Richest Summer Rodeo: Reno Rodeo 2023

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Tagged as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West”, Reno Rodeo 2023 is a must-attend summer rodeo for athletes and spectators alike.

The “Wildest, Richest, Rodeo in the West,” Reno Rodeo 2023 is set to kick off June 15th and run through June 26th. The Reno Rodeo is the city’s longest-running event, dating all the way back to 1919 when the community banded together looking for a way to celebrate the end of WWI, deciding on a rodeo and “carnival of the range.” Today the Reno Rodeo is the fourth richest rodeo in the PRCA, put on by almost 1,000 volunteers with over 140,000 fans in attendance. If you’re going to be in the Reno area you won’t want to miss this action-packed event!

Since 1919 Reno Rodeo has taken place in June, usually around the second weekend of the month. The event runs a little over two weeks if you include the historic cattle drive. The cattle drive takes place in the five days leading up to the Reno Rodeo, 60 guests join a team of cowboy volunteers to drive a herd of 300 head of rodeo steers from Doyle, California to Reno, Nevada. This year’s cattle drive is already sold out but the Reno Rodeo is known for being a Buckin’ Good Time with performances and events for everyone to enjoy! Let’s check out this year’s lineup!

Things to Do

Reno Rodeo Kick-Off Concert

Wednesday, June 14th at 7 pm, the Brothers Osbourne will be kicking off the Reno Rodeo with their signature country rock harmonies and authentic sound!

Rodeo Performances

The spotlight of the Reno Rodeo is its rodeo performances which feature some of the most talented and determined cowboys and cowgirls in the industry competing for $2,000,000 in winnings, this may be why its called the richest week in rodeo! You’re going to witness incredible animal athletes as well in events like saddle bronc & bareback riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. Performances occur nightly and kick off at 7 pm.

Wild Pony Races

You won’t want to miss Reno Rodeo’s Wild Pony Races, June 16th – 19th just before the rodeo performance. Four teams of three kids, between the ages 8-14 years old, will compete. During the race two kids have to rope and halter the pony and the third has to mount and ride. Teams are timed with the longest ride deemed the winner, it’s sure to be a good time.

The Bob Tallman Invitational

June 19th from 8 am to 5 pm in the indoor arena, the Bob Tallman Invitational is the newest major Open roping event and it’s also designed to create what team ropers dream about – a truly limited, hand-picked roster selected by Bob Tallman himself paying record dollars to the industry’s elite.

Reno Rodeo Championship Drill Team Competition

Spectators often get to enjoy the thrill of a drill team during a rodeo performance, but the Reno Rodeo has dedicated an entire event to drill teams for the 2023 championship. Ten teams will compete on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 8:00 am at the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena.

Reno Rodeo Tailgate Party

A brand new event this year is the Reno Rodeo Tailgate Party taking place on Friday, June 23, and kicking off with a cornhole tournament with proceeds benefitting the Special Kids’ Rodeo. Don’t go anywhere because the party continues on Saturday, June 24 with a fashion show. Attendees looking for a VIP experience can pay $40 for a front-row seat with complimentary mimosas and snacks as the models show off the latest Western styles.

These are just a few highlights of this rich and action-packed rodeo, there will also be a nightly carnival opening at 4 pm, an Extreme Bulls performance, and even a group wedding ceremony dubbed “Get Hitched at Reno Rodeo! The Reno Rodeo 2023 is an event you don’t want to miss especially if you want to experience an event rich in history, exciting performances, and added money! Learn more at RenoRodeo.com.

This article was written by Ellee Hageman for the Summer Issue of Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine’s “Best of Summer Rodeo Series.“

Jodi Erpelding

I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!