What the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Is
The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo is a ten-day fair and four-night professional rodeo at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center in Castle Rock. The 2026 fair ran July 24 to August 2, with carnival rides, 4-H and FFA shows and exhibits, livestock shows, a junior livestock sale, antique tractor pulls, a pancake breakfast, fair food and performances on several stages.
Dates at a Glance (2026)
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Jul 24 to Aug 2 | Carnival with rides; fair exhibits and 4-H/FFA shows |
| Jul 25, 2 to 3 p.m. | Legends in Miniature Model Horse Show, Kirk Hall. All ages, free; participants receive a free grounds admission ticket. |
| Jul 30 to Aug 2 | Four ProRodeo performances with PRCA and WPRA contestants |
| Jul 31 | Junior Livestock Sale, Whitman-Lowell Pavilion; Patriot Night ProRodeo |
| Aug 1, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | PRCA Youth Camp, Indoor Arena |
| Aug 2 | Cowboys for Cops ProRodeo |
The Rodeo
The fair hosts PRCA rodeos, xtreme bulls, a stick horse rodeo and mutton bustin'. Two nights carry a free-ticket tribute:
- Patriot Night (July 31): a free ticket for verified active duty, veterans and retired military, while supplies last.
- Cowboys for Cops (August 2): a free ticket for verified first responders (law enforcement, EMS and fire), while supplies last.
Rodeo admission is separate from fairgrounds admission; the fairgrounds ticket does not include rodeo admission.
The Junior Livestock Sale
On July 31 at the Whitman-Lowell Pavilion, local youth sell their market animals, and the buyers help fund the exhibitors' education. The fair also hosts 4-H and FFA shows and exhibits throughout the run.
For Kids and Families
The PRCA Youth Camp on August 1 is open to ages 8 to 18 and uses professional training equipment, with no live animals. The Legends in Miniature Model Horse Show is open to all ages and free. Stick horse rodeo and mutton bustin' add events for the youngest riders, and the carnival runs the full ten days.
Where
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Dr, Castle Rock, CO 80104.
Questions
Does the grounds ticket include the rodeo?
No. Fairgrounds admission does not include rodeo admission.
Can military families get in free?
Verified active duty, veterans and retired military can claim a free ticket to Patriot Night on July 31, and first responders to Cowboys for Cops on August 2, while supplies last.
Where do I find the full schedule?
On the fair's website, douglascountyfairandrodeo.com.
Official Links
- Douglas County Fair and Rodeo
- 2026 event listing
- Macaroni KID event preview
- 2026 fairgrounds admission tickets
Colorado County Fairs: The Essentials
Colorado county fairs run through local CSU Extension offices, so every county sets its own dates and deadlines. In 2026 they ran from San Miguel's July 10-19 fair through Delta County's August 1-9.
Deadlines
Garfield County required fair entries on FairEntry.com by July 1 at 5:00 pm with no late entries. Delta County's pre-entry forms were due June 26 at 4:30 PM. Market animals are tagged at spring weigh-in.
Rules
Counties often require Meat Quality Assurance training for new exhibitors and set weight ranges. Washington County's market hogs run 220-300 lbs and lambs 100-170 lbs.
The junior sale
Garfield sells only blue and red ribbon animals. Delta requires two buyer invitations per exhibitor and a 5 percent consignment fee. Thank-you notes are expected. Confirm 2027 dates with your Extension office.
More to know
Elbert County's fair ran July 25 to August 2 in Kiowa, and Washington County's fair week began July 20. The Colorado State Fair is in Pueblo. Interview judging for general 4-H projects happens just before fair, and record books are often due soon after.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Colorado Cattlemen's Association Mid-Winter Conference
Winter policy conference of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association at the Denver Marriott West in Golden, set for Dec. 14-15, 2026.
- National Western Stock Show
Sixteen-day stock show and rodeo at the National Western Complex in Denver, with open breed shows, an auction of junior livestock champions, pro rodeos and horse shows. The 2027 dates are posted.
- Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
Eleven-day state fair and rodeo at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo. Fair organizers have announced Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, 2027; the 2026 fair ran Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.
- Western National Roundup
Four-day 4-H and FFA event in Denver with livestock and horse judging, quiz bowl, public speaking and parliamentary procedure contests. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 7-10, 2026.
- National Western Stock Dog Trials
Cattle and sheepdog competition during the opening days of the Denver stock show. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan. 10-13, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.