About the Boley Rodeo
The Boley Rodeo is held in Boley, Okfuskee County, on Memorial Day weekend. A 2026 news report describes it as one of the nation's oldest and longest-running African-American rodeos. Boley was founded in 1903, four years before statehood, and is one of the more than 50 all-Black towns established in Oklahoma, of which only 13 remain. It is a marked stop on Oklahoma's Civil Rights Trail.
Dates, deadlines and schedule
The 2026 rodeo was held Saturday, May 23, 2026. For 2027 a festival guide lists May 22, but that date is an unconfirmed estimate and has not been announced by the organizers. Check with the organizers before planning travel.
The 2026 celebration included a parade through town, children's rodeo activities, entertainment, food, vendors and an evening rodeo. The report also names the Pony Express, a relay-style horseback event that organizers describe as unique to Boley. Start times for the parade and the evening rodeo were not published in the source we read.
Getting there
The rodeo is held at the Boley Rodeo Arena. No street address was published in the source. Plans reported for the town include development near Highway 62.
Tips for families and visitors
- The 2025 rodeo drew more than 5,000 people with turnaways at capacity, and organizers expected a 2026 sellout, so buy tickets early.
- In 2026 tickets were sold through thetownofboley.org at 20 dollars general admission and 35 dollars reserved. Prices for 2027 may differ.
- Organizers advised printing tickets because cell and internet reception can be unreliable, and bringing cash because digital payments may not always work.
- Recent upgrades include a 50-foot arena expansion and modern seating in place of wooden bleachers.
- The mayor describes rodeo weekend as a homecoming for families, with reunions, food vendors and music through the weekend.
Official links
Major Oklahoma Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
Oklahoma's biggest junior livestock events are the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) in March and the state fairs in September. OSU lists the 2026 OYE as open to 4-H and FFA members ages 8 to 19, with more than 7,000 members and more than 13,000 head. At the close of the 2026 Expo, 213 animals sold for a combined $1.4 million in the Sale of Champions.
State fairs
The 2026 Oklahoma State Fair runs September 17-27, and junior steer entries for 2026 were due August 21. The Tulsa State Fair is held on the fourth Thursday after Labor Day and runs 11 days. Tulsa County Extension says 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors may enter it regardless of county placing.
Rodeos
The 34th International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee drew more than 1,000 youth rodeo athletes in 2026. The National Junior High Finals Rodeo began a 10-year run at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie on June 18-27, 2026, and the National High School Finals Rodeo follows there starting in 2030. Confirm dates with each host before you travel.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- OCA Steer Carcass Challenge
Feedout and carcass contest from the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen's Association: steers delivered Nov. 13, 2026 in Stillwater are fed out, harvested April-June 2027 and scored on feedyard performance and carcass merit.
- Freeman Beef Genetics Red Label Vol. II Cattle Sale
Seedstock cattle sale starting 1 p.m. at 13435 State Highway near Hobart.
13435 State Highway, Hobart, OK Official event details - Minco Honey Festival
Honey festival in Minco, listed for December 5. Dates come from a festival guide listing and are not yet confirmed by organizers.
Minco, OK Official event details - Tulsa Farm Show
Annual farm and ranch equipment show for the region at Tulsa Expo Square, with the 2026 edition set for December 10-12.
- OSU Winter Crop School
Three-day Oklahoma State University winter crop school for producers, held in Stillwater.
Stillwater, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma State University Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.