Summer in Montana is rodeo season. Every town, big or small, has one, and each brings its own flair and feel. Attending a rodeo is a great way to experience and celebrate Montana's culture, with entertaining cowboys and cowgirls, concerts and other rowdy, foot-stompin,' hand-clappin' events.
Bozeman hosts two rodeos — the Bozeman Stampede — for one weekend in August, and Valley View Rodeo, with 14 competitions throughout the summer. In addition to these, there are several other rodeos around the region, all within driving distance. Small-town rodeos are a blast because the whole town gets excited for their annual chance to show off their Montana heritage. Here are a few of the best Montana rodeos near Bozeman to put on your calendar.
Valley View Rodeo
June 6-August 30, 2024
Bozeman, MT
Back for a second and even more robust season, Valley View Rodeo is a great blend of amateur and professional level competition, providing an opportunity for beginners and seasoned athletes to compete. Watch the schedule – some performances are followed by live music! Located right in town at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, these events are easy to get to while staying in Bozeman.
Tickets: Online
More Info: valleyviewrodeo.com
Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo
June 11-September 10, 2024
Big Sky, MT
This beautiful and historic guest ranch hosts a weekly Tuesday evening rodeo with elevated Montana street food and classic rodeo events. Cowboys and cowgirls from around the region compete for bragging rights and the honor of wearing the Ranch Buckle!
Tickets: Online
More Info: Lone Mountain Ranch
Wilsall NRA Rodeo
June 15-16, 2024
Wilsall, MT
This two-day small-town rodeo and parade with Northern Rodeo Association-sanctioned events and family fun. Set in the gorgeous Shield's Valley, with the Crazy Mountains as a backdrop, the drive to get there is half the fun!
More Info: Wilsall Rodeo
Big Timber Rodeo
June 28-29, 2024
Big Timber, MT
This lively rodeo is part of Sweet Grass Fest, a community celebration with a parade, car show, local vendors, and live music! Sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association-Billings, MT, events include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, breakaway roping, team roping, and barrel racing. Weather permitting there will be mutton busting!
Tickets: At the gate or Online
More Info: bigtimber.com
Livingston Roundup PRCA Rodeo
July 1 - 4, 2024
Livingston, MT
One of the most popular rodeos in the state, the Livingston Roundup celebrates its 100th year in 2024! The rodeo runs for four nights this year, with fireworks following each night, and a parade on Tuesday afternoon. People come from all over the state to enjoy this one. Book your tickets early as they often sell out in advance.
Tickets: Online here, or in-person at the Livingston Chamber of Commerce, Yellowstone Sporting Goods, or Murdoch's
More Info: livingstonroundup.com
Ennis 4th of July Rodeo
July 3 - 4, 2024
Ennis, MT
Similar to Livingston, the fly fishing hub and cowboy town of Ennis hosts a rodeo as part of its Fourth of July weekend celebration. Just west of Bozeman in the heart of the Madison Valley, Ennis has been hosting its annual rodeo since the early 1950s and is sure to bring out the whole town of Ennis. One of the area's favorite parades takes place down Main Street at 10 am on July 4, with fireworks that evening in Virginia City!
Tickets: Online
More Info: ennischamber.com
Three Forks NRA Rodeo
July 19-20, 2024
Three Forks, MT
Three Forks is located right down I-90, just west of Bozeman, and offers a great small-town atmosphere. Their annual rodeo is a favorite of Bozemanites looking to get out of town for a night and enjoy a classic Montana rodeo. We recommend making a night of it and stopping by the Sacajawea Hotel for dinner and drinks.
Tickets: Online, Murdoch’s, Main Street Office, and Three Forks Saddlery
More Info: threeforksrodeo.com
Big Sky Community Rodeo
July 12, 2024
Big Sky, MT
A prelude to the Big Sky PBR, this community rodeo features Montana State University's finest up-and-coming rodeo athletes. This year, mutton bustin’ and an additional special feature of 406 Rodeo miniature bucking stock ridden by junior roughstock kids will highlight the evening.
Tickets: Online
More Info: bigskypbr.com
Big Sky PBR
July 18-20, 2024
Big Sky, MT
The Big Sky PBR is coming to the the big sky once again with three action-packed days at PBR Arena, located about an hour's drive from Bozeman. The festivities start with a golf tournament, followed by three days of bull riding, Music in the Mountains, and Friday and Saturday Night After Parties.
Tickets: Online
More Info: bigskypbr.com
Last Chance Stampede PRCA Rodeo
July 24-27, 2024
Helena, MT
This award-winning rodeo is located at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Bozeman. Accompanied by a fair, carnival, parade, and live music by Chase Rice, Bret Michaels, Scotty McCreery, and FloRida, this event is sure to be a great time!
Tickets: Online
More Info: lastchancestampede.com
Bozeman Stampede PRCA Rodeo
August 8-10, 2024
Bozeman, MT
Bozeman's own rodeo event, the Bozeman Stampede, is held at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in the center of town. It's one of the fastest-growing rodeos in the state and has won multiple awards, including NRA Rodeo of the Year. The event benefits local youth rodeo organizations and the rodeo team at Montana State University. Events include bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing, team roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, ladies' breakaway, and junior events.
Tickets: Online
More Info: bozemanstampede.com
Calamity's Classic Hometown Rodeo
August 17-18, 2024
Livingston, MT
A 2023 NRA Platinum Rodeo of the Year, this hometown rodeo brings a second competition to Livingston. A unique business model, the organization also supports the next generation of ranchers and farmers through scholarships.
Tickets: Online
More Info: Calamity's Classic Hometown Rodeo
For more ways to experience Bozeman, download our Travel Guide.
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