Southern California, adored for ocean‑cooled summers, sun‑splashed days, iconic palms swaying like they’re posing for a postcard, and of course that unmistakable Hollywood sparkle, is more than most tend to remember; Desert Rodeo exemplifies that dust‑kicking, saddle‑horn‑gripping Cali past that proves the Wild West didn’t stop at the Rockies, it rode straight to the Pacific. This isn’t California’s first rodeo!
Desert Rodeo
Friday, April 24th – Sunday, April 26th
Desert International Horse Park
85555 Airport BLVD, Thermal, CA
California! Desert Rodeo is back for year two. With year one topping the charts in rodeo thrills, spills, and excitement, this one‑of‑a‑kind Cali celebration blends rough‑and‑tumble rodeo with the glitter and glam of festival season. And with the 2026 festival season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy your favorite artists. Coinciding with the beloved Stagecoach Festival, less than a ten‑minute drive away, Desert Rodeo is the ideal pregame before hitting the dance floor and a standout first‑time rodeo experience for music fans looking to make the most of their weekend.
Rodeo like the Pros
Committed to top‑of‑the‑line entertainment, Desert Rodeo is proud to partner once again with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Flying U Rodeo Company to deliver a rodeo experience unlike any other. With more than six decades of family expertise producing top stock and standout rodeo entertainment, Flying U is set to bring that same signature flair straight to the Cali desert. Joining the excitement is the world’s oldest and largest rodeo‑sanctioning body, the PRCA, ready to showcase elite rodeo athletes and heart‑pounding events including breakaway roping, team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie‑down roping, barrel racing, and the always‑thrilling bull riding.
Shopping, Dining, and Midway Rides Oh My!
Open throughout event hours, rodeo‑goers can try their hand at carnival games, take on gravity‑defying rides, enjoy tasty dining and drinks at the Outlaw Oasis, and even squeeze in some festival‑style shopping. Bringing together all the best parts of ProRodeo fun, attendees won’t want to miss Retail Ranch, where they can pick up the latest rodeo fashion and official Desert Rodeo merch. Interactive experiences like boot branding, custom hat shaping, and more will have you looking and feeling your best all rodeo season.
Giving Back the Cowboy Way
Desert Rodeo is proud to partner with Golden Circle of Champions, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children battling pediatric cancer. Through community‑driven fundraising, Desert Rodeo will support local families in the Greater Palm Springs area while empowering children to build courage through cowboy camaraderie.
Purchase Your Desert Rodeo Tickets Today!
Desert Rodeo offers a range of pass options for every type of guest, from festival‑only Midway access to full rodeo admission and premium elevated experiences. All passes include complimentary parking, ADA accessibility, and no added service fees, with food, drinks, and merchandise available through cashless payment. Guests can explore key areas like the PRCA‑sanctioned rodeo arena, the Retail Ranch for Western fashion and official merch, the Outlaw Oasis for drinks and activations, and the Country Cookout for great eats. Military members, first responders, public servants, and educators can also enjoy exclusive discounted passes through GOVX. For those seeking upgraded comfort, Saddle Plus options offer front‑row seating or reserved high‑top tables with premium perks, while the Premium Rodeo Box delivers a luxury cabana‑style experience for groups. Multi‑day bundles are available for fans who want to enjoy all three days of Desert Rodeo.
Rodeo Roots: How Desert Rodeo Got it’s Start
If you’re curious about how Desert Rodeo got its start, Cowboy Lifestyle Network has you covered. Dive into our exclusive interview with co-founder, Cassie DiLaura, for the inside scoop on the event’s roots, inspiration, and the vision that brought this modern western celebration to life.
Thank You Sponsors
Events like this are not successful without the wonderful sponsors. A sincere thank you goes out to all the Desert Rodeo Sponsors.
True Vet Solutions
True Vet Solutions is a veteran-owned and operated organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who have served in the United States military. Founded by retired Army Sergeant Major Tracy Glover, the company provides personalized 1:1 support to help veterans navigate the often complex VA system, with a specific focus on “lifestyle claims” and disability benefit increases. By offering expert guidance on career transitions, resource education, and the claims process, True Vet Solutions empowers veterans to secure the benefits they earned, ensuring they can lead healthy, fulfilling, and financially stable lives after their service.
Last Updated on 04/16/2026 by Taryn Cantrell
About the Author:
CLN Community Sponsor
