It’s a celebration 77 years in the making! Yes, you read that right, the 77th Annual Gold Rush Days & Senior Pro Rodeo is returning to Wickenburg, Arizona, February 12-15. Gold Rush Days is Wickenburg’s premier annual event, offering four days of exciting activities for all ages. This beloved celebration features a family-friendly carnival, Senior Pro Rodeo, artisan fair, parade, classic car show, gold panning, and much more. It’s the perfect time to revel in Wickenburg’s rich Western heritage! Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip:
February 12-15, 2026
Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena
935 Constellation Road
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
A Celebration of Heritage and Community
Gold Rush Days honors Wickenburg’s rich history as a ranching and gold mining hub, long before Phoenix was established. Thousands of visitors attend each year and the event has earned national recognition from the Library of Congress as one of America’s Local Legacies. With a reputation like that, I know the 2026 event will be the best yet! Wickenburg is such a fun town to visit any time of year, but it really comes alive during Gold Rush Days.
“Discover what our historic community has to offer. Shop and dine with our local businesses to experience cowboy culture like no other.”
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce
National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA)
At the heart of the rich Gold Rush Days history is the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA). NSPRA is for contestants 40 and older, who compete in 10 sanctioned events: Bareback, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Men’s Breakaway Roping, Ribbon Roping, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, and Team Roping.
These seasoned competitors bring with them nonstop action and excitement the whole family can enjoy! Gates open at noon, and the rodeo begins at 2:00 pm on February 14 and 15. The rodeo is rain or shine. Join me and immerse yourself in true Wickenburg culture!
A Packed Schedule of Exciting Events
Each year, there are so many things to see and do, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever!
- Thursday, Feb 12 – Kick off with the first annual All-Women’s Breakaway Roping “Roping for Gold” at Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena (935 Constellation Rd), 1.5 miles from downtown.
- Registration at 9 AM; roping starts at noon. Prize pot: $5,000. Vendors will be open. Tickets online or at Wickenburg Visitor Center (216 N. Frontier St).
- Evening: Brown’s Amusements Family Fun Carnival at Wickenburg Community Center opens at 4 PM.
- Friday, Feb 13 – Rodeo Slack at Everett Bowman Arena, 11 AM–1 PM.
- Opening Ceremonies on Frontier Street at 10 AM, with live music by Kaden Hernandez, trick roping by Will Roberts, and Wickenburg Marshals.
- Classic cars on display 9 AM–12 PM. Space is limited to the first 75 entries, so don’t wait. For details or to register, call 928-684-5479.
- New: “Breast of Gold” 1-mile walk starts at 9 AM at Calvary Baptist Church (register at wickenburgbootsbreastcancer.org). This event is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer. Whether you walk in honor of a loved one, as a survivor, or simply to show your support, your presence makes a difference.
- Saturday–Sunday, Feb 14–15 – National Senior Professional Rodeo & Open Rough Stock at Everett Bowman Arena.
- Gates open at noon; the rodeo starts at 2 PM. Vendors on-site. Tickets online or at Visitor Center.
- Saturday night: Rodeo dance by the grandstands and beer garden.
- Friday–Sunday, Feb 13–15 – Main festival area at 160 N. Valentine St, 9 AM–5 PM: Wickenburg Art Club Artisan Fair & juried art show, 150+ arts & crafts vendors, gold panning, live music, and family fun carnival running into the evenings.
Gold Rush Days Parade
One of the highlights of the weekend is the Gold Rush Days Parade on Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 AM. This parade is one of the largest in Arizona, with more than 70 entries, including dozens of horses, classic automobiles, marching bands, and youth groups. The theme for the 2026 parade is “Heart of Gold.” Entry forms are available online or at the Visitors Center.
- Entry Fee: $35 for members | $40 for non-members
- Deadline: January 31, 2026
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