The 2026 True Western Roundup, sponsored by Hutton Broadcasting, professional rodeo season runs from June 3 through July 29 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango, CO. Sanctioned by the PRCA, CPRA, and NMRA, the series features weekly Wednesday night rodeos and weekend specialty events.
Gates open at 5 p.m., and tickets range from $20 to $25 for standard events, with discounts for kids, seniors, and veterans.
- What are the True Western Roundup 2026 event details?
- 2026 True Western Roundup Schedule
- What Types of Events Are in the 2026 Season?
- What Rodeo Organizations Sanction These Events?
- What Is the Mission of True Western Roundup?
- What is True Western Roundup Royalty?
- Get True Western Roundup Tickets & Schedule Updates
- FAQ: True Western Roundup 2026 Season
What are the True Western Roundup 2026 event details?
- Dates: June 3 to July 29, 2026
- Times:
- Gates open at 5 p.m.
- Rodeos start at 6:30 p.m.
- Events on July 3 and 4 start at 7 p.m.
- True Western Roundup rodeos and events generally conclude by 9:30 p.m.
- Slack follows each performance, except on June 10 when PRCA slack begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Location: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango, CO
- Tickets: Each True Western Roundup event has an individual ticket. You can buy tickets online or at the gate before the event. If you buy tickets online, bring your ID and digital or printed tickets to the event.
- Ticket prices:
- Ticket prices vary, depending on the event and admission type.
- Kids, seniors 65+, and veterans enjoy reduced ticket prices.
- Tickets cost $20 to $25 for typical True Western Roundup rodeo ($15 and up for some Junior events)
- The Fourth of July Professional Bull Riding & Dancing in the Dirt event has regular, arena standing, VIP and Banquet ticketing options ranging from $35 to $750.
Buy True Western Roundup tickets.
2026 True Western Roundup Schedule
The 2026 season runs for several months with events scheduled on specific dates. Most rodeos take place on Wednesday evenings, with specialty events on Friday and Saturday dates.
- Saturday, April 25: Royalty Gymkhana
- Wednesday, June 3: Junior Rodeo
- Wednesday, June 10: PRCA Rodeo
- Wednesday, June 17: Colorado Pro Rodeo, co-sanctioned with NMRA
- Wednesday, June 24: Colorado Pro Rodeo, co-sanctioned with NMRA
- Wednesday, July 1: Colorado Pro Rodeo, co-sanctioned with NMRA
- Friday, July 3: Ultimate Bull Fighting
- Saturday, July 4: Professional Bull Riding & Dancing in the Dirt
- Wednesday, July 8: Colorado Pro Rodeo, co-sanctioned with NMRA
- Wednesday, July 15: New Mexico Rodeo Association, co-sanctioned with CPRA
- Wednesday, July 22: New Mexico Rodeo Association, co-sanctioned with CPRA
- Friday, July 24: New Mexico Rodeo Association, co-sanctioned with CPRA
- Saturday, July 25: New Mexico Rodeo Association, co-sanctioned with CPRA
- Wednesday, July 29: New Mexico Rodeo Association, co-sanctioned with CPRA
- Friday, September 4: Four Corners Motorcycle Rally Rodeo
Check out all True Western Roundup events and tickets.
What Types of Events Are in the 2026 Season?
The True Western Roundup season features diverse rodeo disciplines and specialty events. Traditional PRCA and CPRA rodeos include roping, barrel racing, bull riding, bronc riding, and other standard rodeo competitions. Specialty events include a Junior Rodeo for younger competitors, Ultimate Bull Fighting, Professional Bull Riding with “Dancing in the Dirt,” and the unique Four Corners Motorcycle Rally Rodeo.
These events showcase the working ranch activities of cowboys and cowgirls while attracting both local and regional competitors. The variety of event types ensures there is something for different skill levels and interests throughout the season.
What Rodeo Organizations Sanction These Events?
True Western Roundup events are sanctioned by three professional rodeo associations: the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA), and the New Mexico Rodeo Association (NMRA). Many events are co-sanctioned, meaning they meet the standards of multiple organizations. This multi-association approach ensures high competition standards and draws competitors from a larger geographic area.
