What the Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo Is
The Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo is a professional rodeo in Athens that has run for more than four decades; the 44th annual edition was held May 15-16, 2026. All proceeds benefit the men and women of the Limestone County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin calls it "one of our favorite traditions in Limestone County." The Lone Star Rodeo Company produces the performances.
Rodeo Week: The Timeline
The rodeo is the centerpiece of a week of events.
| Day | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 12 | Free street dance | Downtown Athens at 6 p.m. Downtown restaurants and merchants stay open for visitors. |
| Thursday, May 14 | Slack performance | At the arena. Gates open 8 a.m., competition starts 9 a.m. Admission is $5. |
| Friday, May 15 | Exceptional Needs Rodeo | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arena, for individuals with special needs. |
| Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 | Main rodeo | Gates open 6 p.m., competition starts 8 p.m. |
The Exceptional Needs Rodeo
This morning session gives people with special needs a rodeo experience in an inclusive setting. Organizers say it serves more than 800 attendees.
The slack performance
Slack is the overflow competition. In earlier years it has been the session for team roping contestants and overflow contestants who could not fit into the main performances.
What You See at the Main Rodeo
Recent editions have featured the classic professional events: bareback bronc riding, calf roping, break-away roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Entertainment has included rodeo clowns, a specialty act, Team Ghostriders and chuckwagon races.
Tickets and Costs
| Ticket (per night) | In advance | At the gate |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $17 | $20 |
| Children ages 4-12 | $10 | $12 |
| Ages 3 and under | Free | |
Advance tickets are sold at the Limestone County Sheriff's Office and online at limestonesheriffrodeo.com. The slack performance is $5 at the gate.
Scholarships and Giveaways
In recent years the rodeo committee has partnered with Turn Key Health Clinics to offer two $1,000 scholarships to Athens-Limestone County high school seniors, one for an FFA student and one for a 4-H student, who are recognized at the rodeo. In 2024 applications closed May 1. The rodeo has also run a pistol giveaway sponsored by Winter Timber Outdoors, with chances at $3 each or four for $10; the winner must complete firearm registration at Winter Timber Outdoors, and did not need to attend the rodeo.
Where
The Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo arena, 8118 AL Hwy 99, Athens, AL. The free street dance is held in downtown Athens.
Sponsors
The 2026 sponsors included Pepsi, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Flanagan Lumber Company, Halsey Food Service, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (Visit North Alabama), Dream Key Real Estate, Legacy Commissary and Combined Public Communications.
Questions
Where does the ticket money go?
All proceeds benefit the Limestone County Sheriff's Office. In earlier years the release noted the money buys equipment for the office.
Do kids need a ticket?
Children ages 4 to 12 pay the child price. Children 3 and under are free.
Is there a cheaper way to watch?
The street dance is free, and the Thursday slack performance is $5.
Who do I call?
The rodeo line is 256-232-0111, or visit limestonesheriffrodeo.com.
Official Links
- Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo: tickets and event information
- Saddle Up: Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo Returns May 15-16: schedule and ticket prices
- 44th annual rodeo week of events: sponsors and beneficiary
- Tickets for 42nd sheriff's rodeo, pistol giveaway and scholarships: scholarships, giveaway and events
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- National Peanut Festival
Held each year in Dothan and tracked on the Alabama Farmers Federation calendar; the most recent dates were November 6 to 15, 2026.
- Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation, held in Montgomery on the organization's events calendar for December 6-7, 2026.
- Gulf States Horticulture Expo
Horticulture trade expo in Mobile for Gulf Coast growers, shown on the Alabama Farmers Federation events calendar for January 6-8, 2027.
Mobile, AL | Organizer: Alabama Farmers Federation Official event details - Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference and Trade Show
Held each year in Gulf Shores by the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; the most recent dates were February 3 to 5, 2027.
- SLE Rodeo and Livestock Week
Southeastern Livestock Exposition rodeo and livestock week at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, posted on the Bama Beef calendar for March 19-21, 2027.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.