Tucson gives the perfect backdrop for an event that has deep roots in the history of the US, the rodeo. Did you know the rodeo can be tracked all the way back to the 1800’s? Back then, they were known as Wild West Shows and were similar to what we call rodeos today. Many places claim to be the birthplace of the rodeo, but on July 4th, 1888, Prescott Arizona held their first rodeo. Today, we celebrate the heritage of the rodeo lifestyle with numerous events during Tucson Rodeo Week, or La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.
Opening Day Event $5 admission Feb. 20th
Gates open at 11 a.m. and the rest of the day is filled with activities for the whole family. The goal? To start off the Tucson Rodeo off on the right foot… or boot! Enjoy lunch, drinks, and a live viewing of the Tucson Rodeo. The actual rodeo consists of seven different events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. After the rodeo, head to Coors Barn for the dance which is included in the price of admission that day.
Second Performance $5 admission Feb. 21st
Sunday is Pink Day! Starting at 8 a.m. is Chicks-n-Chaps, a fundraising event for breast cancer. Cowboys and Cowgirls should wear pink to the event. After that, head to Coors barn for the second performance of the rodeo. Today’s events include RAM Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo followed by the ProRodeo competition. Lunch and drinks will be available and don’t forget to end the night right at the Coors Barn Dance!
Tucson Rodeo Parade $10/Adults $5/Kids under 13 Feb. 25th
The Tucson Rodeo Parade has over 200 non-motorized floats that travel down a half mile route. While you can see the parade from many different locations all along the route, the Grandstand is where you want to reserve your seat. Before the parade, in front of the Grandstand, there will be a show starring the Sons of Orpheus Men’s Chorus, Mariachi Aztlan de Pueblo High School, and a good ol’ fashioned shoot out.
Tucson Rodeo Night at Trail Dust Town (Free Admission) Feb. 26th
Not much for the hustle and bustle of the rodeo? Celebrate the rodeo with the rest of the city in a small town setting. There will be a petting zoo and carnival rides as well as entertainment and food. The activities are charged separately with the petting zoo at $2 ea., Wild West Stunt Shows at $4 ea., Ravenhearse Classic Haunt at $4 ea., and Museum of The Horse Soldier at $3 each. If you want to do it all, you can purchase a wristband for $8. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit the Therapeutic Ranch For Animals and Kids.
Rodeo Events $5/Day Feb. 25th & 26th
Friday and Saturday we resume our rodeo competition starting at 11 a.m. The schedule remains the same as the weekend prior and each day has a dance afterwards at the Coors Barn. However, Sunday is when we get to the biggest day of the rodeo.
Tucson Rodeo Finals $5 Admission Sunday, Feb. 28th
Gates will open at 11 and lunch will be served with a live feed to the Tucson Rodeo Finals. Here you can witness the finals of the rodeo in style. Celebrate afterwards with the last rodeo dance of the week.
Looking for tons more rodeo fun? Local blogger Desert Chica has some fun Rodeo activities for kids!
