The World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo: Feel the Legacy. Live the Thrill.

Payson, Arizona – Are you ready to be part of something truly special, a tradition so deeply rooted it stretches back to 1884? This August 15th and 16th, 2025, The World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo invites you to experience the heart of Western heritage as it celebrates over 140 consecutive years. Renowned globally and cherished as the “best small-town rodeo in the world,” this event is more than just thrilling action; it’s a journey into the soul of rodeo itself. Don’t let this unique opportunity pass you by – embrace the tradition, feel the excitement, and purchase your tickets now for the longest-running rodeo in the United States.

The World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo
August 15th & 16th, 2025
1400 South Beeline Hwy
Payson, Arizona 85541

How a Western Tradition Took Hold

Feel the raw energy of a tradition taking root, born from the simple, yet profound, desire of Payson’s early ranchers and cowhands to prove their skill and connect during the quiet before the fall roundup. What began as a handful of friendly contests swiftly ignited a wildfire of excitement, drawing cowboys from every corner, eager to push their limits in the thrilling, new spectacles of bronc busting, bull riding, and steer roping. This wasn’t just the start of a rodeo; it was the birth of a legend, a vibrant evolution fueled by courage, competition, and the timeless allure of the American West.

Humble Roots

Close your eyes, and you can feel the authentic grit of rodeo’s beginnings in Payson. Forget the elaborate stadiums of today; our earliest events unfolded in a simple meadow near Main Street and Highway 87/The Beeline. Envision the determined locals, lining up their wagons and later their cars to form the crude, yet perfectly functional, “arena” – a powerful symbol of community spirit and resourceful ingenuity. This was where true Western passion came alive, fueled not by modern amenities but by the sheer will to compete and connect. It’s a vivid reminder of how deep our roots run, born from the very heart of the land and its people.

Rodeo Events

*This rodeo is sanctioned by the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

Bareback Riding
Saddle Bronc Riding
Bull Riding
Steer Wrestling
Tie Down Roping
Team Roping
Barrel Racing
Women’s Breakaway
Mutton Bustin
Jr. Steer Riding

Schedule

• Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – Chamber Mixer & Cowboy Cornhole
  • Ready to spark new connections and immerse yourself in an evening of vibrant energy? Come to the Chamber Mixer at the Payson Event Center from 5:00-9:00 PM, where you’ll have the incredible opportunity to enjoy complimentary tastings courtesy of their generous sponsor, Crown Royal! Envision mingling with fellow professionals, with tantalizing appetizers appearing at 5:30 PM, all designed to make your networking effortless and enjoyable. This isn’t just a mixer; it’s your chance to feel inspired and connected. Plus, if you’re looking for an extra thrill, click here to register for the Cowboy Cornhole event and amp up the excitement! 

• Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Women’s Cactus Series Barrel Racing Sponsored by Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona
  • Feel the anticipation build as gates open at 5:00 PM, leading you to a captivating performance at 6:00 PM, all for the simple admission of one can of food – because giving back is part of our Western spirit! Calling all barrel racers: if you’re ready to ignite the arena on Thursday night, reach out to Nancy Jane at 520-975-6325 or saltriverrodeocompany@gmail.com for details and entries (please note, she handles Thursday’s event only). Ensure your horses are settled by purchasing stalls conveniently under the “resources” tab, requiring a credit card and a refundable cleaning fee. For all other event tickets, tasty treats from our vendors, and exclusive merchandise, easily find what you need via the “ticket” or “Contact Us” tabs. And for those 21 and over, savor an adult beverage from the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee, completing your unforgettable night of rodeo action.

• Friday Night, August 15, 2025 – Performance: Wrangler Bucking Cancer
  • Wear your pink shirt to show your support for breast cancer awareness. Gates open at 5:00 PM, performance at 7:00 PM. Proceeds benefit local breast cancer awareness programs.

• Friday Night, August 15, 2025 – World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo Dance
  • Starts after the last bull bucks!
  • Free for rodeo attendee’s!
  • $5.00 cover charge. Under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Western Fusion Band will be the highlight band!

• Saturday Day, August 16, 2025 – Performance
  • Giveaways Family Day Pricing Gates open at 11:00 AM Performance at 1:00 PM.

• Saturday Night, August 16, 2025 – Special Patriot Performance
  • Wear your red, white, and blue to show your patriotism.
  • Gates open at 5:00 PM; performance at 7:00 PM. Active Military receive free admission for general admission seating. (Show ID)

• Saturday Night – August 16, 2025 – World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo Dance
  • Starts after the last bull bucks! Free for rodeo attendee’s
  • $5.00 Cover Charge if not attending the Rodeo
  • Must me 21 or over or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
  • Western Fusion Band will be the highlight band!

*Food vendors will be open!

Tickets

*Tickets are subject to availability and may not be available for purchase at the gates. It’s advisable to purchase online.

• Reserved seating sections will be the same price for all ages.
• Ages 7 and under FREE only in General Admission Sections.
• Come rain or shine – no refunds
• *Prices are subject to change*
• Clear bag policy in place.
• Kids tickets MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Parking

Location: 1400 South Beeline Hwy, Payson, Arizona 85541

• General Public
  • You will go into the main entrance from Highway 87 into the rodeo grounds via Green Valley Parkway. Two lanes will lead one way in. You will be directed to paid public and handicap parking spaces.
  • Parking at each PRCA Rodeo Performance is $10.00 cash per vehicle payable upon entry to the Payson Event Center. Parking is limited and subject to availability. Overflow parking is available at the Casino across the highway.

Last Updated on 07/14/2025 by Megan deFabry

About the Author:

Megan deFabry

Biography:

Howdy, I'm Megan deFabry. I grew up in Reno, Nevada, but since 2017 my heart has called Texas home. I now reside in Austin, Texas since 2020. I'm driven by my faith, cherished relationships with family and friends, and my professional ambitions. I'm passionate about digital marketing and journalism, especially the wide-open spaces of America's Western lifestyle, the grit of agriculture, the excitement of rodeo, and the heart of country music.

For nearly a decade, I've been sharing this way of life through storytelling. And like any good cowboy tale, there's a loyal sidekick, my little Dachshund, Frank, who I adopted from a shelter in New Braunfels, Texas, back in 2018. He keeps me grounded, reminding me to chase horizons and savor life's simple joys.

I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs and a minor in Mass Communication. My major taught me to decode consumer behavior, which is crucial for marketing, while my minor sharpened my storytelling skills. Since then, I've spent years mastering SEO and content strategy, staying ahead in a fast-moving field. My work even caught the eye of Cowboy Lifestyle Network's CTO, Irish Padmore, who recognized me for contributing to his research on Consumer Behavior in the Age of AI.

Since 2018, I've been honored to work at Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Now as Editor-in-Chief writing, editing, and publishing articles that capture the cowboy spirit, crafting strategies rooted in Western values, and building real client connections. Guided by ethical journalism, I aim to tell stories that resonate and reflect the unsung heroes of the Western spirit.

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