Wildest Rodeo in the WestJune 18 - 27, 2026Locals' Guide · Plan Now

Reno Rodeo 2026: June 18–27

10 days of PRCA professional rodeo, Xtreme Bulls with pyrotechnics, a Dylan Scott kick-off concert, carnival rides, and 750+ cowboys competing for glory. Here's the complete visitor guide.

Online Sold OutMore Seats May Release Jun 15–27

Tickets are essentially sold out online — here’s how to actually get a seat.

Reno Rodeo confirmed online inventory is down to single seats scattered through the arena and limited viewing seats. Don’t bother with resellers — not all sections are released publicly due to sponsor contracts, and only Paciolan via renorodeo.com is authorized to sell tickets. Call the Reno Rodeo Ticket Office directly — this is the only reliable path to a seat now.

Reno Rodeo Ticket Office

775-329-3877 ×132

or extension 133 · [email protected]

Response time: 24–48 hrs due to volume

Ticket Office Hours

Jun 8–12 & Jun 15–16: 10 AM – 6 PM

Jun 17–27: 10 AM – 8 PM

Located off Wells Ave at Gate #2

Heads up: The Nevada State Fair is on site Jun 11–12 — parking and access to the Rodeo Ticket Office will be very limited those two days. If you need to visit in person, plan for after the State Fair wraps Sat Jun 13.

Quick Facts

Dates

June 18 - 27

10 days

Athletes

750+

PRCA professional

Attendance

140,000+

Across 10 days

Concert

Dylan Scott

June 17 Kick-off

Schedule Highlights

🐄

Cattle Drive (Public Viewing Jun 18)

Jun 14-18

5-day drive from Doyle, CA. Public can watch the herd enter Reno around 11 AM – noon on Thursday Jun 18 along Clear Acre Ln → McCarran Blvd → Sutro St (also Oddie Blvd and N. Wells Ave). 2026 rider list and waitlist are completely full. 2027 registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM — first come, first served.

🎵

K-BULL 98.1 FM Kickoff Concert: Dylan Scott

Jun 17

Multi-platinum country artist Dylan Scott headlines the kick-off at the Outdoor Arena. Gates 6 PM, show 7 PM. $66 GA advance (includes per-ticket fee), $76 day-of. 4-ticket limit online — call to buy more.

🐂

Xtreme Bulls

Jun 18

40 of the top bull riders vs. 40 of the rankest bulls. Pyrotechnics and pure adrenaline. 7-9 PM.

🤠

Main Rodeo Performances

Jun 19-27

Nightly PRCA rodeo: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, barrel racing, tie-down roping, and bull riding.

🐴

Drill Team Competition

Jun 19

Equestrian drill teams compete starting 8 AM. Free with grounds admission.

🎡

Carnival

Jun 18-27

Davis Shows Northwest rides and games. Weekdays 4 PM to close, weekends (Sat & Sun) noon to close. Wristbands $34 advance.

📺

Nightly Viewing Party

Jun 18-27

Indoor Arena, 5–10:30 PM. Free with the $10 grounds fee. Watch the rodeo on big screens with a beer in hand if you don't have an arena seat.

✍️

Nightly Autograph Party

Jun 18-27

After every performance, each night's event winners head back into the arena to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Free with admission. Great for kids.

🐂

Businessmen's Steer Decorating

Various

One of the rodeo's most unique events — 18 two-person teams of local businesspeople compete to decorate a steer on the arena floor. The community-participation tradition that locals love.

🐑

Mutton Bustin'

Various

Aspiring cowboys and cowgirls under 7 mount and ride a sheep. The single best kid moment of the whole week. Apply by Feb 1 to participate; spectate for free with admission.

🎉

Special Nights

Various

Wrangler Retro Night, Patriot Night, themed evenings. Jack Daniel's Tent and Branding Room after-parties nightly.

Tickets & Pricing

Honest pricing from the official source. Online inventory is essentially gone — call the ticket office (see the alert at the top of the page) for any remaining seats.

Very Limited

Rodeo Performance (any night)

$25–$41

Advance pricing, not including fees. Day-of pricing higher. Single seats scattered as of mid-June; call the ticket office at 775-329-3877 ×132.

Kick-off Concert (Dylan Scott)

$66

Wed Jun 17, gates 6 PM, show 7 PM. Includes per-ticket fee. $76 day-of (+$10). 4-ticket online limit — call to buy more.

VIP Branding Room

$150

Per person. After-party with drinks and dancing each rodeo night.

