Your Guide to the Reno Rodeo

Every June the Reno Rodeo comes to town, a favorite annual event for locals and visitors alike. For 10 days, this PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) sanctioned event brings the world’s best rodeo competitors to Reno Tahoe for action-packed competition. In addition to the nightly rodeo competition, be sure to make time for the carnival, kick-off concert, shopping and of course, the after-parties. If this is your first time attending the Reno Rodeo, get ready for a good time! Make sure you don’t miss any of the best events and action at this year’s Reno Rodeo. 

Your Guide to the Reno Rodeo

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 Cattle Drive

One of the most unique features of the rodeo is the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive. For five days, riders move 300 head of cattle through the high desert, from Doyle, California to Reno. It culminates when they reach Reno at high noon on Thursday, June 15. The sight of hundreds of cattle moving through the streets of Reno is a thrill for all ages.

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

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!