The excitement is building across the rodeo world as the 2026 National Little Britches Rodeo Finals prepares to welcome the best young cowboys and cowgirls in the country to Oklahoma City. From June 28 through July 4, thousands of contestants, families, and fans will gather at the OKC Fairgrounds for one of the most anticipated youth rodeo events of the year.
June 28 – July 4, 2026
OKC Fairgrounds
3001 General Pershing Blvd.
OKC, OK 73107
A Rich History in Youth Rodeo
Since 1952, the National Little Britches Rodeo Association has served as a launching pad for rodeo’s future stars. The organization has helped young athletes develop not only their rodeo skills but also the values of hard work, sportsmanship, responsibility, and perseverance. Today, it remains one of the most respected youth rodeo organizations in America.
The Association annually sanctions over 600 youth rodeos in 33 states, which provides more opportunities for NLBRA members across the country. More than 3,900 kids from 33 states compete in NLBRA rodeos each year, each looking to earn enough points to qualify for the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals.
An Exciting Finals Update
The 2026 Finals represents more than just another championship week. It marks a new era as the NLBRF moves to Oklahoma City’s world-class fairgrounds complex. The venue will provide competitors and spectators with an exciting new atmosphere worthy of the nation’s largest youth rodeo championship.
“This is our 10th year at the Lazy E, and it holds a special place in our hearts,” says Sammy Williams, Executive Director of the National Little Britches Rodeo Association. “But we’ve simply outgrown it, just like we outgrew Pueblo before we came here.”
In 2025, the NLBRA hosted 1560 contestants, who competed for the more than $700,000 in awards and college scholarships that were available during the weeklong competition, making it the largest youth rodeo under one roof in the world. The OKC Fairgrounds, which will host the National Finals Rodeo 2026-2028, estimated the annual economic impact at nearly $20 million.
Make the Most of Your Time in Oklahoma City
While the competition will be the main attraction, families attending the 2026 National Little Britches Rodeo Finals will find plenty to explore throughout Oklahoma City during their stay. The city’s famous entertainment district, Bricktown, offers restaurants, shopping, family attractions, and canal boat rides that provide a unique view of downtown. For western heritage enthusiasts, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a must-see destination, featuring world-class exhibits celebrating the history and culture of the American West.
Families looking for outdoor fun can visit Scissortail Park, a beautiful green space in downtown OKC with playgrounds, walking trails, and seasonal events. Animal lovers may enjoy a trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the top-rated zoos in the region. For those interested in Oklahoma’s history, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum offers a powerful and meaningful experience. Meanwhile, sports fans can catch the energy of downtown while exploring the area surrounding the home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.
The future of rodeo will be on full display in Oklahoma City! These contestants work so hard each year, so to see them get to compete in a prestigious venue like the OKC Fairgrounds is incredibly exciting. CLN wishes each and every contestant the best of luck!
Wrangler Promotion
Looking as sharp as the cowboys in the arena just got a whole lot easier. Wrangler is running an exclusive rodeo-season promotion at local stores. For a limited time, you can score Buy 2, Get 1 Free on Wrangler jeans and grab a $10 rebate on shirts. Mark your calendar and swing by your local retailer to lock in these savings!
Last Updated on 06/15/2026 by Jodi Erpelding
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