With more than 100 years of rodeo under its belt, the entertainment at the California Rodeo Salinas 2023 is sure to bring pure adrenaline from July 20th to July 23rd, 2023. Get there early to check out the kick-off concert sponsored by Taylor Farms featuring Little Big Town on July 14th, and then stick around for all the rodeo action in the days following.
The term “Big Week,” often used during this exciting week, comes straight from the history books! In 1911, the Wild West Show was held at the Sherwood Race Track grounds, and as you probably guessed, it was a week full of excitement! The rodeo just grew from there. The 1920s saw the construction of a new grandstand seating 8,000 people, a ½ mile racetrack, and barns and bucking chutes. The 1990s brought a complete makeover for the rodeo with another new grandstand built, doubling the capacity, and a saloon built at the arena’s south end. The Chuck Wagon races were brought back. A commitment to the success of this rodeo has continued to drive leadership to work on future improvements to ensure the longevity of the California Rodeo Salinas.
The 2023 Big Week Kick-Off Concert is an event you don’t want to miss! The headliner, Little Big Town, a GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, AMA, and Emmy award-winning country group, takes the stage on July 14th. Members of the band include Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook, who will feature songs from many of their albums along with their most recently released studio album Mr. Sun which debuted as the Top Country Album by a group in 2022.
Stick around for the California Rodeo Salinas’ Hall of Fame Induction on July 20th. This event is a way to honor those who helped build the legacy of the California Rodeo Salinas. The rodeo has been supported by volunteers on over 60 committees whose talents have made it what it is. Inductees include Pat DuVal, Notable, Jim Shoulders, Contestant, The Harden Foundation, Supporter & Contributor, and Gary Gist, Supporter & Contributor.
The big rodeo kicks off on July 20th, the largest rodeo in California and one of the country’s top ten professional rodeos. The top cowboys and cowgirls bring the action in the arena, so make sure you get to the performance with gates opening at 4 pm, the Grand Entry charging into the arena at 6 pm, and the performance starting at 6:30 pm. The rodeo isn’t the only thing to entertain you! Check out the food, shopping, and saloons. There is something for everyone, so the whole family will walk away with memories to last a lifetime.
Rodeo Schedule
The rodeo action continues to Friday, July 21st, with the performance starting at 6 pm; Saturday, July 22nd, the action kicks off at 1:45 pm, and your last chance to see the rodeo is Sunday, July 23rd, at 1:45 pm. While you’re at the rodeo, make sure you are in your seats for all the events, but you definitely don’t want to miss the Industrial Calf Dressing. This unique and fun event allows non-professional rodeo contestants a chance to be in the arena. The goal of this event is to dress a large calf in a pair of giant Wranglers. The only rules that apply are the pants have to be on the right end of the calf, and no harm can be done to the animal.
Don’t miss the “Big Week” in California Rodeo Salinas 2023 this year! An event like none other, with more activities and shows than your favorite theme park, you and your family will bring home memories that will last a lifetime.
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