A Wild West Experience at the Jackson Hole Rodeo

Step into the Wild West at the Jackson Hole Rodeo, an iconic summer tradition since 1890. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, this beloved event attracts both visitors and locals alike for a night of Western culture and history.

The rodeo’s roots trace back to Sylvester Wilson, who led the first group of settlers across Teton Pass into Jackson Hole. More than a century later, the Wilson family continues to honor that pioneering legacy, continuing the traditions of the Jackson Hole Rodeo.

What to Expect at the Rodeo

The rodeo showcases a mix of timed competitions and roughstock challenges. In roughstock events, a contestant’s score is equally dependent upon performance and the animal’s effort, while timed events have contestants racing against the clock to complete their tasks as quickly as possible. Here are some of the highlights you’ll see in the arena:

Bronc Riding

Riders try to hold steady on a bucking horse as it twists and leaps to throw them off.

Bareback Bronc Riding

Known for its intensity, this event requires riders to stay on the horse using only one hand while withstanding the powerful force of the animal. It is one of the most physically demanding events in the rodeo.

Bull Riding

One of the most thrilling and daring events, where cowboys attempt to stay mounted on a powerful bull for eight seconds.

Barrel Racing

Fast-paced and graceful, horse-and-rider teams weave around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, aiming for the quickest time.

Calf Roping

Competitors rope a calf, dismount, and secure it as quickly as possible in a true display of roping skill.

Breakaway Roping

A variation of calf roping where the rope breaks free once the calf is caught, without the need to tie.

Team Roping

Riders compete as pairs, working together to rope a steer. Team roping is the only rodeo event where men and women compete equally together.

Plan Your Visit

The rodeo takes place rain or shine every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 8 p.m. It is recommended that you arrive early and purchase tickets online in advance (the rodeo sells out fast!). The gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo suggests arriving around 7:15 p.m. to secure good seats.

Concessions are available on-site, offering rodeo food, soft drinks, and adult beverages. Feel free to bring a blanket or seat cushion for your comfort, but you are kindly asked to leave backpacks, coolers, and any outside food and beverages at home.

Add the Jackson Hole Rodeo to your itinerary and experience firsthand the excitement and tradition that make the West so unforgettable.