Reno Rodeo

The Reno Rodeo is a 10-day PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) sanctioned event that takes place at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center each year in June. Dubbed the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” the Reno Rodeo is a nonprofit organization made up of more than 900 volunteers and hosts more than 140,000 spectators each year. The city’s longest-running iconic event includes the rodeo competition, carnival, kick-off concert and Western marketplace. This fun summer event is a must-do for many locals and visitors alike and features attractions for all ages while doing good for our community.

Buy Reno Rodeo tickets and find out more information on the event, including Reno Rodeo dates, info on the rodeo’s schedule and theme nights, and more.

Reno Rodeo Dates

When is the Reno Rodeo? The Reno Rodeo runs every year for 10 whole days in mid to late June, making it a summer staple of Reno-Sparks locals and visitors alike! In addition to 10 days of rodeo competition, fans are treated to a kick-off concert and the Xtreme Bulls event leading up the official start of the rodeo. The 2023 Reno Rodeo dates are June 15-24 – and if you’re getting a hotel for the occasion, we recommend booking early, as the rodeo lassoes in a big crowd. 

Reno Rodeo Tickets

Reno Rodeo tickets sell out fast – so don’t wait too long! You can buy tickets to see the rodeo performances, tickets to see the rodeo’s special events like Xtreme Bulls and the Reno Rodeo Kickoff Concert, and even get wristbands to enter the Reno Rodeo Carnival. 

Tickets for the Reno Rodeo can be purchased in-person at the Reno Rodeo’s ticket office at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center or online. Tickets for Reno Rodeo’s sold-out performances can even be purchased on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis at the Livestock Events Center. To learn more about the Reno Rodeo’s schedule and ticket prices and to purchase your Reno Rodeo tickets, please visit their website.

Reno Rodeo Events Schedule

During the Reno Rodeo, fans witness one of the best rodeo competitions in the country featuring more than 750 professional athletes. In addition to the competition, the Reno Rodeo events schedule is jam-packed with attractions for all ages, including carnival rides, Western shopping at the Double R Marketplace, a drill team competition and the famous Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive.

Rodeo Kick-Off Concert

Kicking off the Reno Rodeo this year is one of country music’s hottest artists, Brothers Osborne, performing at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Outdoor Arena on Wednesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. Talk about the right way to get in the rodeo spirit! Get your tickets now and enjoy a night of great country music.

Xtreme Bull Riding

Can’t get enough bull riding action? Watch as 40 of the world’s best professional bull riders take on 40 of the best bulls in the country during the Xtreme Bulls event, the only officially sanctioned bull riding tour of the PRCA. This event kicks off the Reno Rodeo competition on Thursday, June 15 from 7-9 p.m.

Reno Rodeo Competition

The rodeo competition takes place during the second week of June, beginning on Thursday and continuing through the following Saturday. Get a head start on rodeo festivities by attending the kick-off concert on Wednesday evening. The concert is held in the outdoor arena and features notable rising country stars. Thursday’s opening night is dedicated to Xtreme Bulls, featuring 40 of the world’s best professional bull riders and 40 of the best bulls in the country. Starting on Friday, the lineup of daily events includes bareback riding, a free slack competition, bull riding, mutton bustin’, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and more. On the last weekend, join the Tailgate Party with a cornhole tournament – proceeds benefit the Special Kids’ Rodeo – and a fashion show of the best Western styles.

There are themed nights that change annually, but a few favorites include “Wrangler Retro Night” and “Patriot Night.” And if you’re in the mood for libations, music and dancing, the Jack Daniels tent and The Branding Room, both open nightly, are where to head after the rodeo action ends.

Plan your experience at the Reno Rodeo – check out the Reno Rodeo schedule of events and view the event seating chart.

Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive

The famous annual Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive takes a page out of the history books by driving 300 head of Corriente rodeo steers 100 miles from Doyle, California to the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center in Reno. This event is considered the kick-off to the Reno Rodeo and is a popular spectacle as the drive reaches Reno and makes its way to the Reno Rodeo grounds. Over the five days of the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive, participants spend hours on the trail, then hang their hats in cowboy teepees at the end of the day.

Throughout the drive, the cattle drive leaders and chuckwagon boss teach about cowboy etiquette and tell stories of buckaroo traditions. From riding horseback on the desolate trail and gathering around the campfire to grubbing on delicious Basque food, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the cowboy way of life. Learn more about how you can participate in the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive.

Carnival Rides and Midway

The carnival at the Reno Rodeo, complete with rides and games, is hosted by Davis Shows Northwest and is held in front of the Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center Outdoor Arena. This is the best place to spend time with family and friends if you need a break from the action or if you just want a fun night out! Get ready to win some prizes and indulge in delicious carnival food. The carnival opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

Food and Shopping at the Reno Rodeo

The Reno Rodeo is famous for its delicious food and Western vendors. A must-have while you are there are the “Kick Ass Fries” at BJ’s BBQ or grab a classic funnel cake. Grab some of those and a cold drink, then walk around and check out all of the local and out-of-town vendors. At the Double R Marketplace, you can find everything from Western clothing and home décor to saddles and other riding gear.

Tailgate Party

Join the Reno Rodeo for its first-ever Tailgate Party during the last weekend of the event, June 23-24. Kick off the fun with a cornhole tournament with proceeds benefitting the Special Kids’ Rodeo, and show off your best Western style during a rodeo fashion show.

After-Party Tents

Just because the rodeo competition has ended, doesn’t mean that the party needs to stop. For those 21 and over, put on your dancing boots and head to either the Jack Daniels or Coors Double R Bar tents, open until 1 a.m. For those who love newer country music, the Jack Daniels tent is right up your alley. If you prefer a more ‘old-school’ country sound, then the Double R Bar will have you swinging the night away.

Parking and Tickets

Paid and street parking is available near the event, and it’s always a good idea to get there early. There is also free parking at the Grand Sierra Resort with a shuttle to and from the rodeo grounds from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center or online. And make sure you get your tickets in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday night performances, as it often does sell out!

Reno Rodeo Foundation

The Reno Rodeo Foundation is the charitable arm of the Reno Rodeo. The foundation is committed to enhancing and enriching the Northern Nevada community by giving aid to children and building community partnerships. In support of their goal, the foundation organizes the annual Reno Rodeo Denim Drive to provide clothing for abused, neglected and abandoned infants, children and teens in the 14 Northern Nevada counties.

Ready to experience fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping events like team roping, barrel racing and bull riding? No excuses, saddle up and mosey on down to Reno in June!