Carnival Wristband

$34 adv

Advance at Nevada State Bank locations, select Grocery Outlets, or the Reno Rodeo Ticket Office. Higher at the gate.

Grounds Only

$10

Access carnival, viewing parties on big screens, marketplace, Jack Daniel’s Tent. No rodeo arena seating.

Xtreme Bulls

Varies

Thursday Jun 18, 7–9 PM. Separate ticket. Often the easiest performance to grab last-minute.

Don’t get scammed: Reno Rodeo confirmed that only Paciolan via renorodeo.com is authorized to sell tickets. Tickets from other sites may not be valid. Not all grandstands or sections are publicly released because of sponsor contracts — more seats may release the week of June 15–27.

Best Budget Move

What You Get for $10 (Grounds-Only Ticket)

With arena seats nearly impossible to get for 2026, the $10 grounds-only ticket is the move. Here’s what’s included with no extra cost.

Every night

Indoor Arena Nightly Viewing Party

5–10:30 PM in the Indoor Arena. Watch the live rodeo on big screens with the crowd. Food and beer available. Often the better party than the arena itself.

After every rodeo

Nightly Autograph Party

After every performance, the night's event winners come back into the arena to sign autographs and take photos. Free. Best kid memory of the week.

Various days

Mutton Bustin' (Spectator Access)

Watch kids under 7 ride sheep. Free to watch even if your kid isn't entered. The single most unhinged-fun event of the whole week.

Various days

Businessmen's Steer Decorating

Local two-person business teams decorating a live steer on the arena floor. Chaotic, hilarious, beloved by locals. Schedule varies.

Daily 11 AM+

Western Marketplace

Western boots, hats, rodeo gear, art, jewelry, BBQ rubs from local makers. Browse without an arena ticket — this is the daytime energy.

Nightly

Jack Daniel's Tent & Bars

On-site bars, live country music between performances. The closest thing to a tailgate without a tailgate. 21+ for the tent.

What you don’t get for $10: Arena seats for the PRCA performance, the Dylan Scott kick-off concert (separate $66 ticket), Xtreme Bulls, the VIP Branding Room after-party, and carnival rides (separate $34 advance wristband or $8/ride). But you can walk through, eat, drink, and watch the rodeo on the big screens — the locals’ play.

Parking & Getting There

Parking at the Livestock Events Center fills fast and isn't free after 2 PM. Locals park off-site and shuttle in.

Best Free Option

Enterprise Rd. Lot (off Evans Ave)

Free parking with a free shuttle to the rodeo grounds. Shuttle runs 4:30 PM – 12:30 AM on rodeo days. Easiest no-stress option if you're not staying at GSR.

Grand Sierra Resort

FREE

Free self-parking + free shuttle to the rodeo grounds. Shuttle runs 2:30 PM – 12:30 AM. Don't even need to be a hotel guest.

Livestock Events Center Grounds

$20

Free before 2 PM, then $20 cash after. Fills up early on weekend nights — get there before 5 PM if you want a spot.

Rideshare / Uber / Lyft

EASY

Designated drop-off zone on the south side of the LEC. Surge pricing after 10 PM when the rodeo lets out — split with friends.

Avoid: Residential Streets

TOW ZONE

RPD enforces around the LEC during rodeo week. Don't park on Wells Ave side streets without checking signs.

Expect road closures on Clear Acre Ln, McCarran Blvd, Sutro St, Oddie Blvd, and N. Wells Ave on Thursday Jun 18 from ~10 AM – 1 PM for the cattle drive arrival.

First-Timer's Playbook

Never been to a PRCA rodeo? Here's the no-BS read from locals who've done this every June.

What night should I go?

Opening (Jun 19) and closing weekend (Jun 26-27) are the biggest crowds. Mid-week nights (Mon-Wed Jun 22-24) are calmer with the same caliber of cowboys. Tip: Xtreme Bulls on Jun 18 is pure spectacle if you want adrenaline over tradition.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes (livestock + dirt). Layers — June in Reno swings from 90°F at 6 PM to 60°F by 10 PM. Boots and a hat aren't required but locals dress up. Sunscreen for the outdoor arena.

When should I arrive?

Gates open ~2 hours before the rodeo. Get there at least 90 minutes early to walk the Western marketplace, eat carnival food, and grab seats. Performances usually start 7 PM.

What about the kids?

Mutton bustin' (kids riding sheep) is the highlight for under-7s. Special Kids' Rodeo runs one afternoon (check schedule). The carnival is open all 10 days — wristband is cheaper than per-ticket if they want to ride 4+ times.

