What the Omak Stampede Is
The Omak Stampede is a four-day PRCA rodeo weekend in Omak, run by Omak Stampede Inc. since 1933. It is best known for the World Famous Suicide Race, which closes the weekend on Sunday. The most recent edition ran Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16, 2026, and was the 92nd annual Stampede. The event also supports the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign.
What Is on the Program
| Feature | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ride-in | The weekend opens Thursday morning with a ride-in |
| PRCA rodeo | Four days of professional rodeo competition in the Stampede arena |
| Suicide Race | The signature race, run several times over the weekend and closing the Stampede on Sunday |
| Carnival | A family-friendly carnival |
| Wrangler Kids Night | A night for young western enthusiasts |
| Indian Encampment and Pow Wow | A gathering with a pow wow |
| Western and Native Art Show | Art on display during the weekend |
| Rodeo Dances | Evening dances |
| Vendor Row and Company Store | Shopping, including the Omak Stampede Company Store |
The Suicide Race
The Suicide Race was conceived in 1935 and is run as the Stampede's signature event. A horse and rider descend a near-vertical 210-foot hillside, cross the Okanogan River, and then enter the arena. It has been featured on national television and in the Walt Disney film "Run, Appaloosa, Run." For many visitors it is the reason to come, so if you only plan one day, plan Sunday.
History and Museum
The Omak Stampede Museum opened in 2018 and covers the history of the Stampede and the race.
Tickets
Tickets are sold through the Stampede's "Get Tickets" link on omakstampede.org and at the Stampede ticket windows. The ticket office can be reached at 1-800-933-6625 or 509-826-1002, and the main reception office at (509) 826-1983. Check the website or call the ticket office for current prices.
Where and Getting There
Omak Stampede, 421 Stampede Drive E, Omak, WA 98841. Omak has limited lodging, so book well ahead. Visitors can also shop and dine downtown or float the Okanogan River between performances.
Questions
Which day should I attend for the Suicide Race?
The race is the final event of the weekend on Sunday, and it also runs several times over the weekend.
Is there something for kids?
Yes. Wrangler Kids Night and the carnival are aimed at families.
Is the Stampede only a rodeo?
No. Along with PRCA competition it includes a pow wow and Indian Encampment, a Western and Native art show, dances and vendors.
Who do I call?
Main reception at (509) 826-1983, or the ticket office at 1-800-933-6625 or 509-826-1002.
When is the next one?
The most recent edition was August 13 to 16, 2026. Check omakstampede.org for the next dates.
Official Links
- Omak Stampede
- Okanogan Country: Omak Stampede and Suicide Race 2026
- Omak Stampede rodeo description
- City of Omak: Stampede and Suicide Race
- Explore Washington State: rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Methow Valley Rodeo Memorial Day
Held each year over Memorial Day weekend in Winthrop; the most recent dates were May 23-25, 2026.
Winthrop, WA Official event details - Methow Valley Rodeo Labor Day
Second Methow Valley rodeo of the season, held at the Winthrop rodeo grounds over Labor Day weekend. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 30-31, 2026.
Winthrop, WA Official event details - Okanogan County Fair
Held each year on Rodeo Trail Road in Okanogan; the most recent dates were September 10-13, 2026.
175 Rodeo Trail Rd., Okanogan, WA Official event details - 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 - 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
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.