The Legacy of the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge

When the sun sets in Montana and dips beyond the grandstands at Montana ExpoPark, there is a palpable shift in the atmosphere at the arena. The volume increases. Cowboys prepare their lassos. Bulls slam against metal gates with such force that even the chutes shake. Fans stand on their feet with an understanding that anything can happen in eight seconds in the world of bull riding.

Such is the energy that surrounds the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge, which is considered one of the top single-event bull rides in the Northwest region and a staple in the western culture of Great Falls, Montana. The event, now in its 21st year, attracts top bull riders, champion bucks, families who love the western way of life, and fans of rodeo all to spend one thrilling evening together.

Built on Legacy and Western Tradition

The Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge is not just any other rodeo event. This challenge is one steeped in history. Dusty Gliko’s name has been immortalized in this challenge, which has evolved to become a respected Western tradition. But it’s the small-town charm that keeps drawing crowds, keeping the same feeling intact that made everyone fall in love with the event in the first place. This challenge is far removed from massive arena productions, where the cowboy-crowd connection seems to take a back seat. Here, cowboys still shake hands before heading inside the chute. People have been coming back to this challenge for over two decades now.

And that’s what makes this event unique and memorable, even today.

June 6, 2026 @ 7 PM
Montana ExpoPark
400 3rd Street NW
Great Falls, Montana 59401

A Night Focused on Pure Bull Riding

Conventional rodeo shows tend to disperse interest among several types of events. The Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge, on the other hand, goes the extra mile to reduce everything to the most brutal discipline of rodeo.

Bull riding is intense, erratic, and unforgiving. There is no room for second chances once that chute gate starts swinging. You either make those eight seconds count, or you’re “bucked”. That is what makes this event so exciting. Time after time, the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge draws top riders and top bucking horses able to achieve impressive scores that could compete with any big tour show event in the nation. From previous performance by PBR competition results, the likes of Kyler Oliver, Bob Mitchell, Julio Cesar Marques, and Zane Cook have all shown up at this challenge. Crowds in the stands love each and every ride.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now online or at local Hoglund’s Work and Western Ware.

GENERAL ADMISSION $25.00
KIDS 6 YEARS AND UNDER  Free
RESERVE TICKETS $35.00 

“There is nothing better than a night out watching bullriding! It is one of my friends and I’s favorite things to do!”

Larissa Blanchard
Bullrider

More Than Just Bull Riding

One thing that sets the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge apart from other sports events is the environment created. Before the first cowboy even gives the nod, there is already a full complement of western traders, greetings from old acquaintances, country music, and the familiar scent of arena soil combined with carnival foods. The event organizers keep stressing “family-friendly event,” providing a setting for long-time rodeo aficionados and newbies alike.

Another notable feature of the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge to be held in 2026 is that entertainers like Danger Dave will join the festivities to add more excitement and audience interaction. The event’s annual Calcutta outside the arena is also an important element in making this bull riding challenge a community affair.

The Sponsors Behind the Arena Lights

One big factor that has ensured the success of the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge over more than two decades has been local community support.

This can be seen through sponsorship from local businesses as well as those related to the western lifestyle, agriculture, cars, etc., including North 40 Outfitters, Pepsi, State Farm, Albertsons, Ace Hardware, and Farm Bureau Insurance, as well as numerous other Montana companies and western brands.

Why the Tradition Still Matters

In essence, the Dusty Gliko Bull Riding Challenge entails much more than just an event for a day. It means the survival of Western culture in today’s world. It involves communities assembling themselves at the sound of lights in arenas, cheering for cowboys who brave all in search of eight seconds of glory. It entails the preservation of those traditions that built Great Falls well before spectators had even heard of the town.

Every year in June, the humdrum world takes a back seat to the roar of the crowd and the hoof beats. In that arena, grit will always matter. 

Last Updated on 05/30/2026 by Drew Meador

About the Author:

Drew Meador

Biography:

At 14, I was handed a spare camera at a gala and told to shoot. That moment lit a fuse, and I haven't looked back since. Growing up in Dallas, my life was shaped by weekends spent between racetracks and rodeo arenas. I wasn’t just a spectator; I immersed myself in the Western way of life, working as a ranch hand and learning the discipline and resilience that defines the grit of the West. Today, I channel that lived experience into my work as a Creative Director, capturing stories that feel honest, alive, and deeply rooted in authenticity. My path has always been about the intersection of people and media. From 2023 to 2025, I founded and launched Uprising, a startup collective dedicated to providing mentorship and leadership resources to underprivileged youth across the DFW area. Whether I was working with local churches or serving as a private contractor for organizations like Stronger Families and Gasoline, my goal has always been to use media as a tool for impact. Through these roles—serving as both a spokesperson and a creative lead I’ve refined my voice in PR, interviewing, and high-level production. After earning my credentials in Entrepreneurship and Creative Writing, I felt called to move further West. Now based in Boise, Idaho, I am dedicated to document the strength of the Western spirit. My faith remains the foundation of everything I do; as I step into this next chapter, I am committed to growing in wisdom, honoring the stories of the people I meet, and letting God guide my steps as I carry my ministry and my craft into new ground.

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