Can I bring outside food/drink?

No outside alcohol. Small bags allowed but they check at the gate. ATM on-site but bring cash for the carnival vendors who only take cash.

What does $10 grounds-only get me?

Access to the carnival, marketplace, viewing parties on the big screens, food vendors, and Jack Daniel's Tent. No rodeo arena seating — but the viewing party energy is real, and beer is cheaper than inside.

Is it loud?

Yes. The announcer is on 11 the entire night. Pyrotechnics during Xtreme Bulls. Bring earplugs if you're sensitive — locals on r/Reno specifically warn about this.

What's the one thing first-timers miss?

The Cattle Drive arrival on Thu Jun 18 around noon. Free, outside the LEC, real cowboys driving 100+ head of cattle through northeast Reno. Park on Oddie or Wells Ave by 11 AM.

Pro tip from r/Reno: Buy your concert and rodeo tickets directly at renorodeo.com. Resellers cycle inventory but the official site has VIP and themed-night packages they don't release elsewhere. Local resident discount available with ID/utility bill at the box office.

Where to Eat

On-site carnival food plus Reno's best restaurants nearby.

At the Rodeo Grounds

Don't miss the Kick-Ass Fries — hand-cut fries topped with pulled pork, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and barbecue sauce. Plus classic carnival fare: corn dogs, funnel cakes, BBQ, and more.

Kwok's

#1 Overall

r/Reno's #1 restaurant. Chinese cuisine where you let the chef keep bringing food. Perfect post-rodeo dinner.

R-Town Pizza

Pizza

Detroit-style pizza, featured on Triple D. Big portions, loved by locals.

7 Spices

Indian

Best Indian food in Reno. A change of pace from rodeo BBQ.

Pine State Biscuits

Brunch

Southern-style breakfast and brunch. Biscuit sandwiches are legendary. Get there early on weekends.

Villa Basque Deli

Basque

Carson City (30 min). 'Best chorizo in the world' — worth the drive on an off day.

Hiroba

Sushi

All-you-can-eat sushi. After a day of rodeo, eat your fill.

See our full Reno Restaurant Guide for 50+ recommendations.

Where to Stay

Book early. 140,000+ attendees generate $42 million in hotel revenue.

Top Pick

Grand Sierra Resort

Free parking and a free shuttle to the rodeo grounds running 2 PM to 12:30 AM. The easiest option by far.

Downtown Reno Hotels

Silver Legacy, Eldorado, Whitney Peak. Good nightlife after the rodeo. 10-minute drive to the Livestock Events Center.

South Reno

Atlantis and Peppermill. Full resorts with spas, pools, and their own entertainment. Short drive to the grounds.

What Else to Do in Reno

Late June is perfect weather for outdoor adventures.

🏔️

Lake Tahoe

40 minutes away. June = warm enough to swim. Beaches, kayaking, hiking. A must-do side trip.

🛶

Truckee River Float

Rent a tube and float through downtown Reno. Peak season starts in June. Bring sunscreen.

🍺

Midtown Reno

Walk the strip of local bars, restaurants, and shops. Great for a night out after the rodeo.

🤠

Virginia City

30-minute drive to a preserved silver mining town. Saloons, mine tours, historic buildings.

🛍️

Double R Marketplace

Western shopping at the rodeo grounds. Boots, hats, jewelry, art, and rodeo gear.

Reno Aces Baseball

The Aces play at Greater Nevada Field downtown. Check for home games during rodeo week.

Local Tips from r/Reno

What actual Reno residents say about the rodeo.

"I moved here a month ago, went to the rodeo/carnival for the first time. It was awesome."

— r/Reno

"It was such a fun, relaxed event! The rodeo has great energy and the community really comes out."

— r/Reno

"The carnival is legit fun. Get the advance wristbands at Nevada State Bank or Grocery Outlet to save money."

— r/Reno

"The Reno Rodeo announcer NEVER stops talking and the volume is on 11. Bring earplugs if you're sensitive to noise, but it's part of the experience."

— r/Reno

"My first experience at the rodeo was incredible. It was my first rodeo of any kind and I was blown away by the athleticism."

