The legendary Jackson Hole Rodeo is not only a staple activity in the summer months, but this longstanding tradition has been delighting locals and visitors alike for over 120 years!
Rodeo has been a part of Jackson Hole’s cowboy culture since the first settlers arrived over a century ago. The Wilson Family has kept the tradition alive and kicking for generations with exciting events and fun for the whole family. You’ll ride the edge of your seat while watching brave athletes compete in bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, saddle bronc riding, mini bull riding, and more.
Experience The Rodeo
Loated at the Teton County Fairgrounds in Downtown Jackson Hole, the rodeo runs Wednesdays, Saturdays, & some Fridays - Memorial Day through Labor Day every year. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and all rodeos start at 8 p.m. - ending between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. And don't forget - these cowboys ride RAIN or SHINE!
Rodeo Events:
- Bronc Riding - a rodeo event that involves a participant riding on a horse (sometimes called a bronc or bronco) that attempts to throw or buck off the rider. Originally based on the necessary horse breaking skills of a working cowboy, the event is now a highly stylized competition that utilizes horses that often are specially bred for strength, agility, and bucking ability.
- Bareback Bronc Riding - This is one of the most physically demanding events in rodeo competition and has a very high injury rate. Cowboys ride the bucking horse one-handed and cannot touch or hang onto anything with their free hand. Riders use leather rigging with a handle, similar to that of a suitcase, to hold on. To make the event more difficult for the rider, they are required to lean back and spur in a highly stylized manner that was never historically used in actual practice.
- Bull Riding - Dubbed “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” this event involves a rider getting on a bucking bull and attempting to stay mounted while the animal tries to buck off the rider. The rider must attempt to stay on the bull for at least eight seconds, while only touching the bull with his riding hand. His other hand must remain free for the duration of the ride.
- Barrel Racing - This is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. This event combines both the horse’s athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of the rider to safely and successfully maneuver the horse around three barrels (typically fifty-five gallon metal or plastic drums) placed in a triangle in the center of the arena.
- Calf Roping - Also known as tie-down roping, this rodeo event features a calf and a rider mounted on a horse. The goal of this timed event is for the rider to catch the calf by throwing a loop of rope from a lariat around its neck, dismount from the horse, run to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together, in the fastest time possible.
- Breakaway Roping - This is a variation of calf roping that features a calf and one mounted rider, where a calf is roped, but not thrown and tied.
- Team Roping - Also known as heading and heeling, this rodeo event features a steer (typically a Corriente) and two mounted riders. Team roping is the only rodeo event where men and women compete equally together in professionally sanctioned competition, in both single-gender or mixed-gender teams.
We are please to offer our guests FREE tickets to the rodeo when available. It's an iconic Jackson Hole event that can't be missed!
2024 Jackson Hole Rodeo Schedule
The Rodeo History
In 1890, Sylvester Wilson brought the first group of settlers over Teton Pass into what is now Jackson Hole. He came with his family to raise cattle on the fertile grass, which grew abundantly in the valley. 120 years and six generations later, the pioneer spirit lives on through the Wilson family who continue the western heritage and traditions of the rodeo. They invite you to enjoy it with them.