Oklahoma is known as a hub for rodeo events and competitions. With its rich history of cowboys and the cattle industry, it’s no surprise that rodeos are a popular form of entertainment and sport in the Sooner State. Oklahoma has dozens of annual rodeos that attract competitors and spectators from across the country. From small local events to massive statewide competitions, rodeos showcase the skills of riders and ropers while keeping the spirit of the Old West alive.
Major Rodeos in Oklahoma
Some of the largest and most famous rodeos in Oklahoma include:
| Event | Location | Description |
| PBR World Finals | Oklahoma City | The championship event of the Professional Bull Riders tour, held annually at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. |
| Red Dirt Rodeo | Guthrie | An annual rodeo event with competitions, concerts, and other entertainment held at the Lazy E Arena. |
| PRCA Rodeo | Tulsa | A professional rodeo event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association held each August at the Tulsa Expo Square. |
| Chickasha Rodeo | Chickasha | One of the oldest and largest rodeos in Oklahoma, held annually since 1910 in Chickasha. |
| Claremore Rodeo | Claremore | An annual 4-day PRCA rodeo event held every July in Claremore. |
These major rodeos draw the top competitors in events like bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. They offer thousands of dollars in prize money and attract huge crowds. The PBR Finals, Red Dirt Rodeo, and Chickasha Rodeo are considered among the top rodeo events in the whole United States.
Other Notable Rodeos
In addition to the major destinations, Oklahoma has many smaller rodeos that take place annually. Here are some other popular annual rodeo events across the state:
| Event | Location |
| Claremore ProRodeo | Claremore |
| Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show & Rodeo | Pawnee |
| Payne County Rodeo | Perkins |
| LeFlore County Rodeo | Poteau |
| Ardmore PRCA Rodeo | Ardmore |
| Elk City Rodeo | Elk City |
| Mustang Rodeo Days | Mustang |
| Okemah Roundup Rodeo | Okemah |
| Sallisaw Rodeo | Sallisaw |
| Sayre Rodeo | Sayre |
While smaller in scale, these community rodeos still feature exciting competitions and entertainment for fans. They are a testament to the local pride and rodeo heritage found throughout Oklahoma.
Rodeo Competitions and Events
Rodeos in Oklahoma host competitions across a variety of traditional rodeo events. Here are some of the popular contests and exhibitions you’ll find at most rodeos in the state:
- Bull riding – Riders attempt to stay mounted on a bucking bull for 8 seconds.
- Bareback bronc riding – Riders hold onto a bucking horse with one hand and no saddle.
- Saddle bronc riding – Similar to bareback riding but with a specialized saddle.
- Steer wrestling – A cowboy on horseback tries to wrestle a steer to the ground.
- Tie-down roping – Riders chase after a calf, rope it, and tie three of its legs together.
- Team roping – Teams of two attempt to rope a steer as quickly as possible.
- Barrel racing – Riders race their horses around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels.
- Bullfighting – Rodeo clowns perform stunts and maneuvers to distract bulls.
Within each event, contestants compete for the fastest time or highest score according to strict rules. Rodeo competitors must master a wide array of skills and techniques to succeed.
Notable Rodeo Venues in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to some of the most famous rodeo arenas and facilities in the United States. Major venues include:
| Venue | Location | Details |
| Lazy E Arena | Guthrie | One of the largest indoor rodeo arenas in the world, hosting major events like the Red Dirt Rodeo. |
| Payne County Expo Center | Stillwater | A modern indoor arena facility that hosts the annual Payne County Rodeo. |
| Claremore Expo Center | Claremore | An indoor/outdoor venue hosting events like the Claremore PRCA Rodeo. |
| Ford Center | Oklahoma City | Hosts the PBR Finals bull riding competition annually. |
| Expo Square | Tulsa | A versatile event complex hosting the PRCA Rodeo and many other equestrian events. |
These venues have capacities ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of spectators. They attract competitors year-round for major rodeos and other equestrian competitions.
Rodeo Culture and Tradition in Oklahoma
Beyond the events themselves, rodeos are an important part of culture and tradition throughout Oklahoma. Elements like local food, music, dancing, and cowboy culture create a fun atmosphere for families and communities to come together.
Rodeo fans can expect to find:
- Traditional cowboy meals like barbecue, chili, and Dutch oven desserts.
- Live country, folk, and western music performances.
- Square dancing and two-stepping.
- Shopping for custom boots, hats, belt buckles, and other western gear.
- Carnival rides and games at rodeo midways.
- Native American culture on display, like tribal dancing.
Beyond the arenas, rodeo events are accompanied by parades, cowboy church services, dances, concerts and more. It’s a full cultural experience.
Key Figures and Champions in Oklahoma Rodeo
Many legendary rodeo cowboys and cowgirls have come out of Oklahoma over the generations. Some icons of the sport from the state include:
- Lane Frost – Legendary bull rider who grew up around rodeo in Oklahoma before tragically dying at a Wyoming rodeo.
