Every summer, the city of Sheridan, Wyoming, transforms into a celebration of Western culture, rodeo tradition, and community pride as the Sheridan WYO Rodeo returns to town. One of the most anticipated events in the Cowboy State, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo has become a beloved tradition that attracts rodeo fans, families, and visitors from across the country. In 2026, the excitement returns from July 8 through July 11 at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, located at 1650 West 5th Street in Sheridan, Wyoming. Rodeo Week festivities will take place throughout the city from July 7 through July 12, creating nearly a full week of entertainment, celebrations, and Western hospitality.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan offers visitors an authentic Western experience unlike any other. The city’s historic downtown, ranching heritage, and breathtaking scenery make it the perfect home for one of the region’s premier rodeo events. During Rodeo Week, the entire community embraces the spirit of the West as businesses decorate storefronts, visitors fill the streets, and locals gather to celebrate a tradition that has been woven into Sheridan’s identity for generations.
July 8 – July 11, 2026
Sheridan County Fairgrounds
1650 West 5th Street
Sheridan, WY 82801
Roots Run Deep
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo traces its roots back to the early twentieth century when ranching and livestock production were central to life throughout northern Wyoming. The event’s direct origins can be linked to rodeos held at the famous PK Ranch in 1928 and 1929. Those early competitions drew thousands of spectators and demonstrated the area’s passion for rodeo and Western sports. Recognizing the potential to showcase Sheridan while preserving the traditions of the American West, local business leaders and community members worked together to establish a professional rodeo for the city.
Their efforts resulted in the first official Sheridan WYO Rodeo in 1931. The event quickly earned a reputation for attracting talented competitors and enthusiastic crowds. Cowboys and cowgirls traveled from across the country to compete while spectators flocked to Sheridan to witness the excitement. What began as a community celebration soon evolved into one of Wyoming’s signature rodeo events.
Like many events of its era, the rodeo faced challenges during World War II. The competition paused in 1942 and 1943 as the nation focused on the war effort. However, Sheridan’s commitment to preserving its rodeo tradition never faded. The event returned in 1944 under the name Bots Sots Stampede and continued to grow throughout the postwar years. By 1951, the historic Sheridan WYO Rodeo name was restored, reaffirming the community’s connection to its original rodeo heritage.
Sheridan WYO Rodeo Ticket Information
Tickets for the 96th Annual Sheridan WYO Rodeo and World Championship Indian Relay Races (held July 8–11, 2026) are handled exclusively through the event’s official ticketing partner, Etix. Organizers strongly advise buyers to only purchase tickets by clicking the “Buy Tickets” links on sheridanwyorodeo.com, warning that fraudulent tickets purchased from unauthorized third-party resellers will not be honored at the gates.
Official ticket prices through the event’s exclusive ticketing partner, Etix, vary depending on the seating tier and performance night.
Single-Night Seating Tiers (Per Ticket):
- Reserved: $31.50
- Chute Side: $31.50
- Choice: $41.50
- North Choice: $41.50
- Prime: $46.50
Multi-Day Package:
- 4-Day Reserved Ticket Package: $108.00 (plus a $5.00 order fee)
Accessible Seating: Limited accessible seating is available at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds for guests with physical accessibility needs. Attendees requiring these seats must request them at the time of purchase, bring their own wheelchairs, and are permitted one companion.
How to Purchase: Tickets are available online via the official website or in person at the seasonal WYO Theater box office (Mars Lobby). During rodeo week, the Fairgrounds box office is open nightly from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Early “Will Call” pickup is encouraged to avoid long lines.
Special Packages & Memberships: Multi-day reserved ticket packages are available, while existing Season Ticket Holders retain first rights to renew their specific seats through early June. Gold Buckle Club members have staggered, prioritized window dates throughout the spring to purchase exclusive club ticket packages while supplies last.
Child Seating Policy: Children ages two (2) and under can attend for free as lap children sitting with a parent or guardian. All guests ages three (3) and older must have their own purchased ticket for entry.
