Rodeo News

Truckee Professional Rodeo: Keeping Western Heritage Alive

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Craving an unforgettable small-town rodeo thrill? The Truckee Professional Rodeo delivers an epic Western experience you won’t want to miss on August 22nd and 23rd, 2025! Nestled in the Sierra mountains is the small town of Truckee, California, where the Truckee Professional Rodeo is celebrating its 51st rodeo to preserve Western heritage. Every summer bursts with high-stakes action and cowboy grit at this can’t-miss celebration of rodeo tradition!

Credit: Truckee Professional Rodeo

One of a Kind Memories

This rodeo is packed with fun, excitement, and memories waiting to be made. The Truckee Professional Rodeo dishes up delicious eats to fuel your full Western adventure. Multiple bars run by the Truckee Donner Horseman Crew and multiple vendors mean you don’t have to worry about bringing any food or drinks into the arena. Please note that outside food and beverages, except water, are not allowed into the arena. That’s one less hassle and one big step closer to a carefree, kick-back-and-enjoy rodeo night. Be sure to bring blankets or chairs for the show, as there are only the grandstands and the grass for seating. Truckee might just be the most magical Western town you’ll ever set foot in! It’s a mix of old-west charm, mountain adventure, and movie-set magic you have to see to believe. The main street is full of charm, with local shops, old saloons, and just a friendly vibe. If you’re into the outdoors, there’s hiking, biking, and much more.

Credit: Truckee Professional Rodeo

Classic Western Small Town

In 1962, Truckee Donner Horsemen (TDH) was founded as a non-profit organization whose purpose is to sponsor, cultivate, and foster an interest in horses and horsemanship through the Truckee, Donner, and Sierra areas of the state of California. This organization brings the community together to appreciate and celebrate Western culture in the small town of Truckee. Truckee is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which has become a hot spot for tourism because of its small-town charm, rich Western heritage, and plenty of recreational activities. The town originated as a stop on the railroad and received its name from the Native American term “tro-kay” meaning “everything is alright.” A single stroll through town and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a classic Western film. Be sure to check out all the fun adventures you can have in Truckee.

Credit: Truckee Professional Rodeo

Community of Volunteers

What makes the Truckee Professional Rodeo unlike any other is its community of volunteers who come from surrounding towns, including my hometown of Reno, Nevada. The volunteers crave that small-town dedication. Each year, the volunteers coral together to provide family-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for all ages.

Event Details

  • Friday, August 22, 2025
    • Gates open: 4:30 PM
    • Show starts: 5:30 PM
    • Family Night after the show!
  • Saturday, August 23, 2025
    • Gates Open: 2:30 PM
    • Show starts: 4:00 PM
    • Dirt Dance after the show!
    • Saturday music by Everyday Outlaw

Parking

Parking has always been a challenge with the Truckee Pro Rodeo. Get creative, take TARTE, ride share, carpool, drop off, and arrive early. We want your night to be smooth, exciting, and unforgettable. Plan and ride stress-free!

Credit: Truckee Professional Rodeo

Accommodations

  • Best Western Truckee, CA, located at 11331 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA 96161.
  • For more lodging options in this beautiful town, click here.
  • Want to camp for the Rodeo? Check out these great options from the Truckee Chamber website here.

Commitment

Each year, the Truckee Pro Rodeo gives back to its community. The following are some of the recent ways they have given back:

  • Annually, all the proceeds of the Western Dance after Saturday’s rodeo are donated to the Truckee Donner Junior Horsemen Association.
  • Annually, they award a $1,000 scholarship to a local graduating high school senior pursuing veterinary studies, agricultural studies, equine studies, or a related field.
  • Each year at the rodeo, the Truckee High School Girls Basketball Team helps with parking and keeps all the proceeds, typically over $2,000!
  • In 2019, they donated to the Squaw Valley Ski Team.
  • In 2018 and 2019, they donated to Washoe County High School.
  • In 2016, they donated to the Truckee High School Wrestling Team, the Truckee Tahoe Humane Society, and the North Tahoe 4-H Club.

Year after year, their generosity shines – fueling a legacy of compassion, impact, and small-town pride.

Credit: Truckee Professional Rodeo

Truckee Welcomes You

Truckee delivers both in and out of the arena. Whether you’re there to take in the rodeo, relish in the stunning views with a breath of fresh air, or just feel a little more connected to cowboy culture. Truckee’s warm-hearted community is ready to welcome you with open arms.

Credit: Truckee Professional Rodeo

Olivia Clements

I grew up in Reno, Nevada which often gets confused as a mini Las Vegas. But Reno has so much more than casinos. I grew up branding cattle, hunting with my dad, camping, playing sports, exploring the hills and so on. I found my love for writing early in life and I always had a journal I was filling up. I also found myself diving head first into photography which led me to volunteer for the rodeo I went to every year since birth, the Reno Rodeo. I now write in the Reno Rodeo Magazine and take photos of the rodeo for another committee. My love for country goes back to the early days with my dad floating on a boat fishing listening to old country (90’s or older) and some classic rock n’ roll. I have expanded my passions of writing and photography worldwide, having traveled to the Safaris in Africa, crumbling castles in Scotland, pubs in Germany to the snowy mountain tops of the Swiss Alps; like Ian Munsick, “I see country everywhere.” You can find me now taking pictures of sports or driving around taking pictures of yet another cow. They are too cute not to. It’s guaranteed to find me living my best life. Life is short, so live vibrantly!

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