Arizona Rodeos: A List of Events, Carnivals, and Parades

Written by Marily 

September is the month of the rodeo, folks--just look at this list. If you live in Arizona and you have never been to a rodeo, then it is high time you tap into the Western heritage of this place and get to one of these events. 

There are a ton of rodeos that happen in our state.  Many of them include so many other activities in conjunction with the rodeo that you really don't even need to see the main event in order to have a good time. Think parades, carnivals, Native American pow-wows, live music, and tons of fun for the whole family. 

Here is the list, separated by the month in which it is generally hosted annually:

January
Tohono O'odham Nation Rodeo and Fair (Located 3 miles west of Sells, AZ)
Held at the end of January/beginning of Febrauary yearly. This is an all-Indian rodeo that includes a parade, traditional Native-American games, pow-wow, free carnival rides, live music, and much more.


February
Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo (Yuma)
Western parade, rodeo, even a Motorcross vs barrels event, happens in early February.

Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo and Parade (Gila Bend)

Gold Rush Days and Senior Pro Rodeo (Wickenburg)
This is a fun celebration worth traveling to. It includes entertainment like gun shows, carnival games, a parade, lots of activities for families, and of course the rodeo in the evenings.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Tucson)
This festival is a nine day long celebration including the Tucson Rodeo, one of the top 25 professional rodeos in North America. This is the rodeo to go to if you want to see the very best. Included in the week's celebrations is a parade on Saturday. Tucson schools are even closed for two days for this event.

Parada del Sol (Scottsdale)
Lots of fun at this rodeo event right here in the Valley. Includes a pro rodeo, historic parade, fun run, and a cattle drive through Old Town Scottsdale which kicks off a block party in Old Town. Food, games for kids, bands and more.

March
Arizona Black Rodeo (Chandler)
Held in early March at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse.

Phoenix Bull Riders Glendale Invitational (Glendale)

Lehi Days (Mesa)
This is a small rodeo for kids and teenagers. Generally held the first weekend in March. Free for spectators, there are even some activities like chasing chickens that are open to spectators.

Fiesta Days Rodeo (Cave Creek)
Three days towards the end of March. Includes rodeo parade.

May
Gary Hardt Memorial Spring Rodeo (Payson)

June
Reunion Rodeo (Williams)
Along with the rodeo, there will be food, clothing, and craft vendors.

July
World's Oldest Rodeo (Prescott)
This family event includes the main rodeo, special needs rodeo, a parade, kiddie parade, arts and craft show and more. With lots of options for things to do and a fun town to hang out in, this is a great option for a weekend outing.

August
August Doin's Rodeo (Payson)
Named the "World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo," this is the largest annual rodeo in Payson. Held every year on the third weekend in August. Rodeo goes from Thursday through Saturday and there is a parade down Main Street on Saturday morning.

September
Navajo Nation Fair and Indian Rodeo (Window Rock)
Lots of stuff happening here such as a pow wow, carnival, extreme bull riding, wild horse race, parade, concerts, and more. Fair goes on for a week in early September.

Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo (Sonoita)

Williams Labor Day Rodeo (Williams)
Held Labor Day weekend, early September or last couple days of August.

Navajo County Fair Rodeo (Holbrook)
Experience the Navajo County Fair with rides, games, food, music, and rodeo events.

Lake Powell Stampede Rodeo (Page)

Jim Barrett Memorial High School Rodeo (Payson)
For teenage participants. Held on a Friday and Saturday, mid September.


If you know of a great rodeo event not included in this list please share in the comments or email me at contactus@iheartaz.com

Other resources:
AZ High School Rodeo Association
Arizona Junior Rodeo Association
National Senior Pro Rodeo Association
UofA Rodeo Club

photo credit: John St John Photography via photopin cc