What the Missouri State Fair IPRA Pro Rodeo Is
The IPRA Pro Rodeo is the professional rodeo of the Missouri State Fair, staged by the International Pro Rodeo Association in the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. The most recent edition ran three nights, August 13, 14 and 15, 2026, with performances at 6 p.m. The IPRA describes itself as the second largest professional rodeo association in the sport, with nearly 300 sanctioned rodeos and more than 2,400 members. It was part of the 122nd Missouri State Fair.
Tickets
| Night | Adults | Youth 6-12 | 5 and under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Aug 13 and Friday, Aug 14 | $15 ($20 with fees) | $8 ($13 with fees) | Free |
| Saturday, Aug 15 | $20 ($25 with fees) | $10 ($15 with fees) | Free |
Rodeo tickets do not include fair gate admission, so plan on a fair admission as well. Tickets were sold online through etix.com, by phone at 1-800-514-3849, and at the fair box office; convenience charges apply to online and phone orders. Public sales for the 2026 rodeo opened May 19.
What to Expect
This is a professional rodeo sanctioned by the IPRA, with a 6 p.m. start each night. Most visitors pair it with a day on the grounds, where the midway, livestock barns and exhibits are open, and many come back on another night for the other arena shows below.
Other Events in the Parson Arena
The same arena hosted other ticketed and free events during the 2026 fair. This helps you plan a full day or a second visit:
- Daily, August 13 to 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: free arena programming for fairgoers, no event ticket needed.
- Thursday, August 13, 11 a.m.: opening ceremony, ribbon cutting and Hayden Plaza dedication, free.
- Sunday, August 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Military Appreciation Day exhibits, free.
- Monday and Tuesday, August 17 and 18, 6 p.m.: zebra, camel, ostrich, emu and duck races, free.
- Wednesday and Thursday, August 19 and 20: Knights of Valour jousting show. Adults $10, youth 6-12 $5, 5 and under free (fees extra online).
- Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22: National Federation of Professional Bullriders, with the same price levels as the rodeo ($15 and $20 for adults).
Where
Governor Michael L. Parson Arena, Missouri State Fairgrounds, 2503 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301. Trams run free from the parking areas to the admission gates. Coolers without alcohol are allowed; weapons are not. Video recording is allowed except in the Grandstand.
Questions
Is the rodeo included with fair admission?
No. Rodeo ticket prices do not include fair gate admission.
Do children need a ticket?
Children 5 and under are free. Ages 6 to 12 pay the youth price.
Which night is cheapest?
Thursday and Friday, at $15 for adults, versus $20 on Saturday.
Who do I call?
The State Fair office: 800-422-FAIR (3247). Ticket orders by phone go to 1-800-514-3849.
Official Links
- International Pro Rodeo Association at the Missouri State Fair
- Events held in the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena
- Missouri State Fair FAQ
Missouri County Fairs and State Fair Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Fair dates
Missouri county fairs run through the summer. In 2026 the Benton County fair in Lincoln was June 17 to 20 and the Livingston County fair in Chillicothe was July 11 to 17, per fair listings. The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia ran August 13 to 23, per the News Tribune.
Who can show
State Fair 4-H members must have passed their 8th birthday but not their 19th before January 1, and food animal exhibitors need Show-Me Quality Assurance, per the livestock rules.
Deadlines
State Fair livestock entries were due July 13 at 5:00 p.m. with no late entries. Beef steer ownership is March 1 and swine May 1.
Health and sale rules
Cattle and swine need a veterinary inspection certificate dated within 30 days of the show, and needles are not allowed in the barns. A market animal that has been offered for sale cannot be shown at the State Fair.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book, ownership dates and weigh-in details.
Rules differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Missouri County Fairs and State Fair Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Missouri State Fair Market Goat Show
Boer market goat show held the day before the fair opens, at 11 a.m. Held each year; the most recent date was Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026.
- Missouri State Fair
Missouri's 122nd state fair on roughly 396 acres in Sedalia, with premier livestock shows, competitive exhibits, agribusiness displays, a carnival midway and concerts, running August 13-23 in 2026.
- Missouri State Fair Lamb BBQ Competition
Lamb barbecue cook-off hosted by Missouri Sheep Producers during the state fair. Held each year; the most recent date was Sunday, Aug 16, 2026.
- Missouri State Fair Zebra Camel and Ostrich Races
Free evening races with zebras, camels, ostriches, emus and ducks. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug 17 and 18, 2026.
2503 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO, Sedalia, MO 65301 | Organizer: Hedrick's Zebra, Camel, Ostrich, Emu & Duck Races Official event details - Missouri State Fair Knights of Valour Jousting Show
Mounted jousting performances in the state fair arena, $10 adult and $5 youth. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug 19 and 20, 2026.
2503 W 16th Street, Sedalia, MO, Sedalia, MO 65301 | Organizer: Knights of Valour Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.