The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of the oldest and most storied PRCA rodeos in the American West. Every July, the fairgrounds outside Sheridan fill with 10,000+ fans, world-ranked cowboys, and a week of events that most people don't even know exists. If this is your first time, here's everything you need to know before you go.
What Is the WYO Rodeo?
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event — which means the cowboys competing here are doing it for real world standings and prize money. It's not a tourist show. It's one of the premier rodeos in the country, regularly drawing contestants from across North America.
First held in 1931, the WYO Rodeo has grown into a full week of events surrounding the four main rodeo performances. For locals, it's the event of the year. For visitors, it's one of the most authentic Western experiences you'll find anywhere.
When and Where?
- Main rodeo performances: July 8–11, 2026 (Wednesday through Saturday)
- Start time: 7:00 PM nightly
- Location: Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 700 E Brundage Ln, Sheridan, WY
- Duration: Each performance runs roughly 2.5–3 hours
Wednesday and Thursday nights are the best for first-timers — crowds are slightly smaller and you can move around more freely. Friday and Saturday sell out fastest, so book those early.
It's a Full Week — Not Just Four Nights
Most visitors don't realize the rodeo is the centerpiece of a week-long celebration. Surrounding events include:
- Boot Kick-Off — Monday night street party on Main Street, free live music, line dancing
- Indian Relay Races — Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, one of the most thrilling traditional horse racing events in the country (free to watch)
- WYO Rodeo Parade — Saturday morning down Main Street, floats, horses, bands
- Sneakers & Spurs 5K — Saturday morning fun run through downtown
- Nightly entertainment — Live bands at the fairgrounds after each performance
If you can swing it, arriving Tuesday or Wednesday gives you the full experience. Check the full events calendar for exact times and additional happenings.
Tickets: What to Know
- Reserved seats: $20–$35 depending on section and night. Buy online at wyorodeo.com — don't wait.
- General admission (bleachers): $15–$20, first come first served
- VIP suites: Available for groups, sold separately through the fairgrounds
- Kids under 5: Free on laps
Pro tip: Friday and Saturday night reserved seats sell out weeks in advance. If you're planning a trip around the rodeo, buy tickets the moment they go on sale (typically April).
Getting There: Take the Shuttle
The fairgrounds parking situation is, to put it charitably, a mess. Cars, trailers, horses, and 10,000 people all trying to leave at the same time. Don't drive.
The free downtown shuttle runs from multiple pickup points on Main Street to the fairgrounds starting two hours before each performance and returning until 11:30 PM. It's free, it's frequent, and it drops you right at the gate.
This is the single best reason to stay downtown in Sheridan rather than out by the highway. Walk to the shuttle stop, watch the rodeo, walk back to your rental. No Uber surge pricing, no parking stress.
What to Wear, What to Bring
- Boots and jeans: Not required, but you'll fit right in. This is the real deal — people dress up.
- Hat: Cowboy hat or a wide brim baseball cap — the July sun is intense before 7 PM
- Layers: Evenings cool fast in Wyoming. Bring a light jacket even in July.
- Sunscreen: For afternoon Indian Relay Races
- Cash: Concessions, merchandise, and some vendors are cash-only
- Earplugs (optional): The arena announcer and music are loud. Great for kids.
Before and After: Eating & Drinking on Main Street
Sheridan's Main Street is one of the best small-city main streets in the West — historic architecture, local shops, and a surprisingly good food scene.
- Blacktooth Brewing Co. — Wyoming's best craft brewery, right on Main Street. Get there by 5 PM before the rodeo crowd arrives.
- Frackelton's — Historic steakhouse, rodeo-week dinner reservation essential
- WYO Theater — Check for special rodeo week events and concerts
- Big Horn Mountain Sports — Last-minute gear if you forgot layers or sunscreen
Stay Downtown — Walk to the Shuttle
The best WYO Rodeo experience starts with a downtown Sheridan rental. Walk to the free shuttle, walk home after. No driving, no parking, no Uber. Browse our downtown stays — most are within 3 blocks of shuttle pickup points.