What the World's Oldest Rodeo Is
Prescott Frontier Days, billed as the World's Oldest Rodeo, traces back to July 4, 1888, when Prescott merchants and businessmen organized a "cowboy tournament" with prize money for local competitors. It is credited as the first professional rodeo, and Juan Leivas was its first champion. The rodeo is presented by Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Dr., Prescott, AZ 86305, and it is held each year around Independence Day. The 2026 edition was the 139th.
Rodeo Events
The performances feature steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, women's breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, women's barrel racing and bull riding. Young riders get their turn too in mutton bustin'.
Key Dates
| Edition | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 (139th, theme "Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom") | June 29 to July 5, 2026 |
| 2027 | June 28 to July 4, 2027 |
How the Week Works: The 2026 Schedule
- Evening performances were at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a Saturday July 4 Military Tribute at 1:30 p.m. and a Sunday July 5 performance at 1:30 p.m. That made eight performances in all.
- Tuesday was "Ridin' for a Cure" night (wear pink), and Thursday was First Responders Night.
- Mutton bustin' ran at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, at noon and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.
- Kiwanis Kiddie Parade: Friday, July 3, 8:30 a.m., Cortez and Goodwin Streets.
- Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo Parade: Saturday, July 4, 9:00 a.m., Courthouse Plaza and Goodwin Street.
- Whiskey Row Boot Race: Saturday, July 4, noon to 1:00 p.m., downtown Prescott.
- Rodeo Days Fine Arts and Crafts Show: July 3 and 4, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and July 5, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Rodeo Dance at 303 N. Montezuma: Thursday 8:00 p.m. to midnight (family night); Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (21 and over).
2026 performers included announcers Randy Corley (PRCA Hall of Fame) and James Horcasitas, bullfighters Beau Schueth and Quirt Hunt and barrelman Justin Rumford.
Tickets and Visiting
Buy tickets through the official rodeo website, worldsoldestrodeo.com, or by phone at 928-445-4320. Organizers warn buyers to use authorized channels only, to avoid third-party scams. The grounds have a clear bag policy, and the site has pages for directions and parking and for what to know before you go. For general information, call the rodeo office at 928-445-3103.
Youth and Contestants
The rodeo website has pages for contestants, a Junior Ambassador Program, college rodeo and the Yavapai County Junior Rodeo Association (ycjra.com), along with volunteer, parade and vendor sign-ups. A mobile app, searched as "RODEO 1888" in the app stores, carries news, schedules and ticket updates.
Questions
Is it only a rodeo?
No. The week also includes parades, a boot race, a fine arts and crafts show and dances.
Is there something for small kids?
Yes: mutton bustin' before the performances, and the Kiwanis Kiddie Parade.
Who do I call?
Tickets: 928-445-4320. General information: 928-445-3103.
Official Links
- World's Oldest Rodeo: schedule, tickets and 2027 dates
- 2026 rodeo schedule announcement
- Experience Prescott: history
- Event listing
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Yavapai County Fair
Yavapai County Fair at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, September 10-13, 2026, with separate adult and youth exhibit divisions including floriculture and horticulture. Fair roots go back to 1913.
- Arizona FFA Summit Conference - Cottonwood
Arizona FFA Summit Conference gathering at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood on September 16, 2026 for central and northern Arizona chapters.
Cottonwood, AZ | Organizer: Arizona FFA Official event details - Central Arizona Farmer Field Day
Annual morning field day for central Arizona growers run by the University of Arizona Pinal County agronomy program, with cotton, small grain and forage research results; set for November 18, 2026.
Casa Grande, AZ | 520-836-5221 | Organizer: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Official event details - Arizona National Livestock Show
Billed as the largest livestock show in the Southwest, it draws youth exhibitors with about 2,500 cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine; 2026 runs December 27-31.
- Arizona National Livestock Show Livestock Judging Classic
Livestock judging contest where entrants rank cattle, sheep, swine and goats and give oral reasons; the junior division for 4-H and FFA runs during the Phoenix livestock show.
Phoenix, AZ | Organizer: Arizona National Livestock Show Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.