Rodeo season is officially upon us here in the Valley of the Sun! It’s kicking off right with Lost Dutchman Days 2022, which will continue to be “the fun place to be for all ages”, February 25-27, 2022. This 58th annual event sees 30K people over 3 days of professional rodeo action brought to you by the Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association, a carnival that features 30+ rides, plenty of food and vendors, free entertainment, a parade and so much more! The parade on Saturday morning, February 26th, goes right down the historic Apache Trail in Apache Junction and is always a fan favorite. Thrown into all this action, the committee is providing a stage of FREE live music for our rodeo spectators that will run all weekend long. What would any event be without plenty of food and vendor booths to browse and drool over, they will have plenty, with over 100 setting up to keep the family busy all day long.
The Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Committee partners up with various youth-serving organizations and sponsors to put on this event that entertains the entire family. Profits from this event are donated back to these youth organizations and other youth-serving programs of the Apache Junction Community, ensuring the opportunity to reach the ultimate goal of “Putting Smiles on Kid’s Faces”. On average, Lost Dutchman Days is able to raise over $100,000 to give back to their community. To date, the committee has raised over $1.3 million dollars since the organization’s inception.
There are two main organizations that are the moving forces behind the event, Superstition Mountain Promotional Corporation and the Apache Junction Mounted Rangers. With both organizations being completely made up of volunteers, this event has been growing and evolving since 1965 and 58 years later, they are proud to present the best year yet. If you are interested in getting involved with the committee or either organization, make sure to check out their websites or send them an email.
Lost Dutchman Days Schedule
Kicking off the weekend festivities is the Beer & Brat Party on February 24th, 2022 at the Apache Junction Elks Lodge. There will be free entertainment, a classic car show, and plenty of beer and brats for the whole family! The rodeo action starts at 1:30 pm each day February 25th-27th, 2022 at the Apache Junction Event Center located on the corner of Lost Dutchman and Tomahawk. Each Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association (GCPRA) Performance will be jam-packed with the most exciting rodeo entertainment that the entire family can enjoy. In addition to thrilling rodeo action and entertaining clown acts, food, drink, and shopping vendors will be present for fans to grab a bite to eat and shop around in between events.
Lost Dutchman Days Brat Party
Join us from 12:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Apache Junction Elks Lodge #2349 for everyone’s favorite- Johnsonville Bratwursts, drinks, and live entertainment. All proceeds benefit local youth charities. So don’t miss the FREE entertainment.
Entertainment includes the following bands and showtimes:
12:00 – 2:00 P.M. – Tribute Shows to Elvis Presley & Patsy Cline performed by Carmen Ruiz & Johnny Starr Sampson
2:30 – 4:30 P.M. – Sylvia’s AZ Polka Band
5:00 – 8:00 P.M. – Exit 40 Band
Rodeo Dance Featuring Canyon State Band
The Rodeo Dance will be held from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM at the Elks Lodge 2349 at the corner of Lost Dutchman (Brown Road) and Highway 88. This is the place to be on Friday night on rodeo weekend. Entertainment will be provided by Canyon State Band from 7 P.M. – 11 P.M. This is a non-smoking event! MUST BE 21 years of age to attend. Dance admission is $5.00.
Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Performances
- Friday, February 25th, 2022 – Main Gates open at 9 am, Performance at 1:30 pm
- Saturday, February 26th, 2022 – Main Gates open at 9 am, Performance at 1:30 pm
- Saturday, February 27th, 2022 – Main Gates open at 9 am, Performance at 1:30 pm
The order of events is typically Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway, Bareback, Calf Roping, Barrels, Team Roping, and Bull Riding. The committee is excited to welcome Madison Macdonald, 10x NFR Contract, Trick Rider this year to their 2022 show.
Ticket Information
Parking is free but there is a $2 cash admission to get into the event center.
Adult Rodeo Tickets: $15.00 | Youth Rodeo Tickets: $10.00 (10 and under – 2 and under is free)
Tickets are available to purchase online this year, tickets must be printed and ID available to verify at the gate. Please note this does not include the $2 General Admission Fee OR the pre-sale price.
$2.00 off rodeo prices on advance ticket sales – ONLY AT SELECT LOCATIONS, NOT ONLINE PRICES – Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce & Crazy Horse Saddle Shop.
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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