"Western heritage meets extreme sport when cowboys and cowgirls come to town"...at the Tucson Rodeo!
Formally called La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (which means "celebration of the cowboys" in Spanish), the Tucson Rodeo is a popular event for Arizonans. The Tucson Rodeo enlists contestants from the United States and Canada for the nine-day celebration, which is known for "non-stop action with bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing."
Visitors from the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Europe are given "the opportunity to see real-life cowboys and cowgirls as they display their ability in the only sport in the world developed from work skills."
The first La Fiesta de los Vaqueros was in in 1925. Today, the Tucson Rodeo is "one of the top 25 professional rodeos in North America."
The 2022 Tucson Rodeo will be held, February 18-26, 2023.
The Tucson Rodeo is held at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. 6th Avenue (just north of Irvington) in the south Tucson area.
Gates open at 11:00am each day of the rodeo. The Junior Rodeo begins at 12:30 pm. The ProRodeo begins at 2 pm and ends about 4 pm. The Coors Barn dance begins when the rodeo ends.
This year, the Tucson Rodeo kicks off with an additional event. Country super stars, Lonestar, will be LIVE in concert in the Rodeo Arena on Saturday Feb 18th at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $20 with VIP opportunities available.
Tickets vary by day - from $18 to $80 - based on day and section. There are no discounts for children. However, children 2 and under do not require a ticket if they sit on their parent’s lap.
The Tucson Rodeo offers $18 general admission tickets the first weekend, Feb 18 &19.
Parking at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds is $7 per vehicle.
Least crowded days are FEB 18-19; most crowded days are FEB 25-26.
Average Tucson temperatures in February range in the 40s-70s, often with blue skies and lots of sun. The only shaded seating area is the Vaquero Club. Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and layers are advised.
You’ll probably want to bring some cash for food, drinks, and wares from vendors.
*Note that the Tucson Rodeo has a Clear Bag Policy. See the website for full details.
Yes. Bathrooms are located in at least 4 different areas.
All non-rodeo animals are prohibited from Tucson Rodeo grounds with the exception of certified service animals.
There is a marketplace at the rodeo where you can purchase hats, boots, clothing, jewelry, etc.
There are a variety of food, drink, and snack vendors at the Tucson Rodeo.
Nearby restaurants include:
Absolutely! The Tucson Rodeo is family-friendly. The Rodeo opens with Mutton Busting and Junior Rodeo at 12:30, which features kids from 4 to 14 years old. Kids will likely also enjoy the bull riding and barrel racing competitions. Clown acts and special events are family-friendly also.
Children are welcome on any of the rodeo days, however, the Feb. 18-19 rodeos offer $18 tickets.
Section F or section A are good for viewing and easy to exit from. A seating chart is available on the Tucson Rodeo website.
Strollers are not allowed in the seating area, but parking is available nearby.
Babies are welcome at the rodeo. There is a large restroom on the north side that accommodates babies and mothers.
See above.
There is a section for persons in wheelchairs with a ramp entry.
The Coors Barn Dances are held indoors - in a barn - and are very lively. Expect lots of dancing! The dances are for ages 21 and over only. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Dances are held after each rodeo performance, beginning after the last bull bucks (about 4 pm) and closing at 8 pm. $5 admission.
The Tucson Rodeo Parade has been a part of the rodeo festivities since 1925 and is now the "largest non-motorized parade in the country." Over 200 non-motorized floats are on display along the one and one-half mile parade route.
The 2023 Tucson Rodeo Parade will be held on Thursday, February 23 at 9:00am.
The Tucson Rodeo Parade concludes at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.
The parade route begins on Ajo Highway, 1/2 mile east of Park Ave, at 9:00am. From there, it proceeds east to Park Avenue, then south on Park to Irvington Rd., west on Irvington to Sixth Avenue, and north on Sixth to the North end of the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. The Judges and Reviewing stands are located on the North side of Irvington close to Sixth Ave.
Grandstand seating is on Irvington Road. Seating in this area requires ticketing, which can be purchased at Ticket Booths near the Grandstands or in advance at The Rodeo Parade Office.
The streets near the parade route are closed by 7 am. Come as early as you can!
Parking is available for $7 (cash only!) near the Rodeo Grounds on a first-come basis. Plan to arrive early (see above). Grandstand pre-parade entertainment begins at 8:00am.
There is no charge for roadside viewing.
Tickets for Grandstand seating at Irvington and South 6th Ave are $10 adults, $5 for kids under age 13. Call 520-294-1280 for grandstand tickets.
Bring your own chairs, blankets, etc.
We recommend:
Another terrific option is to find a vacation rental thru Tucson Vacation Rentals.
Yes. You can follow the Tucson Rodeo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
That just about covers it. Have a great time!
