There's something electric about rodeo season—the smell of arena dirt, the thunder of hooves, the eight-second battles between cowboy and beast that make your heart stop. Whether you're a die-hard PRCA fan, a PBR enthusiast, or someone who just loves the culture and community of Western events, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year on the rodeo circuit.
From the kickoff at Fort Worth Stock Show in January to the grand finale at the National Finals Rodeo in December, we've mapped out the major rodeos, stock shows, and Western events you won't want to miss. Grab your best Twinstone hat, mark your calendar, and let's ride through the year ahead.
Winter: January - March
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January 17 - February 8)
The year starts with a bang in Cowtown. Fort Worth's legendary stock show brings world-class PRCA rodeo action alongside one of the nation's premier livestock exhibitions. This 23-day extravaganza features top-tier entertainment, carnival rides, and enough Texas pride to fuel the entire rodeo season. Pro tip: the mutton bustin' is just as entertaining as the bull riding.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February 13 - March 2)
Everything's bigger in Texas, and San Antonio proves it. This 18-day celebration combines championship rodeo with concerts from country music's biggest names. The AT&T Center transforms into a Western wonderland where you'll find families, cowboys, and fans from across the country gathering under one roof.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (March 3 - March 22)
The world's largest livestock show and rodeo competition doesn't mess around. Houston brings unmatched scale—we're talking 20 consecutive days of rodeo action at NRG Stadium, plus concerts that regularly sell out to 75,000 fans per night. This is where legends are made and records are broken.
Spring: April - June
Rodeo Austin (March 14 - March 29)
Austin keeps it weird and Western. This event perfectly blends traditional rodeo with the city's eclectic culture, offering PRCA competition alongside entertainment that only Austin could pull off.
Reno Rodeo (June 19 - 28)
Known as the "Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West," Reno delivers on its promise. This 10-day event features some of the richest purses outside of the NFR, attracting top cowboys and cowgirls chasing both glory and substantial payouts. The atmosphere? Pure Nevada energy.
Summer: July - August
Calgary Stampede (July 3 - 12)
While technically north of the border, the Calgary Stampede deserves mention as one of the world's most iconic rodeo events. This 10-day spectacle showcases the best of Western heritage with world-class rodeo, chuckwagon races, and an infectious celebration of cowboy culture that draws visitors from across the globe.
Cheyenne Frontier Days (July 17 - 26)
The "Daddy of 'em All" lives up to its nickname. Cheyenne Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration in the world, featuring nine nights of PRCA rodeo, alongside concerts, parades, and an atmosphere that transports you back to the Old West. Wear your best Western wear—this crowd knows authentic when they see it.
Pendleton Round-Up (September 9 - 13)
Oregon's legendary Round-Up brings over a century of tradition to life each September. This is rodeo at its most authentic, where the competition is fierce, and the community connection runs deep.
Fall: September - November
Roping and riding competitions across America
Fall brings a packed schedule of regional rodeos, including state championships and qualifying events. From county fairs to professional circuits, this is when cowboys and cowgirls push hard to secure their spots at the year's grand finale.
American Royal Rodeo (October/November - Kansas City)
Kansas City's American Royal combines professional rodeo with one of the nation's premier livestock shows and a BBQ competition that's become legendary in its own right.
Winter Finale: December
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (December 3 - 12)
Las Vegas lights up for the Super Bowl of rodeo. The NFR brings the top 15 contestants in each event to the Thomas & Mack Center for 10 rounds of the most intense rodeo competition on earth. With over $10 million in prize money on the line and world championships decided, this is where dreams come true or hearts break. The energy is unmatched, the talent is extraordinary, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
PBR Highlights Throughout 2026
The Professional Bull Riders circuit runs parallel to PRCA events, with the Unleash The Beast tour stopping in major cities nationwide. Key stops include Madison Square Garden (January), Chicago, Nashville, and culminating with the PBR World Finals in Fort Worth (May). For pure adrenaline and eight seconds of chaos, PBR delivers every single time.
Saddle Up in Style
Every rodeo fan knows that showing up appropriately dressed is part of the experience. Whether you're in the stands at Cheyenne or competing at your local jackpot, your hat makes a statement. That is where Twinstone comes in. Quality craftsmanship meets authentic Western style.
We are calling on our Twinstone family to represent this year. When you're at these incredible events, snap a photo in your Twinstone hat and tag us on social media. We love seeing our hats where they belong — on real cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo fans living the Western lifestyle from coast to coast.
The 2026 rodeo calendar offers something for everyone, from serious competitors to families seeking an authentic Western experience. These events preserve and celebrate a way of life that is uniquely American, and we are honored to be part of that tradition.
So dust off those boots, grab your favorite Twinstone, and we will see you down the road. The West rides all year long. Make sure you're there for it.
