In the heart of Arizona’s high country, Prescott stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. With pine-covered hills, crisp mountain air, and a historic downtown square lined with old saloons and local shops, Prescott is the kind of place where tradition matters — and nowhere is that more evident than in the pride it takes in hosting the World’s Oldest Rodeo®. Since 1888, this annual event has drawn cowboys, cowgirls, and fans from across the country, all eager to experience the thrill, grit, and pageantry that only a true Western rodeo can deliver.
The origins of this storied rodeo stretch back to July 4, 1888, when local merchants and ranchers organized what was called the “Cowboy Tournament” to coincide with the town’s Independence Day festivities. It wasn’t just for fun (though there was plenty of that); it was a way to showcase the working cowboy’s skill and celebrate the region’s rich ranching culture. That first event featured bronc riding, steer roping, and horse racing — the staples of any good rodeo — and drew cowboys from across Arizona Territory and beyond.
At the heart of that inaugural competition was Juan Leivas, a cowboy from Big Sandy Valley, who was crowned the first “Best Cowboy.” His win was immortalized with a trophy, which today can be seen at Prescott’s Sharlot Hall Museum, a reminder of the humble beginnings of an event that would become world famous. What set Prescott’s rodeo apart, even then, was how structured it was: there was an official planning committee, invited participants, admission fees, cash prizes, and media coverage. These key elements laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the professional rodeo circuit we know today.
While many rodeos paused or folded over the years — during wars, economic downturns, or shifts in local culture — Prescott’s never missed a year. This unbroken streak earned it the title “World’s Oldest Rodeo®,” officially trademarked in 1985. That continuous legacy has made it not just a local point of pride, but a bucket-list destination for rodeo fans and competitors alike.
Over the years, the Prescott rodeo has grown, evolved, and modernized, but it has always honored its roots. It’s a place where old-school cowboy values meet the thrill of top-tier competition. Legendary names like Tom Mix, who went on to become a Hollywood cowboy star, and J.C. Trujillo, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, have graced the Prescott arena. Today, the event draws the best of the best from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates the sport.
Beyond the competition itself, the rodeo is a full-on community celebration. Locals and visitors alike gather not just for the performances but for the entire experience: the parade through downtown, the rodeo dances, the vendors and live music, the pageantry of the rodeo queens, and the laughter and cheers echoing from the stands. It’s an event that brings Prescott together — and invites the wider world to come and share in its traditions.
The 138th edition of the World’s Oldest Rodeo® is set to take place from June 30 to July 6, 2025, at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. This year promises to deliver the same heart-pounding action fans have come to expect, with eight electrifying performances showcasing bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and team roping. These events test the mettle of both human and animal athletes, offering moments of tension, triumph, and pure adrenaline.
Each day, gates will open two hours before the rodeo, giving guests a chance to enjoy a wide array of food trucks, Western-themed shopping, and local entertainment. You can grab a plate of barbecue, browse handcrafted leather goods, or pick up a signature Prescott souvenir before heading to your seat. Families, especially, will find the event welcoming, with activities and entertainment that cater to all ages.
One of the most anticipated moments each year is the rodeo parade, which will take place this year on July 5 at 9 a.m. Winding through the charming streets of downtown Prescott, the parade features colorful floats, equestrian groups, marching bands, classic cars, and plenty of local flavor. It’s a great way for families to kick off their Fourth of July weekend and soak in the sense of community that defines this town.
In the evenings, the fun doesn’t stop when the arena lights go out. Rodeo dances, held from July 3 to July 5, give visitors a chance to let loose, kick up their boots, and dance the night away under the Arizona stars. Whether you’re two-stepping with your sweetheart or just enjoying the music, these dances are a lively way to cap off a day at the rodeo.
For those planning to attend, it’s recommended to purchase tickets early, as performances often sell out. You can secure your seats online at worldsoldestrodeo.com, where you’ll also find details about event schedules, parking, and the clear bag policy in place for 2025. While the rodeo draws fans from across the country, it retains the welcoming spirit that makes Prescott feel like a small town — no matter how big the crowds get.
What truly sets the Prescott rodeo apart, though, is its ability to honor the past while embracing the future. Even as rodeo sports have become faster, flashier, and more commercialized, Prescott holds fast to the traditions that made rodeo what it is: a celebration of grit, skill, bravery, and the timeless bond between people and the land they work.
Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or someone curious to experience it for the first time, the World’s Oldest Rodeo® offers an authentic Western experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. You’ll feel the history in the wooden grandstands, the dust rising from the arena, and the cheers of the crowd. You’ll see it in the faces of the cowboys and cowgirls who’ve traveled far to test their skills, and in the proud locals who’ve made sure the event has endured for nearly a century and a half.
So pack your hat, your boots, and your sense of adventure, and head to Prescott this summer. There’s no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July, to connect with the spirit of the West, and to make memories that will last long after the final horn sounds. The Prescott Frontier Days World’s Oldest Rodeo® is waiting to welcome you — and you won’t want to miss it. For full event details, tickets, and travel information, visit worldsoldestrodeo.com.