What the Fort Pierre 4th of July Rodeo Is
The Fort Pierre 4th of July Rodeo is the centerpiece of the town's Independence Day celebration on the Missouri River. In 2026 it marked the 100th year of the rodeo, and it was sanctioned by the South Dakota Rodeo Association (SDRA) and the National Rodeo Cowboys Association (NRCA). Fort Pierre folded it into a larger week-long celebration called Boots and Roots: 4th in Fort Pierre, planned for the nation's 250th anniversary and run July 1 to 5, 2026 by the Fort Pierre Tourism and Promotion Council. The rodeo itself ran June 30 through July 4.
The 2026 Schedule
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Tue., June 30, 7 p.m. | Rope, Ride and Slide kickoff, followed by a fireworks display from the Fort Pierre Fire Department | Stanley County Fairgrounds |
| Wed., July 1, 4 to 8 p.m. | Barrel Racing and Break Away Roping, $5,000 added purse money | Stanley County Fairgrounds |
| Fri., July 3, 5 p.m. | SDRA/NRCA sanctioned rodeo performance | Stanley County Fairgrounds |
| Fri., July 3, evening | Boat parade; Wade Hayes concert, music from 7 p.m. with KC Hughes and the Wayward Travelers opening | Fort Pierre; Expo Center |
| Sat., July 4, 10 a.m. | Annual parade, with a B-1 Bomber flyover | Fort Pierre |
| Sat., July 4, 7 p.m. | The 100th 4th of July Rodeo, SDRA/NRCA sanctioned, followed by the grand finale fireworks | Stanley County Fairgrounds |
Who It Is For
The rodeo is a spectator event for families, ranch neighbors and holiday visitors, and a sanctioned stop for rodeo contestants. The barrel racing and breakaway roping on July 1 carried $5,000 in added purse money, and the sanctioned performances on July 3 and 4 are SDRA and NRCA events, so contestants should check those associations' entry rules for the current year.
Cost
The Wade Hayes concert was $30 at the door, and ages 14 and under were free. Moderately priced concessions and cold beverages were sold on site. The parades and fireworks are public celebrations; the rodeo performances are held at the county fairgrounds.
Where
Stanley County Fairgrounds, 310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532. The Expo Center, where the Wade Hayes concert was held, is next door at 320 Casey Tibbs Street. The parade runs through Fort Pierre.
Who to Contact
For parade and fireworks details, Visit Fort Pierre lists 605-412-8549 for the Boots and Roots celebration.
Questions
How long has the rodeo been running?
The 2026 edition was billed as the 100th annual Fort Pierre 4th of July Rodeo.
What is on the night of the Fourth?
The parade at 10 a.m., the rodeo at 7 p.m. and the fireworks after the rodeo.
Is there more than one rodeo performance?
Yes. Sanctioned performances were held on both July 3 and July 4, 2026.
Is there something for kids?
Children 14 and under were admitted free to the Wade Hayes concert, and the parade, boat parade and fireworks are community-wide events.
Official Links
- Travel South Dakota: Boots and Roots, Fort Pierre's 4th of July
- Stanley County: 100th 4th of July Rodeo, July 4 (7 p.m.)
- Stanley County: sanctioned rodeo, July 3
- Fort Pierre: Rope, Ride and Slide kickoff
- Fort Pierre: Barrel Racing and Break Away Roping
- Fort Pierre: Wade Hayes concert
- Pierre Area Chamber: Boots and Roots
- Missouri River Tourism: America 250 events
Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
South Dakota's three marquee events are the State Fair in Huron, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, and the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood.
State Fair
Held in Huron over Labor Day weekend: September 2-7 in 2026 and September 1-6 listed for 2027. 4-H and FFA members show beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits and poultry. 4-H deadlines are firm: enrollment May 31, ID and DNA June 1, YLL July 1, FairEntry August 1.
Black Hills Stock Show
Established in 1959 in Rapid City, listed for January 29 to February 6, 2027, with about 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events. Youth Day on February 6, 2027 offers judging, Skillathon, Hippology and a Beef Cook-Off.
Days of '76
A PRCA rodeo in Deadwood in late July, with free parades on Main Street Friday and Saturday.
Read the full guide: Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Goat Tying Clinic
Held each year; the most recent dates were April 25-26, 2026. A goat tying clinic for rodeo youth at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 Official event details - South Dakota State 4-H Shooting and Archery Finals
Held each year; the most recent dates were April 24-26, 2026. South Dakota 4-H shooters and archers meet at the Stanley County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Fort Pierre.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 | Organizer: South Dakota 4-H Official event details - Casey Tibbs Match of Champions
Held each year; the most recent date was June 6, 2026, at 5 PM at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre, named for the local world champion Casey Tibbs.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 Official event details - South Dakota High School Finals Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent dates were June 16-21, 2026, the 77th year. High school rodeo athletes compete for state titles at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre.
- Stanley County 4-H Horse Show
Held each year; the most recent date was June 23, 2026. County 4-H members show horses at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 | Organizer: Stanley County 4-H Official event details
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.