What That Famous Preston Night Rodeo Is
That Famous Preston Night Rodeo is a three-night professional rodeo in Preston, billed as the first night rodeo in the world, which is where the "That Famous" name comes from. The 2026 rodeo ran July 30, July 31 and August 1 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 188 W 2nd N. Rodeo days are more than an arena show: each night opens with a parade, followed by the rodeo and a carnival, and the town holds a sidewalk sale and a golf tournament the same weekend.
Nightly Schedule
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Rodeo Days Sidewalk Sale (Benson Park and main street) |
| 6:00 p.m. | Rodeo Days Parade |
| 8:15 p.m. | Pre-events |
| 8:30 p.m. | Rodeo |
| After the parade | "City of Fun" carnival in the park east of the rodeo grounds |
The rodeo features bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and mutton busting. A slack session was listed for Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The rodeo was broadcast on The Cowboy Channel.
Tickets
The 2026 performances sold out. The rodeo's website listed official tickets at about $20 and warned against buying from scalpers or from people selling through Google or Facebook ads. Buy only through the rodeo's own ticket page.
The Parade
The parade steps off at 6:00 p.m. each night. Themes have included Man Up (domestic abuse awareness, purple) on Thursday, Patriot Night (red, white and blue) on Friday and Celebrate Cowboy Night on Saturday. It is a traditional bands-and-floats parade, and floats, horses and horse-drawn outfits are encouraged.
- Entry fee: $20 per night for businesses, and no application is required.
- Be in line before 5:45 p.m., when access roads close. Line-up starts at 2nd North and 1st West; businesses line up eastbound on 200 North, and class reunions, care centers and schools at Oneida and 100 West.
- Keep a 30-foot space, keep entries family-oriented, throw candy well beyond the orange lines and over children's heads, and use no water.
- Trailers need an adult walking beside the rear axle on both sides with a walkie-talkie link to the driver. Horse riders need a saddle, proper footwear and experience.
Around Town
- Carnival: Ferris wheel, merry-go-round and other rides, plus pronto pups and cotton candy; Thursday has special family pricing.
- Sidewalk sale: jewelry, camping gear, clothing, gifts, signs and decor, with food and entertainment. Vendors apply with the sidewalk sale vendor application.
- Preston City Amateur Golf Tournament: Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Preston Golf and Country Club, with payouts for the top third of each flight. Register through the pro shop at (208) 852-2408.
- Chuck Wagon Breakfast: Saturday, 7-10 a.m., hosted by the Preston 1st Ward Young Men and Young Women.
History and the People Behind It
The rodeo is run by a volunteer committee, chaired by Kris Beckstead, made up mostly of lifelong Franklin County residents. The committee says it runs the rodeo without public taxes or funds. Cowboys have voted it Large Rodeo of the Year in Idaho for the Wilderness Circuit. It won Best Small Rodeo in Idaho in 2013 and, after its purse increased, Best Large Rodeo in 2014 and 2015.
Questions
Can I enter the parade?
Yes. No application is needed; businesses pay $20 per night.
Where do I park or find the rodeo?
The rodeo grounds are at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 188 W 2nd N, Preston, ID 83263.
Can I watch from home?
The rodeo airs on The Cowboy Channel, which needs an account.
Official Links
- That Famous Preston Night Rodeo
- All events: parade, carnival, sidewalk sale
- About the rodeo committee
- Idaho High Country listing
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Franklin County Fair
Franklin County Fair in Preston, August 10 to 15 in 2026, follows the Preston Night Rodeo and gathers 4-H and FFA exhibitors, open-class entries and carnival-style events.
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