What the October Angola Prison Rodeo Is
Every Sunday in October the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola opens its arena for the Angola Prison Rodeo, "The Wildest Show in the South." Incarcerated cowboys compete in bull riding, bareback riding, wild horse races and some of the odder events in rodeo, while visitors browse inmate-made crafts and food stands. The Louisiana Department of Corrections runs it, and proceeds fund educational, vocational and recreational programs for incarcerated individuals. 2026 marked the rodeo's 60th year.
2026 Dates, Hours and Tickets
The October 2026 shows ran on the Sundays of the month, beginning October 4 and ending October 25. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and the rodeo starts at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the 2026 shows went on sale July 16, 2026, at $25 for general admission and $30 for premium seating in sections 16 through 18. Tickets are sold online through the Angola rodeo website and by phone. The Department recommends buying from official sellers, since it cannot guarantee tickets from third parties. Dates for the next October series will be posted on angolarodeo.com.
The Rodeo Events, in Program Order
- Grand Entry: riders enter at full gallop and the colors are presented.
- Bust Out: six inmate cowboys try to stay on bulls released from the chutes.
- Bareback Riding: riders must stay on the horse for eight seconds.
- Wild Horse Race: three-man teams grab a rope on a loose horse and try to mount it.
- Barrel Racing: the only event without inmate participants; the fastest time wins.
- Bull-Dogging: two cowboys wrestle a steer to the ground as fast as possible.
- Chariot Race: added in 2014; a rider on a sled tries not to spill water.
- Wild Cow Milking: inmate teams try to bring milk to the judge first.
- Bull Riding: riders must last six seconds on a 2,000-pound Brahma bull.
- Convict Poker: four players stay seated at a table while a bull is released.
- Guts and Glory: the finale, where riders try to grab a chip tied between a bull's horns.
Women's Barrel Racing Entries
To enter the barrel racing, phone Melanie Barton at (225) 655-2270 during the week before the Sunday rodeo. Entry books close at noon on the Friday before. If you signed up but cannot attend, notify her by noon that Friday.
Crafts, Food and Rules
- The Hobbycraft sale offers woodwork, jewelry, paintings and other crafts made by incarcerated individuals.
- Smoking, outside food, drinks and ice chests are not allowed.
- Clear or transparent bags are allowed but are subject to search.
- Concession stands are cash only.
Where
Louisiana State Penitentiary, 17544 Tunica Trace, Angola, LA 70712.
Questions
What time should I be there?
Gates open at 8:00 a.m. and the rodeo starts at 2:00 p.m.
Is there a spring rodeo too?
Yes. The prison also holds a rodeo on one weekend in April.
Who do I call?
(225) 655-2030 or (225) 655-2607, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Official Links
- Angola Rodeo events page: hours, program order, barrel racing sign-up, address and phones
- Tickets for 2026 Angola Prison Rodeo on sale: October ticket prices and rules
- Department of Corrections rodeo release: events, hobbycraft sale and visitor rules
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- West Feliciana 4-H and Feliciana Livestock Club Livestock Show
Youth show for rabbits, poultry, cattle, sheep, goats and hogs, starting Friday at 4:30 p.m. and continuing Saturday at 8 a.m.; held January 16-17, 2026 alongside the 4-H Mini Farm day for local schools.
St. Francisville, LA | 225-635-3614 | Organizer: Feliciana Livestock Club Official event details - Angola Prison Rodeo (Spring)
The spring Angola rodeo takes place over one April weekend at Louisiana State Penitentiary. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 18 and 19, 2026, with gates at 8 AM and the rodeo at 2 PM.
- Angola Spring Rodeo and Arts and Crafts Festival
Rodeo founded in 1964 with an accompanying arts and crafts festival near St. Francisville; the most recent dates were April 18-19, 2026.
St. Francisville, LA | Organizer: Louisiana State Penitentiary Official event details - State Fair of Louisiana
The 120th State Fair of Louisiana fills the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport for eighteen days, with livestock shows, midway rides and food. The fair has run since 1906.
3701 Hudson Ave., Shreveport, LA 71109 | Organizer: State Fair of Louisiana Official event details - Allen Parish Fair
Four-day parish fair at the Allen Parish Fairgrounds on Tiger Lane in Oberlin, with general and agricultural exhibits. Held each year; the 2025 fair ran Nov. 12-15 and the 2026 fair is set for Nov. 11-14.
Tiger Lane, Oberlin, LA 70655 Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.