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Kansas Rodeos

Landlocked in the Midwest of the United States, Kansas is known as the “Breadbasket of America.” That may not sound exciting, but Kansas’ background in agriculture and cattle production makes it one of the best places to see a rodeo. There are lots of fairs, festivals and rodeo competitions all summer long, so make sure you plan a trip to go see a few.

Kansas Biggest Rodeo

If you’re thinking of visiting Kansas, you won’t want to miss the best and biggest rodeo in the state. With over 15 thousand people in attendance each night, this really is Kansas's biggest rodeo. 

For just three days in August, you can see world champion cowboys and cowgirls compete in classic, exciting rodeo events. You’ll be able to see mutton busting, hilarious rodeo clowns, bullfighters and rodeo queens.

There’s also a free parade downtown on Saturday and a barbeque in the evening, as well as free dances each night after the rodeo.

Each year, Kansas Biggest Rodeo also has a “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night. For every person who wears pink to the rodeo on this day, the rodeo will donate money to fund breast cancer awareness and research.

Flint Hills Rodeo

The Flint Hills Rodeo has been running annually for over 80 years. During the first week of June in the heart of the Flint Hills, professional rodeo contestants compete in 7 traditional events. At the Flint Hills Rodeo, you’ll see bareback riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, bull riding. Recently, the rodeo has also added women’s breakaway roping to the list of events you can see.

There are even events for kids as well as a Slack on Friday morning. You can also enjoy community activities, such as a parade and dances.

The Flint Hills Rodeo happens every year, rain or shine. If you’re going to be in Kansas this coming June, make sure you get tickets to see “Rodeo at its Best!”

American Royal Rodeo

Another annual spring event to see in Kansas is the American Royal PRCA Pro Rodeo. The aim of this rodeo is to showcase the legacy of cattle herding and equestrian sports in multiple exciting events. Throughout the spring, you can see the Youth Rodeo, the PRCA Pro Rodeo, and a classic Ranch Rodeo.

The American Royal Youth Rodeo goes on for a few days every April. Youth contestants from all over the midwest will show off their skills and compete for prize money.

In May, you can see the American Royal PRCA Pro Rodeo, where the top rodeo contestants in the nation will compete in multiple exciting events. There will be bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton bustin’. You can also attend themed parties before the rodeo, as well as enjoy live music after the event every night.

The American Royal Rodeo finishes off in June with the Ranch Rodeo. Come see the cowboys of the historic Kansas City West Bottoms show off their skills.

Dodge City Roundup PRCA Rodeo

The Dodge City Roundup PRCA Rodeo is part of the NFR Playoff Series, as well as a Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Rodeo. This event is the highlight of the Dodge City Days festival every August.

With a PRCA award-winning clown, Socin Mutton Bustin’ competitions, vendor booths, live music and fireworks, you’ll be able to find fun for the whole family.

Pretty Prairie Kansas Largest Night Rodeo

Pretty Prairie may be a small town, but it puts on a big rodeo. Every July for 87 years, the Pretty Prairie Kansas Largest Night Rodeo attracts rodeo fans from all over the world.

Not only does the rodeo provide fun for everyone, it also is a great way to support the community. Proceeds from the rodeo help provide community scholarships as well as support the Prairie Sunset Home, local food bank, scout troops, the golf course, EMS and the 4-H club.

Kansas Professional Rodeo Association (KPRA)

The Kansas Professional Rodeo Association organizes rodeo competitions from July to September. These are professional contests where you can see “Real Cowboys play Real Sports.”

There are lots of KPRA events over the summer, finishing with the KPRA Finals at the end of September in Dodge City. In the finals, the top 12 cowboys and cowgirls will compete in 10 events to try and claim the champion title.

Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo

The Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo is hosted by the Central Kansas Free Fair. This is one of the largest fairs in the state, with lots of family fun. 

Rodeo performances are held nightly at the end of July and beginning of August. The Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo is frequently voted one of the top outdoor rodeos, so be sure to stop by and find out why.

Cowley County Fair 

In addition to a rodeo, the Cowley County Fair also features carnival rides, concerts, and a figure-8 race. For just five nights in August, you can visit the fair to enjoy food, games, a midway stage, and merchant vendors. And of course, you won’t want to miss the rodeo.

The fair and rodeo are organized by a non-profit organization. Their aim is to create a sense of community, so there’s bound to be lots of fun for everyone.

Wichita County Fair 

Another summer Kansas rodeo is at the Wichita County Fair. The fair goes on every year in July or August. It features 4-H exhibits, commercial booths, animal barns, a free barbeque, a parade, turtle races, kids games, and dances. Each ticket is 50 cents, and there’s lots of fun, games, and entertainment.

If you’re going to the fair, you won’t want to miss the Ranch Rodeo. This classic cowboy rodeo features calf branding, team penning, trailer loading, stray gathering, and wild cow milking. Take your family or grab a date and have some fun at the fair and the rodeo.

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