What the Starkville Rotary Classic Rodeo Is
The Starkville Rotary Classic Rodeo is a two-night Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo at the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville. Top contestants from across the country compete for prize money that counts toward qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas each December. The rodeo is also a fundraiser: the Starkville Rotary Club has used it as its primary fundraiser since 2007, with proceeds supporting its humanitarian, educational and community service work. The rodeo began 22 years ago at the Horse Park.
The most recent edition ran Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, 2026, with competition at 7 p.m. each night.
The Events
| Rough stock | Timed and speed events |
|---|---|
| Bareback riding | Steer wrestling |
| Saddle bronc riding | Barrel racing |
| Bull riding | Tie-down roping |
| Team roping | |
| Women's breakaway roping |
Reputation
The Women's Professional Rodeo Association has honored the rodeo, which has also won multiple first-place Justin Boots Best Footing Awards for the Southeastern Circuit.
Tickets
Friday
Children 12 and under are free.
Saturday
- Adults: $25 at the door, or $20 in advance
- Children ages 4 to 12: $5
- Children 3 and under: free
Advance tickets are sold at Oktibbeha County Co-op, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, and the Tractor Supply Co. stores in Starkville and Columbus.
Family Activities
On Saturday, pony rides and a petting zoo are set up on the arena floor from 5 to 6:30 p.m., before the 7 p.m. start. It is a good reason to arrive early with younger children.
Where
Mississippi Horse Park, 869 East Poor House Road, Starkville, MS. The Horse Park is a division of Mississippi State University. For information, follow MS Horse Park on Facebook or visit the Horse Park's event page.
Questions
Is this a professional rodeo?
Yes. It is PRCA-sanctioned, and contestants compete for prize money that counts toward the National Finals Rodeo.
What does a Saturday ticket cost?
Adults pay $25 at the door or $20 in advance. Ages 4 to 12 pay $5, and children 3 and under are free.
Where does the money go?
The Starkville Rotary Club, which uses the rodeo as its primary fundraiser for humanitarian, educational and community service projects.
Will there be a 2027 rodeo?
The rodeo is held every year, and the February 2026 edition is the most recent. Dates for the next edition have not been announced.
Official Links
- Mississippi State University: MS Horse Park hosts Starkville Rotary Classic Rodeo Feb. 13-14: dates, tickets, events and history
- Mississippi Horse Park: Rotary Classic Rodeo: event page
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- MSFB Classic Livestock Show
The Mississippi Farm Bureau Classic Livestock Show fills the Livestock Arena at the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 20-22, 2026.
- Tri-State Rodeo Finals
Rodeo finals are held at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center on the Mississippi Fairgrounds in Jackson, with flag girl tryouts alongside. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 20-21, 2026.
- Dixie National Junior Round-Up
Youth beef, sheep, goat, swine and dairy exhibitors compete in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up. The 2027 show is set for February 1-11, with ownership deadlines of September 1 and December 1, 2026 by division.
- MS Ag and Outdoor Expo
Farm, ranch and outdoor exhibitors gather at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson for a three-day expo scheduled for February 19-21, 2027.
Jackson, MS Official event details - Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo
The 61st Dixie National Rodeo ran nine performances over two weekends at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson. Held each year in February; the most recent dates were February 13-21, 2026.
All Mississippi events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.