- Jim Shoulders – Known as the “Babe Ruth of Rodeo,” he set records in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding in the 1940s-60s.
- Tom Ferguson – Rodeo announcing icon who called major Oklahoma rodeos like the PBR Finals for decades.
- Cody Custer – Oklahoma native who won over $1 million over his pro bull riding career.
- Sistie Sawyer – Chickasha native considered one of the greatest rodeo trick riders and performers in history.
- Mary Walker – The first Black woman to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in barrel racing.
Today’s champions often get their start at small local Oklahoma rodeos. The state continues to produce top contenders in nearly every rodeo event at the highest levels.
Key Rodeo Events on the Oklahoma Calendar
While rodeos take place year-round in Oklahoma, there are certain times that pack the most action. Key dates for rodeo fans to know include:
| Month | Notable Rodeos |
| March | PBR Global Cup |
| April | Claremore PRCA Rodeo |
| May | Pawnee Bill Rodeo, Okemah Roundup Rodeo |
| June | Sallisaw Rodeo, Mustang Rodeo Days |
| July | Ardmore PRCA Rodeo, Chickasha Rodeo, Claremore ProRodeo |
| August | PRCA Rodeo Tulsa, Elk City Rodeo |
| September | Sayre Rodeo |
| October | CINCH Timed Event Championship |
| November | PBR World Finals |
Spring through fall is rodeo season in Oklahoma, with iconic events spaced out to keep the action going all year. September brings some final rodeos before the PBR World Finals hits Oklahoma City each November to cap off the calendar.
Finding Rodeos in Oklahoma
For those looking to experience an authentic rodeo in Oklahoma, there are several ways to find upcoming events:
- Check individual arena and rodeo websites for schedules.
- Look for listings in the calendar sections of local newspapers.
- Search sites like okrodeo.com which aggregate statewide rodeo info.
- Check the events calendar for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
- Follow rodeo-related social media accounts from venues and competitors.
- Look for rodeo posters and flyers in tack shops, feed stores, and Western wear retailers.
Oklahoma’s rodeos are well-publicized if you know where to look. Local convention and visitors bureaus also have up-to-date calendars of rodeos and other events. With dozens of rodeos happening each weekend during peak season, there’s never a shortage of action to experience.
Rodeo Ticket Prices and Purchasing
Tickets to most major rodeos in Oklahoma range from $15-50 per person, depending on seat location. Typical options include:
| Seating Type | Average Price Range |
| General admission | $15-25 |
| Reserved stadium seating | $20-40 |
| Premium box seats | $40-75 |
| VIP experience packages | $75-$150+ |
Many rodeos offer group and military discounts. Tickets can be purchased directly from the rodeo’s website, box office, or through third-party ticketing sites. Day-of tickets will increase in price if events sell out, so advance purchase is recommended.
Attending a Rodeo in Oklahoma for the First Time
For first-time rodeo goers in Oklahoma, here are some tips to get the most out of your experience:
- Arrive early to tailgate, explore vendor booths, and take in the atmosphere.
- Dress comfortably for an outdoor event and the potential for messy midway food.
- Bring a cowboy hat or boots if you have them, but casual attire is fine too.
- Be prepared to stand and clap during exciting moments – rodeos are energetic.
- Read up on basic rodeo rules and lingo so you understand what’s happening.
- Don’t be afraid to ask neighboring rodeo fans to explain an event.
- Stay until the end for the final, climactic bull riding round.
- Browse the gift shop and consider buying a t-shirt or souvenir to remember the experience.
Rodeos provide a full day out enjoying Western entertainment, culture, food and competition. With an open mind, comfortable clothes and cowboy boots if you like, anyone can have an unforgettable time at a quintessentially Oklahoman event.
Family-Friendly Oklahoma Rodeos
Beyond the main events, many rodeos offer family-friendly entertainment like:
- Carnival midways with rides, games, and fair food.
- Petting zoos and trick horse acts before the rodeo.
- Mutton busting events for kids to try riding sheep.
- Autograph sessions with famous cowboys and cowgirls.
- Free face-painting, balloon animals, and contests.
- Pony rides, mechanical bulls, and photo booths.
These attractions provide lots of entertainment options for kids alongside the main events. Some of the most popular family rodeos in Oklahoma include:
| Rodeo | Family Entertainment |
| Claremore PRCA Rodeo | Carnival, mutton busting, pony rides |
| Pawnee Bill Rodeo | Trick riding, Native American dancers |
| Payne County Rodeo | Funny man entertainer, fair food |
| Chickasha Rodeo | Live music, carnival, petting zoo |
| PBR Finals | Rodeo clown acts, fan zone activities |
Kids will find excitement around every corner while also learning about Oklahoma’s Western heritage at these family-friendly events.
