The road to a world championship is taking barrel racers to Perry, Georgia, this October for the 2026 NBHA Circle Y Saddles Open & Senior World Championships. Scheduled for October 23–31 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, the annual event will bring together qualified competitors for a thrilling week of barrel racing, with championship titles and a substantial lineup of awards up for grabs.
October 23rd – 31st, 2026
Georgia National Fairgrounds
401 Larry Walker Parkway
Perry, GA 31069
An Industry Leader
The National Barrel Horse Association was formed in 1992 in Augusta, Georgia, and is the recognized world leader in the sport of barrel racing. The NBHA was the first organization to give credence to divisional barrel racing. From day one all competition was scored by division with the fastest time being the 1D (or 1st division) and other divisions being paid out in half second increments. Prize money is paid out proportionately but awards are the same for all divisions.
With over 20,000 members on 5 continents the NBHA brand is well known. NBHA sanctions over 3,000 district (local) shows per year, sponsors over 44 state shows per year and has a professional staff that crisscrosses the nation producing larger (regional) shows. The NBHA provides a place for all skill levels to compete.
A Vast Array of Prizes
With more than $110,500 in added money and awards on the line, the 2026 event offers competitors plenty of opportunities to take home top honors. Championship awards include 10 Circle Y Saddles for the 1D–5D Champions across the Open and Senior classes, along with 10 Gist World Champion Buckles and 10 Gist Reserve World Champion Buckles. Competitors can also earn Go Round Buckles in Rounds 1 and 2 of both classes, plus numerous additional awards throughout the event. Rounding out the prize lineup are 360 Gist Finalist Buckles, with 255 awarded in the Open and 105 in the Senior division.
Plan Your Trip to Perry
While in Perry, you can work in a few local stops between competition days without straying too far from the fairgrounds. The best plan is to keep outings flexible around your schedule and choose activities that give you a taste of Perry without taking up an entire day!
Here are some stops worth adding to your itinerary:
- Explore Historic Downtown Perry
- Take a break from the arena to browse locally owned shops, grab lunch or dinner, and stroll along Carroll Street. It’s an easy way to spend a couple of hours without committing to a full-day excursion.
- Best for: shopping, dining, and a relaxed afternoon.
- Visit the Go Fish Education Center
- This freshwater aquarium and interactive education center features Georgia’s aquatic habitats and native fish. It’s a fun indoor option for families or anyone looking for something different to do between rounds. Check its hours before visiting, as it isn’t open every day!
- Best for: families and a short daytime outing.
- Get outside on the Big Indian Creek trails
- If you need a little fresh air after spending hours at the fairgrounds, head to the Big Indian Creek Waterway Trails. The shaded paths and boardwalk sections offer a peaceful change of scenery and a chance to stretch your legs.
- Best for: a morning walk or a quiet break.
- Make time for Sweets & Treats on October 30
- If your schedule allows, head downtown for Perry’s seasonal Sweets & Treats event, scheduled for October 30, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. It’s a festive way to experience the local community during your stay, particularly if you’re traveling with kids. Confirm event details before heading over.
- Best for: Halloween fun and a family-friendly evening outing.
- Browse the Downtown Perry Farmers Market
- If you’re in town on Saturday morning, stop by the farmers market at 1000 Ball Street. It’s scheduled for Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is a good opportunity to browse local vendors before heading back to the arena.
- Best for: a casual Saturday morning.
Whether you’re competing for a world title or traveling to support your favorite barrel racers, the 2026 NBHA Circle Y Saddles Open & Senior World Championships offer a full week of competition, awards, and opportunities to connect with the barrel racing community. Plan your trip to Perry, mark your calendar for October 23–31, and get ready for an exciting week!
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!
Be sure to keep an eye out for the Wrangler neon wall at the rodeo. Stop by to get a photo. You just never know who will be there.
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