One of the most iconic rodeos in the country is currently underway – and it’s going through the end of August! Set in the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” Cody Nite Rodeo is the only place in the country where summer rodeo performances take place nightly. Part of what makes the event so special is how they showcase competitors of all experience levels, making it the perfect family-friendly outing for all ages. An added bonus: Cody is a hub of Western heritage with endless opportunities to explore museums, historic landmarks, cowboy culture, and breathtaking outdoor landscapes. Time to plan your trip!
June 1 – August 31, 2026
Stampede Park
519 West Yellowstone Ave,
Cody, WY 82414
A Storied History
Cody’s connection to rodeo dates back over a century, with its roots firmly planted in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. Recognizing the public’s fascination with the American frontier, Buffalo Bill saw the need to preserve the traditions of the Wild West before they became part of history. Rodeo tryouts for his show were held behind the Irma Hotel, in what is now the parking lot.
Although the Wild West Show was never formally held in Cody, rodeos and parades became staples of the town’s cultural fabric. In 1913, Buffalo Bill held his final Wild West Show performance and hosted one last parade and rodeo in Cody for the Prince of Monaco. Buffalo Bill passed away in 1917, marking the end of an era in the American West.
In 1919, Clarence Williams led the initiative to establish a rodeo in Cody, honoring Buffalo Bill’s legacy and preserving the “Old West” traditions he championed. Timed to coincide with the opening of the East Gate into Yellowstone Park, the inaugural event took place from June 23 to 25, 1919. By 1920, under the leadership of Caroline Lockhart, the Cody Stampede moved to the Fourth of July, becoming a centerpiece of the town’s summer celebrations. The festivities included parades, rodeos, and, in the evenings, dancing and gambling at the Wolfville Hall.
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.
Now, nearly 90 years later, Cody Nite Rodeo remains an iconic summer staple that sees competitors travel from all over the country to get a piece of the action.
“The Cody Nite Rodeo is where young people learn the business of rodeo — how to ride bareback broncs, saddle broncs, bulls, learn team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping — all of that,” shares Cody Stampede Board Member Jim Facinelli. “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.”
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:
- 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 6/6, 6/30-7/4).
ALL SALES FINAL | NO REFUNDS | NO EXCEPTIONS
“Attending the Cody Rodeo is a must when visiting the Yellowstone area. I love the small town feel that has so much charm.”
Jodi Erpelding
Publication Director
Cowboy Lifestyle Network
Cody, Wyoming: Untamed and True
Cody offers a variety of activities that showcase the spirit of the American West. Visitors can explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a world-class museum featuring exhibits on Western history, art, Native American culture, and wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives, with Yellowstone National Park located just a short distance away. In downtown Cody, charming shops, local restaurants, and historic sites create a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can experience the town’s rich heritage and friendly Western hospitality.
The Cody Nite Rodeo is not just a rodeo – it’s a true western experience that captures the spirit of the American frontier. See you there!
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