Giddy Up! This summer’s guide to the RODEO
Among the zillions of fun things to do during an Oregon summer, there is (arguably) the most American pastime… nope, not baseball. Rodeos! Yee-haw! Below we have a list of some of the big’uns, which we’ve tried to keep within an hour or so drive from Portland. However, there are SO MANY rodeos throughout the summer, all throughout Oregon, that with a quick search you could probably locate one wherever and whenever you would like there to be a rodeo. So, at the end of this list is a link for you to scope out more rodeos all throughout the state. Let’s dig in!
Molalla Buckeroo, Jun 25-Jul 4
The Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo is in its 93rd year, and has definitely nailed the rodeo experience. This year’s schedule starts on June 25th with a Kickoff Party, featuring The Coastal Farm & Ranch Challenge of Champions Tour Bullriding, live music and an after party. The 26th is the Annual Molalla Buckeroo Trail Ride at 9am. The weekend of July 1-4 there will be parades, fireworks, live music, a Freedom 5k Race and of course, the Molalla Buckeroo PRCA Rodeo every night! Kickoff party tickets $10-15, Rodeo tickets $9-17, molallabuckeroo.com
St. Paul Rodeo, Jun 30-Jul 4
Now in its 81st year, the St. Paul Rodeo has firmly established itself as one of the most reputable rodeos in the country, attracting nearly one thousand competitors each year from all over the world. They certainly have a fantastic July 4th weekend lined up, with a Wild West Art Show, the Tack Room Saloon that opens on June 30th, the Great Western BBQ Cookoff on the 4th (oh, yum) and a carnival and fireworks scheduled everyday. All that, PLUS a world-class rodeo! And if bullriding is what you’re after, get out there on June 30th to check out the Professional Bull Riders. Rodeo tickets $16-30, stpaulrodeo.com
Vancouver Rodeo, Jul 1-4
This rodeo has two feet and four hooves firmly planted in the history of rodeo and the Wild West. Featuring every event you could want, from steer wrestling and bull riding to bareback, saddle bronc, team roping and more, there’s no doubt you will find the heart-pounding entertainment you want for your July 4th weekend. They even have a Mutton Bustin’ event at each performance, where competitors 8 and under get a chance to try their hand at sheep wranglin’ – and you get to watch rodeo riders in the making! $8-10 general admission (children 6 and under free), reserved seating options, vancouverrodeo.com
Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo, Aug 3-6
The Yamhill County Fair is the oldest running fair in Oregon, and from its humble beginnings 162 years ago it has grown into an all-around awesome family event – complete with rodeo! Each night features a different musical act, bullriding and bucking broncos, and there’s even a demolition derby at the end! Oh, and kids get in free till 3pm everyday – how great is that?? $5-20, co.yamhill.or.us/fair
Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo, Aug 16-21
Head out to the Clackamas County Fair for Canby Rodeo and Funtastic Carnival action! Grab the gang and stroll the midway for all the classic carnival fun you could want, with games and rides galore. Then step on into the rodeo (the stands, of course!) and feast your eyes on the pros while they barrel race, bull ride, steer wrestle, bareback ride and more. There will also be daily specials to scope out, including family day on Sunday with free admission for kids under 12. Important: there will be BBQ. $5-20, clackamas.us
Pendleton Roundup, Sept 14-17
Each year, the Pendleton Roundup transforms the town of Pendleton into a modern-day frontier. While the rodeo is certainly at the heart of Pendleton Roundup, there are also events such as the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant and Teepee Village, as well as Professional Bull Riding and the Westward Ho! Parade, featuring covered wagons, traditional Native American dress, and marching bands. Main St. will also be closed down and transformed into a carnival with live music and vendors. If you’re looking for the full on western rodeo experience, this is it! $15-70, pendletonroundup.com
Well, that wraps up our list. Here’s a link to a schedule of Oregon rodeos to check out more dates and locations!