincoln County Pro Rodeo
Newport
July 4th weekend
Tillamook County Rodeo
Tillamook
Fourth weekend in June
