What if I told you that one of the most iconic rodeos in the country is three months long and is held every summer? You read that right! Cody Nite Rodeo has been a Wyoming staple for 90 years, and there’s nothing quite like it. Held nightly during the summer months of June through August in Cody, Wyoming, this is a thrilling celebration of rodeo tradition that competitors and spectators alike won’t want to miss. What makes the Cody Nite Rodeo unlike any other is their inclusivity. Competitors of all experience levels are invited to participate, and their family-friendly activities make it a perfect outing for all ages.
June 1 – August 31, 2025
Stampede Park
519 West Yellowstone Ave, Cody, WY 82414
Rich History, Iconic Rodeo
In 1938, Carly Downing, a former Wild West show performer, founded the Cody Nite Rodeo, originally called the “Pup Rodeo.” The event quickly became a vital part of the Stampede and the broader Cody community, providing economic support for the Stampede while attracting cowboys from across the nation. This nightly rodeo brought the excitement of the Wild West to travelers all summer long.
Many of the rodeo’s top bucking stock and famous cowboys trace their roots to the Cody Rodeo, including the legendary “Come Apart,” a ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee famous during the 1950s and 1960s. Riders such as Freckles Brown, the 1962 World Champion Bull Rider, and Mel Stonehouse, a top competitor in the 1930s and 1940s, began their careers at the Nite Rodeo in 1938.
Event Details
- Gates Open: 7:00 p.m.
- Rodeo Begins: 8:00 p.m.
- Seating: General admission, with two designated seating sections. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online to ensure your spot.
- Pre-Rodeo Activities
- Arrive early to take full advantage of the festivities:
- Photo Opportunity: Snap a picture with our live rodeo bull, Norman.
- Interactive Fun: Enjoy face painting by the rodeo clowns, learn roping techniques like the cowboys and cowgirls, and visit the Cody Nite Rodeo Store for souvenirs to remember your visit.
Cody Nite Rodeo tickets are not specific to any date. Just purchase the quantity needed and they can be redeemed any one night of your choice (excluding 6/7, 6/30-7/4, 8/16).
Commitment
Cody’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rodeo tradition ensures that it will always be known as the heart and soul of the sport.
“When we had it up on the hill, before moving to our current location in 1975, we used to get around 300 – 400 people per night at the Cody Nite Rodeo. And now we’re probably seeing somewhere around 1,100 people per night,” says longtime Cody Stampede Board Member Jim Facinelli. “For the last five or six years now, we put on a rodeo school in collaboration with the PRCA at the Nite Rodeo. So, this is a training ground for the PRCA. And the Nite Rodeo is where a lot of cowboys and cowgirls got their start, right here in Cody. And the rodeo runs as smooth as any rodeo in the country.”
A Trip to Remember
Cody might just be one of the coolest places you can visit out West. It’s got a perfect mix of history, scenery, and small-town character that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. If you’re a history buff, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is seriously impressive – five museums in one spot, and somehow none of them feel boring! The downtown is full of charm, with local shops, old saloons, and just a friendly vibe. And if you’re into the outdoors, there’s hiking, rafting on the Shoshone, and of course, Yellowstone just up the road.
Whether you’re into Western history or just want something a little different, Cody delivers both in and out of the arena. Whether you’re there to take in the rodeo, relish in the stunning views, or just feel a little more connected to cowboy culture, Cody’s got you covered.
Last Updated on 07/20/2025 by Carly Billington
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