With the summer season in full swing, it’s that time of year we welcome the return of rodeo to communities around Southwest Montana. Here’s a look at what’s coming to the dirt grounds near you.
The Livingston Roundup Rodeo will once again be held July 1st–4th at Park County Fairgrounds nightly at 8pm. Top hands compete in saddle bronc, bareback, team roping, tie down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, and barrel racing. Visit www.livingstonroundup.com for tickets and additional information.
The Ennis 4th of July Rodeo will be held at 7pm on July 3rd and 4th at the Ennis Rodeo Grounds. Enjoy two days of NRA-sanctioned rodeo featuring the top cowboys and cowgirls from the northwest in both rough stock and timed events. As always, the annual Fourth of July parade begins at 10am, following a route through historic Downtown Ennis and featuring horses, floats, marching bands and classic cars. Learn more at www.ennischamber.com.
Returning for another year at the Big Sky Events Arena on July 12th, the Big Sky Community Rodeo begins at 7:30pm. The event features some of MSU’s finest up-and-coming rodeo athletes as they entertain with a variety of rodeo disciplines including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Mutton bustin’ and an additional special feature of 406 Rodeo miniature bucking stock ridden by junior roughstock kids will highlight the evening. Ticketholders can enjoy food and drink options at the venue including food trucks and bar service. Street Dance Afterparty to follow featuring the Tony Marques Band. Find tickets and more information at www.bigskypbr.com.
Don’t miss the best small town weekend around with the Three Forks Rodeo to be held July 19th and 20th at 7pm each night. Get to town early and enjoy a kids’ stick horse derby and farmers’ market in Railway Park from 4–7pm on Thursday. The weekend will also include a Fireman’s Breakfast from 6–10am on Saturday, followed by the Rodeo Dayz Street Fair and parade at 11am. Street dances will follow the rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday is Family Night when kids get into the rodeo grounds free with a donation to Headwaters Area Food Bank. More details at www.threeforksrodeo.com.
During the Big Sky Country State Fair, the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo will take place July 20th at Anderson Arena at 7pm. Ranch Rodeo reflects today’s true working cowboy from the big open, the events packed full of excitement representing work done on the ranch: Wild Cow Milking, Team Branding, Trailer Loading, Team Sorting, Ranch Bronc Riding, Team Doctoring, and Hide Race. Rodeo events sold separately from fair admission. Get tickets at www.gallatincountyfairgrounds.com.
The event of the summer is coming back to Town Center with the Big Sky PBR event July 18th–20th at 6pm Thursday, and 7pm Friday and Saturday. This series attracts many of the top bull riders in the world to one of Big Sky’s biggest weekends. Thousands of fans are expected to attend the three-day bull riding tournament, which also features live music, art auction, mutton bustin’, and more. Head over to www.bigskypbr.com for more.
Finally, the 14th annual Bozeman Stampede returns to the Gallatin Fairgrounds August 8th–10th at 7pm each night. Expect all the favorites – the big screen, an always impressive opening and closing ceremony, great cowboys and cowgirls, and the fan-favorite Bull Scramble with a cash prize for each lucky contestant. Other events will include bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, barrel racing, team roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, ladies breakaway and junior events. Check out the event at www.bozemanstampede.com. •