— r/Reno

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Reno Rodeo 2026?
The 2026 Reno Rodeo runs from June 18-27 at the Reno Livestock Events Center. The kick-off concert with Dylan Scott is June 17, and the cattle drive arrives June 14-18.
Where should I park for the Reno Rodeo?
The best free option is the Enterprise Rd. lot off Evans Ave with a free shuttle (4:30 PM – 12:30 AM). Grand Sierra Resort also offers free parking with a free shuttle (2:30 PM – 12:30 AM). Parking at the Livestock Events Center is free 8 AM – 2 PM, then $20 cash after 2 PM. Avoid residential streets near the LEC — they're enforced and towed.
Can you watch the Reno Rodeo cattle drive for free?
Yes. The cattle drive arrives in Reno on Thursday, June 18 around 11 AM – noon. The public route runs Clear Acre Ln → McCarran Blvd → Sutro St into the Livestock Events Center, also crossing Oddie Blvd and N. Wells Ave. Park along Oddie or Wells by 11 AM for the best view. The 5-day drive itself (June 14-18) is riders-only — the 2026 list and waitlist are completely full. 2027 registration opens Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM, first come first served at renorodeo.com.
Are Reno Rodeo tickets sold out for 2026?
As of mid-June 2026, online inventory is essentially gone — Reno Rodeo confirmed they are 'down to single seats scattered through the arena and limited viewing seats.' More seats may be released the week of June 15-27. Your best path is to call the Reno Rodeo Ticket Office directly at 775-329-3877 ×132 (or ×133) Monday through Friday, or email [email protected]. Ticket Office hours: June 8-12 and June 15-16 from 10 AM-6 PM, June 17-27 from 10 AM-8 PM. The office is located off Wells Ave at Gate #2. Don't buy from resellers — Paciolan via renorodeo.com is the only authorized seller.
How much are Reno Rodeo tickets?
Rodeo performance tickets are $25-$41 in advance (not including fees), depending on which night and section. The Dylan Scott kick-off concert (Wed June 17) is $66 advance (includes per-ticket fee), or $76 day-of — there's a 4-ticket online limit. VIP Branding Room is $150/person. Carnival wristbands are $34 in advance at Nevada State Bank locations, select Grocery Outlets, and the Reno Rodeo Ticket Office. Grounds-only admission is $10. Online inventory is very limited for 2026 — call 775-329-3877 ×132 for availability.
Where is the Reno Rodeo held?
The Reno Rodeo is held at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Avenue, Reno, NV 89512. The carnival, rodeo arena, outdoor arena, and marketplace are all on the same grounds.
What should first-timers know about the Reno Rodeo?
Wear closed-toe shoes (livestock + dirt), bring layers (June nights drop from 90°F to 60°F), and arrive 90 minutes early to walk the marketplace and grab seats. The announcer is very loud the entire night — bring earplugs if you're sensitive. No outside alcohol is allowed. Bring cash for some carnival vendors.
What events are at the Reno Rodeo?
PRCA rodeo (bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, barrel racing, bull riding), Xtreme Bulls with pyrotechnics, Dylan Scott kick-off concert, carnival rides, cattle drive, drill team competition, mutton bustin', tailgate party, and nightly viewing parties.
Is the Reno Rodeo carnival open to the public?
Yes. The carnival by Davis Shows Northwest runs June 18-27. Hours are 4 PM to close on weekdays and 12 noon to close on Saturday and Sunday. Advance wristbands are $34 — available at any Nevada State Bank location, select Grocery Outlets, or the Reno Rodeo Ticket Office. There is a $10 grounds fee if you are not attending the rodeo that night.
What is the Nightly Viewing Party?
Held in the Indoor Arena from 5 to 10:30 PM each rodeo night. Admission is completely included with the $10 grounds fee — watch the rodeo on big screens with food and drink available. The move if you don't have an arena seat or want a more relaxed evening.
What is the Nightly Autograph Party?
After each rodeo performance, that night's event winners head back into the arena to sign autographs and take photos with fans. Free with any admission. Probably the best kid memory of the whole week.
What is Businessmen's Steer Decorating?
One of the Reno Rodeo's most unique events — 18 teams of two local businesspeople compete on the arena floor to decorate a live steer. It's chaotic, hilarious, and a true community-participation tradition. Watch for the schedule at renorodeo.com.
Where should I stay for the Reno Rodeo?
Grand Sierra Resort offers free parking and a shuttle to the rodeo grounds (2:30 PM to 12:30 AM). Any downtown Reno hotel or casino resort works well. Book early -- the rodeo draws over 140,000 attendees and generates $42 million in hotel revenue.
Can I take my kids to the Reno Rodeo?
Absolutely. The Reno Rodeo is very family-friendly with carnival rides, mutton bustin' for kids (apply by Feb 1), the Special Kids' Rodeo, and the Western marketplace. Kids love the carnival and the animals.

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