What the Winter Show PRCA Rodeo Is
The PRCA Rodeo is the headline competition of the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, a March agriculture show described as the oldest and longest running ag show in the state. The rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and closes out show week with three performances over two days. Exhibitors and visitors come from many states and from Canada. At the 89th annual show, held March 4 to 7, 2026, the rodeo ran Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7.
The Three Performances
| When | Performance | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 6, 1:00 p.m. | PRCA slack | |
| Friday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. | First performance | Military Night, with military members admitted free with ID |
| Saturday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. | Second performance | Kids Day at the Rodeo |
| Saturday, March 7, 7:00 p.m. | Third and final performance | Make a Wish Night |
On Saturday, the 6:15 p.m. Miss ND Winter Show Queen Coronation comes right before the final performance.
Tickets and Costs
- PRCA Rodeo seating is all reserved: $25 for adults and $20 for kids ages 4 to 14. Children 3 and under are free.
- Tickets are sold on the show website, with the full schedule, or by phone.
- Other ticketed Winter Show events, such as the horse and pony pulls, the Ranch Rodeo and the freestyle motocross, are general admission at $15 for adults and $10 for kids 4 to 14.
What Else Is on During Rodeo Weekend
Rodeo days share the grounds with the rest of the show. On Friday and Saturday the vendor show and the Gold Buckle Pub with live music are open, the Wheels of Agriculture game show runs through the day, and the Winter Show Craft Show and Market runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Armory. Friday also brings the Pie Contest at 12:30 p.m. and the "King or Queen of the Sale Ring" Bid Call Contest at 2:00 p.m. Saturday morning starts with the pageant at 9 a.m. and the Junior Cattle Show at 9:00 a.m.. Earlier in the week, the Ranch Rodeo and Calcutta runs Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where (and how to get there)
North Dakota Winter Show Event Center, 700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072. Rodeo performances are held. The mailing address is PO Box 846, Valley City, ND 58072. Doors close at 11 p.m. each night.
Questions
Is there a discount for the military?
Yes. Military members get in free with ID at the Friday night performance.
Which performance suits young children?
Saturday at 2:00 p.m. is Kids Day at the Rodeo. Kids 4 to 14 pay $20, and children 3 and under are free.
What is the next show?
The 90th Annual Winter Show is scheduled for March 2 to 6, 2027. Check the show website for the rodeo performance times.
Who do I call?
The Winter Show office at 701-845-1401, or the toll-free number 1-800-437-0218.
Official Links
- North Dakota Winter Show PRCA Rodeo
- Winter Show schedule
- 2026 trifold schedule and ticket pricing
- Rodeo ticket listing
Major North Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
North Dakota's biggest livestock events are the State Fair in Minot, the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City and the Big Iron Farm Show in West Fargo.
State Fair
The fair ran July 17-25 in 2026 and returns July 23-31, 2027. 4-H and FFA livestock must be entered by May 1, exhibitors must be 4-H members ages 8-18 or FFA members, and the livestock week closes with Round Robin and awards on the final Saturday.
Winter Show
The 89th Winter Show ran March 4-7, 2026, with PRCA rodeo performances, draft horse events and a Junior Cattle Show on March 7. Junior cattle entries were due by postmark February 20.
Big Iron
Big Iron is set for September 14-16, 2027 at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, with more than 900 exhibit booths.
Tips
Request a State Fair vehicle pass in advance because none are sold at the gate, and confirm 2027 Winter Show dates with the show office.
Read the full guide: Major North Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- North Dakota Winter Show
The North Dakota Winter Show brings a PRCA rodeo, ranch rodeo, horse day, junior cattle show and chili cook-off to Valley City each March. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 4-7, 2026, with a concert on February 28.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - North Dakota Winter Show Ranch Rodeo
Ranch teams compete in working-ranch events at the Valley City Winter Show on Thursday evening. Held each year; the most recent ranch rodeo was March 5, 2026.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - North Dakota Winter Show Horse Day
Horse Day is the Thursday program of the Valley City Winter Show, held alongside the winter show luncheon. Held each year; the most recent Horse Day was March 5, 2026.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - King or Queen of the Sale Ring Bid Call Contest
Auctioneer hopefuls compete in a bid-calling contest for the King or Queen of the Sale Ring title during Winter Show Friday. Held each year; the most recent contest was March 6, 2026.
700 7th St. SE, Valley City, ND 58072 | 701-845-1401 | Organizer: North Dakota Winter Show Official event details - North Dakota Winter Show Hippology Contest
Horse knowledge contest during Winter Show week in Valley City, with judging in the show barn and the exhibition building. Held each March; the most recent contest was March 6, 2026 at 10 a.m.
700 7th St SE, Valley City, ND 58072 Official event details
All North Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.