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Summer Rodeos: Wild Western Tradition

Rodeo barrel racing in Eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Western rodeos reign supreme throughout Eastern Idaho, offering an authentic slice of cowboy culture against a mountain backdrop. Whether you're a seasoned cowboy or a city slicker looking for a taste of the Wild West, Idaho's rodeos promise thrills, excitement, and a lot of cowboy (and cowgirl) spirit.

Rodeo rider lassoing at Teton Valley Rodeo in Eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Let her Buck

in Teton Valley

Cowboy Up tattoo at Teton Valley Rodeo in Eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Let her Buck

in Teton Valley

Rodeo rider lassoing at Teton Valley Rodeo in Eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.
Cowboy Up tattoo at Teton Valley Rodeo in Eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Yellowstone Teton Territory kicks off the rodeo season in Teton Valley in mid-June. Held every Friday night at the Teton County Fairgrounds starting at 6 PM, get ready for a wild ride with the Teton Mountain Range as the backdrop. Situated conveniently close to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park , this rodeo is a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. As the sun sets on the mountains, the arena heats up with thrilling bronco busting and bull riding, offering an authentic taste of Western excitement.

Come hungry for classic food truck fare. Ice cream, churros, tacos, burgers, and fries are hard to resist. However, there are no alcoholic beverages sold at the arena, and many locals tailgate when there is a break in the action. 

The Teton Valley Rodeo has something for everyone in the family. It's a genuine Western experience with a laid-back yet energetic vibe. Prepare to be impressed by the skill of ropers and barrel racers. The rodeo is a way of life in Teton Valley featuring athletic horses and fearless riders. If you have cowboy boots and hats, wear them! You will fit right in. 

Dancing in the street in Dubois, ID in eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Real Cowboys

Dubois Rodeo Weekend

Real Cowboys

Dubois Rodeo Weekend

Dancing in the street in Dubois, ID in eastern Idaho, a part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Dubois, Idaho, is off the beaten path, but its rodeo is a primo event. Self-defined as the rodeo where “real cowboys come to play,” the event is held in mid-June over one weekend. Dubois comes alive over rodeo weekend and is a Clark County summer calendar highlight. The festivities kick off on Saturday with a parade featuring sheep riding, which adds a quirky and comedic twist to the traditional procession. Following the parade, locals and visitors gather for a good ole’ hometown steak fry and street dance, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate in true Western style. Snap on your shirt and put on your best cowboy hat! It's a lively scene filled with laughter, good food, and the unmistakable energy of anticipation for the rodeo events to come.

On Sunday, the spirit of the West continues with Cowboy church, which precedes the main event. The rodeo action heats up quickly with old-fashioned steer riding, showcasing the bravery and skill of the participating cowboys and cowgirls. After the adrenaline rush of the rodeo, attendees can refuel with another delicious steak fry, a perfect way to cap off a weekend of Western fun. Tickets are affordable for the rodeo and the steak dinners, making the Dubois rodeo accessible entertainment for the whole family.

Rodeo in Rexburg

Whoopee Days

Rodeo in Rexburg

Whoopee Days

Rexburg knows how to make whoopee at their Whoopee Days Rodeo from Thursday through Sunday at the end of June. Start the event off with family night, where your whole crew will enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, and pre-rodeo shenanigans. On Friday,  prepare for raging bulls as Eastern Idaho’s top bull riders grab the rope and where fast-moving barrel horses race by. Round out the last day of the rodeo with a heart-pounding fireworks display after the sun sets. 

Whoopee Days is held at the Madison County Fairgrounds and is a sell-out event. Buy your tickets well ahead of time and get ready for 2 nights of cowboy grinnin', electric slidin', corn dog eatin', rodeo clownin', mutton bustin', bandana tyin', boot fittin', hat tippin', chap bucklin', spur spinnin', crowd roarin', denim squeezin', flag wavin', bull ridin' heck of a good time! 

Cowboy Up at

Pioneer Days

Cowboy Up at

Pioneer Days

St. Anthony is famous for its Sand Dunes and Pioneer Days, a weeklong Summer celebration held at the end of July with car shows, a fun run, theater, a parade, and THE RODEO! With the overarching theme of "World Wide Wonders," the 2024 event features a “not to miss” lineup of activities that celebrate local heritage and global diversity. However, among all the activities, the crowning jewel is the Pioneer Days Rodeo, an iconic tradition held at the Fremont County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Pioneer Days Rodeo welcomes crowds from far and wide. The action starts with calf riding, setting the stage for the grand entry, where riders and horses make an impressive procession, capturing the timeless spirit of the American frontier. Cheering spectators and the enticing scent of concession stands complete the experience. The rodeo is a testament to skill, courage, and sheer grit. From the pulse-pounding moments of bull riding to the technical precision of steer wrestling, each event showcases the rugged determination and cowboy/cowgirl spirit that epitomize the Western way of life. 

Idaho's Oldest Rodeo

Warbonnet in Idaho Falls

Idaho's Oldest Rodeo

Warbonnet in Idaho Falls

If you're looking for authentic Western culture, you will find it at the Warbonnet Rodeo, held annually during the first week of August in Idaho Falls. As the oldest rodeo in the state, this event carries a rich legacy of tradition and excitement. Warbonnet festivities include Wednesday night Mutton Bustin, the riding of miniature bulls (don’t let their size fool you -  they have all the power, speed, kick, and spin of their full-size cousins), professional rodeo clowns that will keep the crowd laughing and free-style Western bullfighting (don’t worry - they don’t hurt the bull!). The Warbonnet is a rodeo celebration for the whole family. In addition to steer riding, barrel racing, roping, and chute dogging, younger attendees will enjoy the kids’ zone with bounce houses and a petting zoo with pony rides.

Food and beverages are on site, so come hungry!

After the Rodeo

No matter which rodeo you attend, stay and play awhile in one or all of Eastern Idaho’s Western towns. There is so much to do! Take a "spirited" adventure in Teton Valley. Hit the sand dunes in St. Anthony. Find family fun in Rexburg. Experience small town Idaho in Clark County.

Yellowstone Teton Territory does not disappoint! Check out our Rodeo & Fair Guide for additional details on the rodeos highlighted here and throughout the region.

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