Sanctioning by recognized professional bodies guarantees that competition rules, animal welfare protocols, and athlete safety standards are consistently maintained across all events.
What Is the Mission of True Western Roundup?
True Western Roundup is organized to produce events that preserve Western heritage, promote business, support human and animal athletes, build community, and provide a family-friendly atmosphere in an authentic fashion. The event series celebrates the working skills and traditions of the American cowboy and cowgirl.
The organization works with community partners including Hutton Broadcasting, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, TBK Bank, and dozens of local sponsors to support the season. By hosting a consistent series of events, True Western Roundup strengthens Durango’s role as a Western heritage destination.
What is True Western Roundup Royalty?
The True Western Roundup Royalty serve as official ambassadors and spokeswomen, promoting rodeo awareness and preserving Western heritage. These representatives uphold the highest levels of integrity and professionalism while representing both the event and the Durango community.
The program is open to individuals between the ages of 8 and 18. Those interested in participating in the Royalty Program can contact the Royalty Coordinator, Kayla Koskie, through the website.
Get True Western Roundup Tickets & Schedule Updates
Visit truewesternroundup.com to buy tickets online, see the complete schedule, and find more information about 2026 events. Follow True Western Roundup on Facebook and TikTok for announcements, results, and photos throughout the season.
Event Information:
- Venue: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
- Season: June 3 – July 29, 2026
- Sanctioning Bodies: PRCA, CPRA, NMRA
- Contact: pam@truewesternroundup.com
FAQ: True Western Roundup 2026 Season
What time do True Western Roundup events start?
Most events during the 2026 season begin at 6:30 p.m., with gates opening early at 5 p.m. to allow spectators to get situated. However, special holiday performances on July 3 and 4 have a later start time of 7 p.m. Events typically conclude between 9 and 10 p.m. Slack usually follows the main performance.
For the PRCA Rodeo on June 10, please note that slack begins at 9:30 a.m. Always verify specific times on the official website before traveling to the La Plata County Fairgrounds to ensure you do not miss any of the professional action.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes, tickets are available to buy at the La Plata County Fairgrounds gate on the day of each event. However, you can also buy tickets online in advance via the True Western Roundup website. If you buy digital tickets, have them ready on your mobile device or printed out, along with a valid ID to gain entry.
Prices generally range from $20 to $25 for standard rodeos, while specialty events like the July 4th Bull Riding have varied pricing tiers ranging from $35 up to $750 for VIP and banquet options. Children, seniors 65+, and veterans get $5 off general admission ticket prices for regular rodeos.
Is True Western Roundup family-friendly?
Absolutely. The True Western Roundup is designed as a family-oriented series that celebrates Western heritage in an authentic, welcoming environment. With diverse events ranging from Junior Rodeos to Royalty Gymkhanas, there is entertainment suitable for all ages.
The mission of the Roundup is to build community and provide a wholesome atmosphere where kids and adults alike can learn about the traditions of the American cowboy.
Reduced ticket prices are also specifically available for kids, seniors (65+), and veterans to make these professional competitions more accessible for families visiting Durango.
What should I bring to attend a rodeo?
Because Durango sits at an elevation of around 6,500 feet, weather conditions can change rapidly. For evening events, it is essential to bring a light jacket or layers, as temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
If you are attending daytime events, bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. While the fairgrounds offer seating, some guests prefer bringing personal seat cushions for added comfort during the two-to-three-hour rodeo performances. Food and drink vendors are available on-site, but arriving early is recommended to navigate parking and find the best vantage point before the 6:30 p.m. start time.
How long does each rodeo event last?
The duration of a True Western Roundup event typically ranges between two and three hours. Most performances conclude by 9 or 10 p.m., though the exact end time depends on the number of contestants and the specific type of sanctioned competition.
Because the schedule includes various associations like the PRCA, CPRA, and NMRA, the pace of events can vary. Visitors should plan for a full evening of entertainment at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Are there parking facilities at the La Plata County Fairgrounds?
Yes, the La Plata County Fairgrounds provides on-site parking for all attendees. Because the True Western Roundup is a popular event for both locals and tourists, parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekend nights and holidays.
Arrive when gates open at 5 p.m. to get a good spot, particularly if you are traveling with a large group or have special or accessibility needs.
