What the Flint Hills Rodeo Is
The Flint Hills Rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned professional rodeo held on the north side of Strong City, in the Flint Hills of Chase County. It is billed as the oldest consecutive rodeo in Kansas, and it has been held on the first weekend of June in the same arena for generations. Professional cowboys and cowgirls come from across the country to compete for added money, while families come for the three evening performances, the kids' events and the Saturday parade. The most recent edition was scheduled for May 29-31, 2026, with performances each night at 8:00 p.m.
How the Rodeo Got Started
- In the 1930s, Chase County rancher Emmett Roberts held pasture rodeos on his farm west of Strong City.
- 1937 is the rodeo's birth year, when the pasture rodeos grew into an organized event.
- In 1938 Roberts, his son Ken and his son-in-law Eddie Boysen hosted the "First Annual Chase County Rodeo." The next year the name became the Flint Hills Rodeo.
- The arena and rodeo grounds were built in 1948 and are still in use.
- The only year the rodeo was ever canceled was 2020, during the pandemic.
The Roberts family left a mark on the sport itself. Ken Roberts was world champion bull rider in 1943, 1944 and 1945, and Gerald Roberts was world all-around cowboy in 1942 and 1948. A mural honoring the family is on the grounds. Today the rodeo is run by the Flint Hills Rodeo Association, and roughly 200 volunteers help before, during and after the show.
Events and What You Will See
| Professional events | For kids and families |
|---|---|
| Bareback riding | Mutton bustin' for children |
| Saddle bronc riding | Calf scramble |
| Bull riding | Buckaroo/buckarette rodeo for young riders |
| Tie-down roping | Parade on Saturday |
| Steer wrestling | Dances, vendors and food booths |
| Team roping | |
| Barrel racing |
Cervi Championship Rodeo of Greeley, Colorado has supplied the rough stock in recent years. In 2025 the rodeo advertised $21,000 in added money. Some contestants are lifelong regulars: Tex Junker of Roggen, Colorado has competed since 1956 and has not missed a Flint Hills Rodeo.
The Parade
On the final day a parade runs between Strong City and Cottonwood Falls, a distance of about two miles along Kansas 177. Riders and onlookers throw candy and water balloons.
Tickets and Rules of the Gate
- Tickets are bought online. Print the ticket from your confirmation email and present it at the North or East gate; e-tickets should not be used at the South gate.
- Seating options have included general admission, reserved seats and VIP packages, with lower prices for children and seniors. Saturday night often sells out.
- Will Call pickup at the arena requires photo ID.
- The rodeo runs rain or shine. Only lightning in the area stops the action.
- Past years have included a Family Night with free admission for children 12 and under and a Military Night with free admission for anyone who has served, with ID. Check the current schedule before you go.
Where
Flint Hills Rodeo grounds, 300 E 7th, Strong City, KS 66869. Parking is near the arena.
Questions
When is the rodeo?
Traditionally the first weekend in June, Thursday through Saturday. The most recent edition was set for May 29-31, 2026.
Is it a professional rodeo?
Yes. It is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, so results count toward contestants' PRCA standings.
Can my kids take part?
Yes. Mutton bustin' is for children (typically ages 4-7), and the kids' rodeo and calf scramble are open to young riders.
Can I buy at the gate?
Plan on buying online ahead of time and bringing the printed ticket, especially for Saturday night.
Official Links
- Flint Hills Rodeo on RodeoTicket: performances, events, ticket instructions
- Prairie Circuit listing: events, purse and ticket options
- Flint Hills Rodeo stays in the saddle: history, parade and volunteers
- Oldest Continuous Rodeo In Kansas Returns To True Flint Hills Tradition: history, livestock and family nights
- flinthillsrodeo.org: the rodeo association's site
Major Kansas Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
Kansas' big junior livestock stages are all in Hutchinson at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Shows
The Kansas State Fair ran September 11-20 in 2026, with the 4-H and FFA Grand Drive for beef, sheep, swine and goats (regular entries due July 15). The Kansas Junior Livestock Show ran October 2-4, 2026, with online entries due August 15. The Kansas Beef Expo is December 9-13, 2026, with junior breeding and market shows. Market animals and commercial breeding females must be nominated for the Grand Drive and KJLS.
Rodeos
Kansas rodeos include the Pretty Prairie Rodeo in July, the PRCA Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene, the KPRA Finals in Dodge City and the Kansas Biggest Rodeo in Phillipsburg. Confirm dates for the coming year before you go.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- K-State Ag Ed Speech Event
Public speaking event for Kansas FFA students on January 30, 2027 at the K-State Student Union in Manhattan, hosted with K-State Agricultural Education.
- K-State Career Development Events (Kansas FFA State CDEs)
Kansas FFA state Career Development Events are scheduled for May 2-4, 2027 in Manhattan. Chapters compete in judging, evaluation and skills contests; the 2026 round was held May 3-5.
- Kansas FFA State Convention
The 99th Kansas FFA Convention is set for June 1-4, 2027 in Manhattan. The 2026 convention ran May 26-29 at McCain Auditorium with a theme of Cultivate. Grow Leaders. Lead Change.
- Kansas Biggest Rodeo
Three-day rodeo at the rodeo grounds in Phillipsburg, Phillips County, with events starting two days earlier. The schedule published for the next edition gives August 5-7, 2027.
- Kansas Livestock Association Convention and Trade Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were November 19-21, 2025. Cattlemen gather for the banquet and live auction, Beef Industry University, committee meetings and the membership breakfast with policy votes.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.