Our Colorado Springs community, both far and wide, is invited to celebrate the 80th annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo this month! Created and founded by our own Spencer Penrose in 1937, this is a tradition that speaks to the root and heart of Colorado Springs’ Western heritage. It has been canceled only by way of WWll and COVID19. Wow! We’re so excited that it’s returning this year.
Military Connection
Every year, 300-400 military volunteers attend the activities centered around the Rodeo because since 1946, the money the rodeo raises is given to the military’s quality-of-life programs.
If you attend the Wednesday morning breakfast between 5:30 AM and 9 AM, you’ll experience a live band in our booming downtown, a breakfast kindly served by military members and to top it off, you’ll experience watching our very own Range Riders saddle up and ride west toward the mountains for their annual ride through the front range. If you have little ones, they especially love this part of the morning.
Activities + Experiences
The annual parade has been cancelled this year due to extra precautions; however, the list of activities and experience are intentional and extensive this year and it will only create space for us to welcome the parade back next time.
The 2021 Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo runs Wednesday July 14 through Sunday July 17. Each night will honor a different group of our incredible military branches or first responders. If you come on Thursday, make sure you wear pink, we’ll be supporting the breast cancer awareness program.
Fan Zone
Each night prior to the rodeo formally starting, there will be a Fan Zone in front of the arena. They’ve worked hard to make this function a one-stop destination that the entire family can enjoy—all ages, all types. This year, they’ve increased the number of activities for the kid’s zone with a bounce house and a live acrobatic act. And for the adults… a Houston Rodeo-inspired Wine Bar.
If you and yours can’t come beforehand, that’s okay. The Coors Roadhouse tent is the best time! As soon as the last champions are announced, the rodeo crowd moves to the dance floor across the way with a live band and so much more fun to be shared.
Creating Memories
I personally have attended this rodeo since I was a little girl. There’s nothing like being so close to the horses in the arena that you can feel the dust they kick up as they run past you, the views at sunset, the energy of the crowd, the view of the cowboys and cowgirls. It’s sweet for the whole family… Book tickets fast! It’s just around the corner.
2021 Performance/Theme Sponsors:
- Wednesday, July 14, 2021—Fort Carson Night
Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual - Thursday, July 15, 2021—Missile Defense & First Responders Night
Sponsored by UCHealth - Friday, July 16, 2021—Space Night
Sponsored by The Boeing Company - Saturday Matinee, July 17, 2021—Honoring the U.S. Air Force Academy
Sponsored by USAA - Saturday Evening, July 17, 2021—NORAD/USNORTHCOM Night
Sponsored by Lockheed Martin
Website: http://www.pikespeakorbust.org/
Facebook: @PikesPeakRodeo