What the Cody Stampede Is
The Cody Stampede is the July 4 rodeo celebration at Stampede Park in Cody. The 107th edition ran four days of rodeo starting July 2, 2026, with daily parades, a craft fair and food booths. The Stampede traces its roots to 1896, when William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody founded the town. It began when local leaders, including a lawyer, a dude ranch owner, a newspaper editor and novelist Caroline Lockhart, met to expand the town's July 4 celebration. Lockhart, the only woman present, became its first president.
How the Rodeo Nights Work
Each rodeo night has a theme. The 2026 opener was Breast Cancer Awareness Night on July 2, when fans were encouraged to wear pink and cancer survivors, patients and cancer-treating professionals were honored during the Grand Entry. Live entertainment on the Plaza started at 6:30. The 2025 run, for comparison, featured Law Enforcement Night, Breast Cancer Awareness Night, Military Appreciation Night and Veterans Appreciation Night on four consecutive nights ending with a fireworks show, and a PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour night the day before.
Around the Stampede
The 2025 program, as an example of what surrounds the rodeo:
- Kiddie Parade, July 2 at 10 a.m.
- Stampede Parades, July 3 and 4 at 9:30 a.m.
- Wild West Spectacular: The Musical, July 3 and 4.
- Wild West Arts Fest, July 2 to 4.
- 44th Annual Runner's Stampede, July 4.
- Free concerts and Independence Day decorations around town.
Rodeo Through the Summer
Cody Nite Rodeo, produced at the same park, runs on summer evenings: gates open at 7 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m., lasting about two hours. The Nite Rodeo has run since 1938. Arrive early to meet the cowboys and bullfighters and have your photo taken with Norman the Bull.
Where
Stampede Park, 519 W. Yellowstone Ave., Cody, WY. Information and ticket pricing are at codystampederodeo.com, and the phone is (307) 587-5155.
Questions
When is the next Stampede?
The most recent edition began July 2, 2026; it is held around July 4 each year.
Is the rodeo only on July 4?
No. It runs several nights leading up to the holiday, with parades on the mornings of July 3 and 4 in the 2025 program.
Who do I call?
(307) 587-5155.
Official Links
- 107th Cody Stampede: Breast Cancer Awareness Night
- Cody Stampede July 4 getaway: 2025 program and history
- Cody Nite Rodeo
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Big Country Genetics Bull Sale
December bull sale held at the Big Country Genetics ranch near Cody in Park County.
Cody, WY Official event details - Wishbone Cattle Annual Sale
Third annual sale of Wishbone Cattle held at the ranch near Frannie.
Frannie, WY Official event details - Black Summit Cattle Annual Bull Sale
Annual bull sale at the Black Summit Cattle sale facility in Powell.
Powell, WY Official event details - Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show
Summer convention and trade show of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association for beef producers, held in Cody in 2026.
Cody, WY Official event details - Park County Fair
Five-day county fair in Powell with 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 21-25, 2026.
655 E 5th St, Powell, WY 82435 | 307-754-8855 Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.