Rocky Mountain Rodeo
Throughout the decades, the rodeo expanded in both size and prestige. Improvements to facilities, growing participation from professional competitors, and strong local support helped elevate the event’s status. Today, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo is recognized as one of the premier rodeos in the Rocky Mountain region and continues to attract top athletes competing for prize money, championship points, and the honor of winning in one of Wyoming’s most respected arenas.
Fans attending the 2026 Sheridan WYO Rodeo can expect four action-packed nights featuring many of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding remains one of the biggest crowd favorites as riders attempt to stay aboard powerful bucking bulls for eight thrilling seconds. Saddle bronc riding and bareback riding showcase the skill and determination of cowboys as they match up against some of the best bucking horses in the business. Steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and breakaway roping highlight the speed, precision, and athleticism that define professional rodeo competition.
What to Expect
One of the most unique attractions of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo is the World Championship Indian Relay Races. Introduced in 1997, these races have become one of the event’s most anticipated features. Often referred to as the “extreme sport of rodeo,” Indian relay racing requires competitors to race bareback around the track while performing rapid horse exchanges during the competition. The combination of speed, strategy, and horsemanship creates a breathtaking spectacle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats and has become a signature part of the Sheridan rodeo experience.
Beyond the arena action, Rodeo Week offers a wide variety of activities that celebrate the culture and traditions of the American West. Visitors can enjoy parades, community gatherings, family-friendly entertainment, vendor markets, and special events held throughout Sheridan. The festivities bring together residents and visitors in a celebration that extends far beyond the rodeo grounds and reflects the strong sense of community that has helped sustain the event for nearly a century.
For many families, attending the Sheridan WYO Rodeo has become an annual tradition passed down through generations. Grandparents who once attended as children now bring grandchildren to experience the same excitement they remember from years ago. This deep connection to tradition is one of the reasons the rodeo continues to thrive and remains an important part of Wyoming’s cultural heritage.
“This is one of my favorite rodeos to ttend during the summer run. The horse races are something all of us need to expierence once in life!”
Bill Blanchard
Production Director and Avid Rodeo Fan
Spirit of the American West
The location itself adds to the event’s appeal. Surrounded by rolling hills, open ranchland, and the towering Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan captures the beauty and spirit of the American West. Visitors often take advantage of their trip to explore nearby attractions, enjoy outdoor recreation, and experience the area’s rich history. The combination of championship rodeo competition and Wyoming’s breathtaking scenery creates an unforgettable summer destination.
As the Sheridan WYO Rodeo approaches its 96th year in 2026, it continues to honor the traditions established by its founders while embracing the future of the sport. From its humble beginnings in the early 1930s to its place today as one of Wyoming’s most respected rodeo events, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo remains a celebration of courage, horsemanship, community, and Western heritage.
For four exciting days in July, Sheridan will once again become the center of rodeo action in Wyoming. Whether attending for the first time or returning as part of a family tradition, visitors can expect world-class competition, unforgettable entertainment, and an authentic Western experience that showcases the very best of the Cowboy State.
Sheridan Prepares to Outride the Devil
The highly anticipated Wyoming premiere of the inspiring docudrama “Outriding the Devil” is set to make a major impact in Sheridan, Wyoming, on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Presented as a standout highlight leading into the Sheridan WYO Rodeo week, the exclusive screening will take place at 5:30 PM at the historic WYO Theater (42 N. Main St., Sheridan, WY).
The film chronicles the powerful, true-life story of Texas Rodeo Hall of Famer and pioneer ranching descendant Angela Ganter, alongside her professional world-champion barrel racer daughter, Jackie Ganter. It captures Angela’s ultimate “ritual of resilience” as she battles and survives breast cancer, turning one of life’s most brutal challenges into one of the greatest comebacks in Western sports history.
Brought to the community through a dedicated partnership involving the Sheridan WYO Rodeo Board and the Gold Buckle Club, as well as Visit Casper and the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care, this premiere is a completely free public event designed to support and raise awareness of the Welch Cancer Center. It offers attendees a powerful American story of grit and determination while uniting the Sheridan community around a meaningful cause. This American story utilizes historically rich dramatizations filmed at Mescal Movie Studios to celebrate the unbreakable grit, hope, and determination inherent to the Western spirit.
Last Updated on 06/19/2026 by Olivia Clements
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