Taylor Rodeo Returns July 16-18 with Three Nights of Texas Tradition Following the High-Stakes Next Gambler Bull Riding Event
Rodeo News
The countdown is on for one of Central Texas’ most anticipated summer traditions as the Taylor Rodeo returns to the Williamson County Expo Center July 16-18, bringing three nights of rodeo action, family entertainment, and western heritage to the hometown of rodeo legend Bill Pickett.
For more than 75 years, the Taylor Rodeo Association has welcomed generations of cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo fans to one of the most respected hometown rodeos in Texas. What started in 1950 as a celebration of the cowboy way of life has grown into one of the premier CPRA-sanctioned rodeos in the region, attracting top competitors and thousands of spectators each year.
The Taylor Rodeo has earned a reputation as one of the biggest and best small-town rodeos anywhere, combining professional rodeo competition with crowd-favorite events such as calf scramble, wild steer saddling, and mutton busting for young rodeo fans. In addition to providing opportunities for rodeo athletes to compete for prize money and CPRA points, the Taylor Rodeo Association continues to invest in local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and support for youth agricultural programs.
The Road to Taylor Rodeo Begins with The Next Gambler
Before the rodeo gates swing open in July, fans can kick off rodeo season at The Next Gambler on June 27 at the Williamson County Expo Center.
Presented by the Taylor Rodeo Association and the Austin Gamblers, this unique bull riding event gives 30 riders the opportunity of a lifetime. Competitors will be drafted into six teams and compete in a tournament-style format modeled after the PBR Teams competition. After the long round, the top 12 riders will advance to the championship round, where one standout rider will earn a provisional opportunity with the Austin Gamblers organization.
New this year, the Austin Gamblers will also host the OptiWize Women’s Bull Riding Challenge, an all-women competition spotting elite female talent in the sport. The event will be led by four-time women’s bull riding world champion Jorden Halvorsen, with Jonnie Jonckowski widely recognized as the first woman to compete against men in a national bull riding championship, serving as honorary coach.
“I rode for 23 years, the last 10 were to promote the lady roughstock riders and to give them a platform that would last. We rode in Cheyenne and Pendleton and it still didn’t stick. Now 26 years later from my last ride, the Gamblers have given the ladies a platform to show their salt, and that they have the stuff. To say I am grateful is not strong enough. My heart is so happy and I look forward to sharing with these ladies everything I learned along the way.”
Jonnie Jonckowski
Billie Jean King of Bull Riding
The action begins at 6 p.m. with gates opening at 4 p.m., and the excitement continues after the bull riding concludes with a live performance by country music artist Dylan Wheeler. Fans can also enjoy vendors, food, family activities, and mutton busting for the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.
Fun for the Next Generation of Cowboys and Cowgirls
Kicking off the action-packed evening is a healthy dose of family-friendly fun with the fan-favorite Mutton Bustin’ competition. This beloved tradition gives local youngsters a chance to experience the thrill of the dirt, holding on tight to racing sheep as the crowd roars. It’s the perfect, high-energy warmup before the world’s premier athletes and rank bulls take center stage.
Three Nights of Rodeo Action
The Taylor Rodeo returns July 16-18 with performances beginning each night at 8 p.m. Competitors from across Texas and beyond will battle for over $20,000 in added money while fans enjoy some of rodeo’s most exciting events, including:
- Bull Riding
- Bareback Riding
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- Tie-Down Roping
- Breakaway Roping
- Barrel Racing
As an open CPRA rodeo, spectators have the unique opportunity to watch local competitors compete alongside some of the top cowboys and cowgirls on the rodeo circuit.
A Legacy Built on Community
The Taylor Rodeo is more than a sporting event; it’s a celebration of western heritage and community. Through its annual events, the Taylor Rodeo Association has contributed thousands of dollars to local organizations and educational initiatives. In recent years alone, the association has awarded significant scholarship funding to graduating seniors throughout Williamson, Milam, and Lee counties.
That commitment to preserving Western traditions while investing in future generations is one of the reasons the event remains a summer favorite for families across Texas.
When, Where & What to Bring
The Next Gambler
- Date: June 27
- Gates Open: 4:00 PM
- Bull Riding Starts: 6:00 PM
- Live Music: Dylan Wheeler
- Location: Williamson County Expo Center, Taylor, Texas
- Dates: July 16-18
- Performances: 8:00 PM nightly
- Location: Williamson County Expo Center
- Address: 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor, TX
What to Bring
- Cowboy hat and boots
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cash or card for food and merchandise vendors
- Camera for rodeo memories
- Family and friends ready for a true Texas rodeo experience
Get Your Tickets
Whether you’re cheering on the next bull riding star at The Next Gambler or enjoying three nights of rodeo action in July, the Taylor Rodeo Association has packed this summer with can’t-miss western entertainment. Secure your tickets early and experience one of Texas’s most celebrated rodeo traditions.
Last Updated on 06/20/2026 by Fernando Rosas Suarez
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