2026 Cattlemen’s Days Events

• Bull riding
• Saddle bronc riding
• Bareback riding
• Tie-down roping
• Team roping
• Steer wrestling
• Barrel racing

There are three nights of PRCA rodeos at Cattlemen’s Days. Friday night’s rodeo, Patriot Night, is the main event. Each night also has its own theme that often includes dressing up in certain colors and the ticket sales benefitting a different organization. Each night is unique!

You will need a ticket to attend the rodeos at Cattlemen’s Days. Get a ticket for single rodeos or a wristband to go to all three. Tickets can be bought online, at the ticket booth in the Gunnison Bank and trust parking lot, or at the rodeo gates. Call 970-275-4921 for more information about tickets.

Night one’s theme is Golden Circle of Champions night, which is a 501(c)3 organization that supports children battling pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The organization partners with rodeos and Western communities to raise funds and awareness. Funds raised on this night benefit the nonprofit. Wear gold to show your support!

When: 7/9; 6:45-10 PM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Patriot Night is all about celebrating America, and what’s more American than the rodeo? Wear red, white and blue to show your patriotism! Special for 2026 is the America 250 – Colorado 150 Drone Show Celebration. Following the rodeo, watch a drone light show to celebrate two important anniversaries: Colorado’s 150 and America’s 250. The drone light show is free and open to the community—you don’t need a rodeo ticket to attend.

The rodeo gates will open to non-ticketed guests when the barrel racing begins around 9 PM. Watch the barrel racing and bull riding before the drone show begins. During the show, enjoy an arena dance. Food and beer tents will remain open until 11:30 PM.

When: 7/10; 6:45-11:30 PM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Tonight’s rodeo supports the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy. The goal of this nonprofit is to create a legacy for future generations by conserving and preserving ranchlands and ranching in the Gunnison Valley for future generations by helping landowners establish easements on their properties. Funds from this night will go towards this mission.  

When: 7/11; 6:45-10:00 PM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

4-H is a youth development organization that emphasizes hands-on, research-based projects in STEM, agriculture and healthy living. Local 4-H participants will present their horsemanship skills while emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. Speed events will follow the horse show.

When: 7/3; 9 AM-3 PM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

A ranch rodeo is a team-based competition where cowboys from working ranches compete in events that reflect daily ranch tasks. These competitions emphasize practical horsemanship and teamwork and often use working equipment. Ranch Rodeo events include champion open team, champion watershed team, top horse, top hand, bronc riding, stray gathering, calf branding and trailer loading.

When: 7/4; Time TBD
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

The Open Horse Show allows riders to present their horsemanship skills. Categories include stud colts, older stallions, open hunter hack, trail, open reining and open western pleasure. There are youth and adult categories to participate in.

When: 7/5; 8 AM-2 PM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Check out the Cattle Drive Event for the trail challenge, cattle drive competition and open sort.

When: 7/6; Time TBD
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Hear cowboy poems and songs at this open mic night. Sign up to perform your own song or poem.

When: 7/6; 6-8 PM
Where: Cattlemen’s Hospitality Tent

Watch cowboys team rope and cowgirls barrel race. Barrels run first.

When: 7/7; 5-8 PM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Photo Credit to Robby Freeman Photography

Watch future bull riders with the Mini Broncs and Mini Bulls events. Kids ages 5-7 can see how long they can hold on to sheep in the Mutton Busting event.

When: 7/8
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

In rodeo terms, slack refers to extra, preliminary rounds of the competition scheduled at a different time than the main event. This happens because there are too many entries to fit in the main event. Get a taste of the rodeo in the coming nights on Thursday morning

When: 7/9; 9-11 AM
Where: Gunnison County Fairgrounds

Following the rodeo, head next door to 5B’s Barbeque for a post-rodeo dance. Tickets cost $25. Check back later for more details!

When: 7/9; 8:30-11 PM
Where: 5B’s Barbeque

Line the sidewalks of Main Street for the Cattlemen’s Days Parade. Local organizations decorate floats and throw candy to the spectators. Rodeo participants and Cattlemen’s Royalty ride their horses through town, too.

When: 7/11; 10-11 AM
Where: Main Street, Gunnison

While you’re here for the rodeo, check out other summer activities in the Gunnison Valley. Explore the valley’s 1200+ miles of trails by hiking and mountain biking. Cool off with a lake hang. Go stargazing or check out live music after the sun goes down.

Q: Where is Cattlemen’s Days held?
A: All Cattlemen’s Days events are held in Gunnison. The rodeo happens at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds at 275 S. Spruce St, Gunnison, CO 81230.

Q: Do I need tickets for Cattlemen’s Days events?
A: Some events, like the Ranch Rodeo and the Watershed Team Roping and Barrel Racing, are free and don’t require a ticket. All the PRCA rodeos require a ticket.

Q: When is Cattlemen’s Days?
A: Cattlemen’s Days 2026 is July 3-11. The PRCA rodeos are July 9, 10 and 11.

Q: What kind of rodeo events are included?
A: You can expect events such as bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing and team roping.

Q: Is Cattlemen’s Days family-friendly?
A: Yes! Cattlemen’s Days is very family oriented.

Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: It is not necessary but is recommended as tickets can sell out.

Q: Is there food available?
A: There are always a handful of food vendors with food and drinks available for purchase at the rodeo.

Q: Is there parking available?
A: Parking near the fairgrounds is limited. Getting there early is recommended if you want a parking spot.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are allowed at Cattlemen’s Days.

Q: When should I arrive?
A: Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes before the event begins to park, find seating and explore.