What the Ellensburg Rodeo Is
The Ellensburg Rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned professional rodeo held every Labor Day weekend at the Kittitas Valley Event Center. It began in 1923 as a local competition among ranch hands and is now listed among America's Top 20 professional rodeos. More than 600 contestants compete, and more than $700,000 in prize money is awarded in Ellensburg. The most recent edition ran September 3 to 7, 2026, the 103rd year.
Performances in 2026
| Day | What was on |
|---|---|
| Thursday, September 3 | A new Thursday rodeo performance, bringing the rodeo to five performances; Rockin' the Chutes featured Clint Black |
| Friday, September 4 | Opening evening rodeo performance |
| Saturday, September 5 | Rodeo performance, plus the Xtreme Bulls, a stop on the PRCA tour |
| Sunday, September 6 | Afternoon rodeo performance |
| Monday, September 7 | Labor Day Championship Finals |
Riders, ropers and wrestlers compete in seven PRCA-sanctioned events. The Xtreme Bulls session features only bull riding. Chute tours were offered during the week, and the rodeo runs alongside the Kittitas County Fair.
Tickets and Policies
- Tickets are sold per performance, not as packages, through the rodeo website and Etix. The rodeo warns against buying from third-party sites.
- Sales open one year in advance, beginning the Friday of Labor Day weekend. For the 2026 rodeo, tickets for all five performances, the Xtreme Bulls and Rockin' the Chutes went on sale March 16.
- Tickets bought at the gate cost $2.00 more each, if still available. Some performances sell out.
- Discounts for Friday and Monday performances are available by calling the ticket office at 509-962-7831.
- All seats are reserved and assigned. Sections 1 to 8 and rows H to O of sections AA to EE are covered. For seating questions call 800-637-2444.
- Children 2 and older need a ticket; children under 2 ride free on a parent's lap.
- Refunds or exchanges are allowed until August 25 for $5 per ticket, and none after that, even for rain. The rodeo runs rain, heat or shine.
- Your ticket includes same-day Kittitas County Fair admission.
Gates, Timing and Rules
Gates open 1.5 hours before each performance. Rodeo performances last 3 to 3.5 hours, and the Xtreme Bulls last 2 to 2.5 hours. You can leave and return if security stamps your hand, but there is no re-entry on Saturday after 6:00 p.m. with a rodeo ticket. Outside food and drink are not allowed, except small soft-sided coolers (12 by 12 inches or smaller) for medical or infant needs. Alcohol is sold at the Trading Post Saloon, Behind the Chutes and Section 9, the only place to drink while watching the rodeo. Strollers are allowed on the grounds but not in the grandstands, pets are not allowed except service animals, and four ATMs are on site. Personal fixed-lens cameras are fine; recording and selling video of the event is prohibited without permission.
Where
Kittitas Valley Event Center, 1010 E 8th Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926. The town fills over Labor Day, so book lodging early. Ticket office: 509-962-7831.
Questions
Can I buy tickets the day of the show?
Yes, if the performance has not sold out, at $2.00 more per ticket than in advance.
What if it rains?
The rodeo goes on, and there are no same-day refunds.
Can I bring a cooler?
Only a small soft-sided cooler for medical or infant needs.
When is the next one?
The most recent edition was September 3 to 7, 2026. The rodeo is held every Labor Day weekend.
Official Links
- Ellensburg Rodeo
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Visit Yakima: 2026 Ellensburg Rodeo
- Explore Washington State: rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Kittitas Beef Pre-Show, Weigh-In and Judging Contest
Spring day where 4-H, FFA and Grange members weigh and tag fair steers (1,150 lb minimum), compete in a beef judging contest and show heifers. Most recent date: March 21, 2026.
Ellensburg, WA | Organizer: Kittitas County 4-H Official event details - Cle Elum Roundup
Held each year in Cle Elum; the most recent dates were July 24-25, 2026.
Cle Elum, WA Official event details - Kittitas County Fair
Held each year alongside the Ellensburg Rodeo; the most recent dates were September 3-7, 2026.
- Washington Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Annual Convention and Tradeshow
Held each year; the most recent dates verified were November 12-14, 2025, the 100th convention, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
Wenatchee, WA | Organizer: Washington Cattlemen's Association Official event details - Washington State Spring Fair
Held each year in Puyallup over two spring weekends; the most recent dates were April 9-12 and April 16-19, 2026.
Puyallup, WA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.