All About the Rodeo: The Heartbeat of Cody Yellowstone

The Roundup: What You’ll Learn in This Article

• Why Cody, Wyoming, is hailed as the Rodeo Capital of the World

• The rich history behind the Cody Stampede and Cody Nite Rodeo

• Insider tips for attending the Cody Nite Rodeo (like how to skip the parking lot stress)

• What makes the Cody Stampede Rodeo a Fourth of July tradition worth traveling for

• Details on Xtreme Bulls, Cody’s most adrenaline-charged rodeo night

• A breakdown of key rodeo events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and bronc riding

• How to make the most of your summer visit to Cody Yellowstone

Cody, Wyoming, is proudly known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” and for good reason. With a rich history dating back to 1919, Cody’s rodeo scene is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, adrenaline, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo fan or a curious newcomer, here’s your guide to experiencing the best of Cody’s rodeo events this summer.

A Legacy of Rodeo Excellence

Buffalo Bill Cody, the town has always had a flair for Western pageantry and cowboy grit. The first Cody Stampede was held in 1919, and was organized by local volunteers who wanted to honor the cowboy way of life and put Cody on the map as a rodeo destination. Well, they definitely succeeded!

Over the past century, Cody has hosted some of the biggest rodeo legends. Cowboys like Freckles Brown, who famously rode the un-rideable bull Tornado, local hero Dusty Tuckness, who we famously documented last year in the award-winning Heartbeat of the Rodeo series, and Mel Stonehouse, who was instrumental in building Cody’s rodeo reputation, turned the local arena into a breeding ground for rodeo royalty. The community was so enthralled with this incredible rodeo exhibition that they kept showing up—year after year, decade after decade, to cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls.

In 1938, the Cody Nite Rodeo launched, offering nightly rodeo action all summer long, and the tradition has never wavered. Today, Cody is the only place in the country that hosts a rodeo every single night during peak season. That consistency, combined with the sheer enthusiasm of the crowds and the level of competition, is what earned Cody its rodeo reputation.

Must-See Rodeo Events

Cody Nite Rodeo

Running nightly from June 1 through August 31, the Cody Nite Rodeo offers an authentic Western experience for all ages. Gates open at 7:00 pm, with the rodeo kicking off at 8:00 pm and ending at 10:00 pm. Expect thrilling events like bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and more—featuring both seasoned professionals and aspiring amateurs. 

Insider tip: Skip the parking hassle by hopping on the Cody Nite Rodeo Bus. For just $7 round-trip, the bus picks up near most hotels and campgrounds in town. Plus, kids under 10 ride free! Keep a little cash on you and pay the driver as you board and enjoy a stress-free ride to the arena.

The Annual Cody Stampede Rodeo

The Cody Stampede Rodeo is held each year from July 1st to 4th. Cowboys and cowgirls from all across North America come to the Cody Stampede to compete for big prizes and to ride the most prized rodeo stock in the country. What makes this event truly special is its rich history and unforgettable Western atmosphere—a thrilling blend of competitive spirit, cowboy culture, and a heart-racing celebration of Independence Day. 

This year, we will be celebrating 106 years of rodeo tradition, and we’ll be honoring some special individuals each night of the Cody Stampede:

• July 1st—Law Enforcement
• July 2nd—Breast Cancer Awareness Night
• July 3rd—Military Appreciation Night
• July 4th—Veteran Appreciation Night

Xtreme Bulls Tour

Are you searching for the most adrenaline-packed, high-octane shows that Cody has to offer? Look no further than the Xtreme Bulls and Bullfighters Only events. Kicking off the Cody Stampede, Xtreme Bulls happens on June 30th and is an absolute must-see on your Cody itinerary. The event features the PRCA’s top freestyle bull riders facing off against some of the highest-ranking bulls in the sport. A high-stakes, nail-biting spectacle, Xtreme Bulls is a riveting event that sets the tone for Stampede week.

Top Rodeo Events

Barrel Racing

A test of speed and precision, barrel racing showcases riders maneuvering their horses around a cloverleaf pattern of barrels in the fastest time possible. An all-women event, barrel racing is a huge fan favorite that highlights agility and the deep connection between horse and rider.

Bronc Riding

Divided into saddle bronc and bareback categories, bronc riding challenges cowboys to hang on tight to a bucking horse for a full eight seconds. A classic rodeo event that combines skill, balance, and a whole lot of guts to compete in.

Bull Riding

Often considered the most dangerous event at the rodeo, bull riding pits man against beast in this ultimate showdown of athleticism and courage. Similar to bronc riding, the goal is to stay on for eight seconds—and trust us, eight seconds can feel like a lifetime to these cowboys when you’re hanging on to these powerful and unpredictable bulls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cody Rodeo Season

What rodeo events are available in Cody Yellowstone?
You’ll catch a full slate of classic events that make up the heart of any true rodeo: bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc and bareback riding, team roping, steer wrestling, and more. Whether you’re drawn to the split-second precision of barrel racers or the raw power of a bull rider holding on for eight, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.

When does the Cody Nite Rodeo take place?
The Cody Nite Rodeo runs every evening from June 1 to August 31. Gates open at 7:00 pm, and the show kicks off at 8:00 pm, wrapping up by 10:00 pm. No other town in the U.S. hosts a rodeo every night—just another reason Cody’s the real deal.

Where can I buy tickets for the rodeo?
You can purchase tickets online at or at the gate. For prime summer nights, we recommend booking ahead, especially around the July 4th Cody Stampede.

What should I bring to the rodeo?
Come prepared for a Western night under the stars. That means a light jacket, cash for snacks or the rodeo bus, and maybe even a cowboy hat if you’re feeling the part. The vibe is family-friendly and casual.

Is the Cody Nite Rodeo suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Kids love the action, and there’s even a chance for them to participate in events like the calf scramble. It’s one of the best ways for young ones to connect with the cowboy spirit.

How do I get to the rodeo arena without driving?
Take the Cody Nite Rodeo Bus. It’s $7 round-trip, and kids under 10 ride free. It’s a stress-free way to skip the parking lot and roll up like a local.

What makes the Cody Stampede so special?
Over a century of rodeo tradition, a 4th of July celebration like no other, and a lineup of themed nights that honor law enforcement, the military, and cancer fighters. It’s not just a rodeo, it’s a Cody rite of passage.

Is there seating or should I bring my own chair?
The Cody Stampede Rodeo Grounds offer bleacher seating, as well as a Party Patio, with great views from nearly every angle. No need to bring your own seat (unless you’re looking to tailgate outside the arena!).

“The Rodeo Capital of the World” isn’t just a tagline. In Cody, it’s part of the town’s heartbeat. It’s woven into the summer air, the local festivities, and the shared identity of a community that still believes in holding onto tradition while celebrating the raw, unfiltered spirit of the American West. 

Ready to experience the thrill of the rodeo firsthand? Start planning your summer getaway to Cody Yellowstone. Whether you’re drawn by the nightly excitement of the Cody Nite Rodeo, the grandeur of the Cody Stampede, or the edge-of-your-seat action of Xtreme Bulls, there’s something for everyone.