From rodeo clowns and bronc rides to parades and full-blown Western festivals, the world’s biggest rodeos deliver fast-paced, man-versus-beast thrills with a carnival atmosphere. This guide highlights some of the biggest rodeos in the US, Canada and beyond for avid fans, planners and first-time spectators.
Some of the biggest rodeos in the world by overall attendance include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Calgary Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Festa do Peão de Barretos (Brazil), and the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo (Australia).If you’re scouting destinations or venues for Western-themed events, these rodeos also show how cities handle large crowds, multi-day schedules and on-site entertainment. For broader sports travel ideas, explore the Sports Planning Guide hub.
World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo – Payson, Arizona
Started in 1884 by Abraham Henson “Arizona Charlie” Meadows and John Collins Chilson, the Payson Pro Rodeo bills itself as the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo.(Payson Pro Rodeo)
Held each August, this traditional PRCA rodeo delivers classic events like bronc riding, bull riding, roping and barrel racing in an intimate Rim Country setting. Fans get a small-town atmosphere with deep roots in Western history.
The Payson Pro Rodeo in Payson, Arizona, widely known as the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, traces its roots back to 1884 and is still held each August.
Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, Wyoming
Known by rodeo fans as the “Daddy of ’em All,” Cheyenne Frontier Days bills itself as the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration.
This nine-day event in late July combines:
- Daily PRCA rodeo performances
- Bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback bronc events
- Nightly concerts, a carnival and Western heritage experiences
For planners, Cheyenne offers a proven blueprint for large outdoor rodeo productions with festival-style programming and ample fairgrounds space.
Calgary Stampede – Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Stampede is Canada’s largest rodeo and one of the world’s best-known Western festivals.Each July it transforms the city into “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” drawing more than a million visitors over 10 days.
The tournament-style rodeo features:
- One of the world’s largest rodeos
- Chuckwagon races
- Concerts, agricultural competitions and First Nations exhibitions
Its downtown location, light rail access and big-city hotel base make it a strong model for urban Western events.
Reno Rodeo – Reno, Nevada
Reno Rodeo brands itself as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” and has been running since 1919. Today, this 10-day June event draws more than 100,000 spectators to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center. (Reno Rodeo)
Key highlights include:
- PRCA-sanctioned rodeo performances
- A featured PRCA Xtreme Bulls event
- A traditional cattle drive that kicks off the festivities
If you’re evaluating Reno for a multi-sport or livestock event, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center can host virtually any event.
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo – Fort Worth, Texas
Also known historically as the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is widely regarded as the oldest continuously running livestock show and rodeo in the U.S., dating back to 1896.
This 23-day event, held from mid-January to early February, features:
- The “World’s Original Indoor Rodeo®” with multiple PRCA performances
- The non-motorized “All Western” Parade, with thousands of horses along a downtown route
- Extensive livestock, horse and agricultural shows
For planners, Fort Worth offers a mix of historic venues and modern arenas like Dickies Arena for large-scale Western events.
There’s plenty more information on Fort Worth, Texas for FREE
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo – Denver, Colorado
The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo returns to Denver every January, drawing nearly 700,000 attendees and celebrating the city’s “Cowtown” heritage.
Expect:
- Roughly 30 rodeo performances across the schedule
- A Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, African American Heritage Rodeo and other specialty performances
- One of the nation’s premier beef cattle and livestock shows
This indoor-focused event showcases how to use a complex of arenas and exhibition halls for multi-week Western programming.
NFR Open (Formerly National Circuit Finals Rodeo) – Colorado Springs, Colorado
The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo—formerly the National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City—brings together champions from the 12 PRCA circuits for a season-ending showdown.
Cowboys and cowgirls compete in:
- Bareback and saddle bronc riding
- Bull riding
- Steer wrestling and tie-down roping
- Team roping and barrel racing
Held each July in Colorado Springs, this event crowns circuit champions in a tournament-style format that feels like a national playoff.
National Finals Rodeo – Las Vegas, Nevada
Only the top 15 contestants in each PRCA and WPRA event qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), rodeo’s world championship.
