2023 Reno Rodeo Highlights – Week One
RENO, Nev. — Western heritage lives on at the Reno Rodeo where attendees can witness the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West.” This year marks the 104th celebration of the Reno Rodeo, and visitors can expect to see bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and more. The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sanction event, set for June 15-24, marks the start of 100 Rodeos in 100 Days.
With 10 exciting nights of rodeo competition, the Reno Rodeo is one of the premier stops on the Pro Rodeo Tour. The action isn’t just in the competition, however. There’s also a full carnival, the Double R Marketplace, day events (many are free), a food court, the Jack tent and much more.
Here are some highlights for the first week:
Theme Nights
Get in the spirit and support the night’s themes:
• Wrangler Retro Night, Thursday, June 15 – wear your best retro gear
• Patriot Night, Friday, June 16 – wear red, white and blue
• Dodge RAM Night, Saturday, June 17
• NV Energy Foundation Power of Good Night, Sunday, June 18
Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive Parade — June 15
The rodeo is preceded by a cattle drive (June 11-15) in which would-be cowboys and cowgirls travel 50 miles through Nevada’s high desert to deliver more than 300 steers to the rodeo grounds in downtown Reno. It’s free to watch the spectacle of 70 riders, eight covered wagons and a herd of cattle navigating down through the streets of Reno to the rodeo grounds – they’ll travel down Clear Acre Ln. to McCarran Blvd. and down Sutro St. Be there when the herd hits pavement around noon on June 15.
“Udderly” Amazing Butter Cow Sculpture on Display — June 15-24
A life-size bovine sculpted from everyone’s favorite dairy delight? You butter believe it. Spread the word — the 2023 Reno Rodeo will feature Nevada’s first butter cow sculpture. The history of butter cows traces back over a century — the first buttery bovine made an appearance in 1903 at the Ohio State Fair. Master butter sculptor Sarah Pratt is traveling to the Biggest Little City to transform over 600 pounds of buttery goodness into a realistic cow sculpture that will be displayed in a refrigerated case at the Double R Marketplace, in the indoor arena, from June 15–24. Her creamy creation pays homage to farmers and producers across the nation, including Nevada’s 20 dairy farms. The Reno Rodeo butter cow is sponsored by Nevada Dairy Farmers and Lightning Auctions.
Championship Drill Team Competition — June 16
Poise, music and equestrian skill all come together Friday, June 16 for the Championship Drill Team competition. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10 drill teams from around the region will perform their best, synchronized horseback riding routine for a cheering audience in the indoor arena. Riding teams are judged on general impression, execution of the drill, performance of the horses, originality, crowd appeal and degree of difficulty. One of the most visually intriguing events of the rodeo, don’t miss these talented groups perform. Free to the public June 16 at the indoor arena.
Wild Pony Races — June 16-19
Catch the Wild Pony Races during the evening performance of the Reno Rodeo Friday, June 16 through Monday, June 19. Four teams of three kids ages 8–14 will compete to rope, halter and ride ponies. Teams with the longest ride are deemed the winner.
Slack Events — June 16-23
The Reno Rodeo hosts many competitors each year. Because of the high number of cowboys and cowgirls hoping to enter the arena for the timed events, there is a pre-competition round known as “slack.” These slack events are held in the outdoor arena beginning Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. and continue through Friday, June 23. Free to watch, attendees can see the exciting qualifying rounds of barrel racing, women’s breakaway roping, team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling and get to see who will be competing that evening.
“The Reno” Invitational Barrel Race — June 17
When it comes to crowd-pleasing rodeo events, nothing quite stacks up to barrel racing. Every night during the Reno Rodeo, WPRA cowgirls turn-and-burn for the fastest time on the cloverleaf pattern, but rodeo enthusiasts can enjoy even more barrel racing action at “The Reno” Invitational Barrel Race – an exclusive event featuring the top female competitors and their equine athletes. Fans can cheer on their favorite cowgirls in this fast and furious event for free at the Reno Livestock Events Center Indoor Arena on Saturday, June 17 at 8 a.m.
Reno Rodeo Kids’ Day — June 18
Reno Rodeo Kids’ Day allows children to learn the ropes of being a cowboy or a cowgirl. Kids’ Day is a free event and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 18 in the Livestock Events Center. Children will learn about Western lifestyle, agriculture, safety and more. Kids’ Day will include numerous animals, interactive vendors, and live displays throughout the indoor arena as well as the Reno Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ Championship.
Special Kids’ Rodeo — June 18
The Special Kids’ Rodeo allows children and young adults with physical and mental exceptionalities to participate in Western activities. Participants can interact with animals, rope steer dummies, and ride mechanical bulls and horses.
For more information, visit renorodeo.com.