Over 10 nights in early December, riders compete at the Thomas & Mack Center in:
- Bareback and saddle bronc
- Bull riding
- Steer wrestling, tie-down roping and team roping
- Barrel racing
There are no livestock shows or fairs here—just pure championship-level rodeo action often referred to as the “Super Bowl of rodeo.”
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston, Texas
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo combines a massive livestock exhibition with what is widely considered the world’s largest indoor rodeo by attendance. Recent seasons have drawn more than 2.7 million visitors over roughly 20 days.
RodeoHouston includes:
- Nightly PRCA rodeo performances in NRG Stadium
- Concerts from global music acts
- A huge carnival and family programming
Direct Answer: By attendance, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is often cited as the largest rodeo in the United States, drawing more than 2.7 million visitors across its 20-day season in 2025.
Mesquite Championship Rodeo – Mesquite, Texas
Formerly branded as the Mesquite ProRodeo Series, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo has entertained fans for more than 60 years just east of Dallas.
The summer series typically runs June through August at Mesquite Arena and features:
- PRCA-sanctioned events such as bull riding, barrel racing and team roping
- Family-friendly entertainment, barbecue and live music
For planners, Mesquite demonstrates how a permanent rodeo arena can support a recurring seasonal series rather than a single annual event.
Pendleton Round-Up – Pendleton, Oregon
The Pendleton Round-Up, held the second full week of September, is over 100 years old and known for its blend of Western sport and Native American heritage.
Highlights include:
- Strong Native American participation and the on-site Indian Village
- The Happy Canyon Indian Pageant & Wild West Show
- Unique events such as Indian Relay Races and wild cow milking
To explore more sports venues and events across the state, download our Oregon State Guide.
Festa do Peão de Barretos – Barretos, Brazil
The Festa do Peão de Barretos in São Paulo state is widely recognized as the largest rodeo festival in the Southern Hemisphere and one of Latin America’s biggest rodeos, attracting around one million visitors across its August schedule.
Set in the 110-hectare Parque do Peão, the festival combines:
- PRCA-style bull and bronc riding adapted to Brazilian standards
- Concerts by major international and Brazilian artists
- A full fairground environment celebrating Brazilian cowboy (peão) culture
For planners, Barretos showcases a destination-scale rodeo park purpose-built for mega events.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia
Held each August in outback Queensland, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is widely billed as the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere.
The event typically features:
- Hundreds of competitors across standard rodeo disciplines
- A substantial prize pool that ranks among Australia’s richest rodeo purses
- Live music, community events and outback-flavored hospitality
Mount Isa illustrates how a remote regional city can leverage rodeo as a signature economic and tourism driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What time of year are the biggest rodeos usually held?
Most of the biggest rodeos in the world run between late winter and early fall. Houston and Fort Worth anchor the late winter calendar, while Calgary, Cheyenne, Reno and Mount Isa take place in summer and Pendleton and Barretos run in late summer or early fall.
Q2. Which rodeos are best for first-time spectators?
For first-timers, Houston, Calgary and Fort Worth offer a lot beyond the arena: concerts, fairs, exhibitions and family zones. Smaller venues like Mesquite or Payson give newcomers a more intimate view of the action with easier parking and shorter walks.
Q3. Are these rodeos suitable case studies for sports-event planners?
Yes. Events like Cheyenne Frontier Days, Calgary Stampede and Houston Rodeo show how cities manage multi-venue scheduling, large volunteer bases, transportation and security for hundreds of thousands of visitors—valuable models for any large sports or festival-style event.
Q4. How far in advance should attendees plan travel to the biggest rodeos?
For top-tier events such as Houston, Calgary, Cheyenne or Barretos, plan at least 6–12 months ahead for peak weekends. Hotel blocks, RV spots and premium tickets often sell out quickly once concert lineups and special-event calendars are announced.
Q5. Do any of these rodeos include strong cultural or heritage components?
Yes. Pendleton Round-Up and Barretos integrate Indigenous or regional cowboy heritage, while National Western Stock Show and Fort Worth highlight ranching and agricultural history. Calgary, Houston and Mount Isa also emphasize local culture through food, music and educational exhibits.
Updated: 12/5/2025
