In Montana, rodeo season doesn't sneak up on you. It comes in all at once, with the smell of arena dirt, the thud of hooves, and the crack of the chute gate. From small community arenas to PRCA-sanctioned events drawing competitors from across the country, there's no shortage of action to take in over the course of the summer.
Whether you're looking to see some of the sport's best go at it, or you simply want to tap into the tight-knit ranching communities that offer a glimpse into their world, the opportunities are stacking up fast. The challenge is knowing where to look and when to show up.
Consider this your guide to Montana's 2026 rodeo season. Scan the calendar, find the events that fit your travels — or just go ahead and plan some new road-trips. The season's already underway and the best seats fill up fast.
Valley View Rodeo — Weekly Series
Gallatin County Fairgrounds • Bozeman
June 11, 18, 25, 26 • July 2, 3, 4, 9, 23, 30 • August 13, 20 • Finals August 27 • MSU August 28
The Valley View Rodeo is one of Montana's newest weekly rodeo series (founded 2023), running every Thursday night. NRA Rodeo on June 25–26. July 4 features a Ranch Rodeo + Fireworks. Season culminates in the Finals (Aug. 27) and MSU Meet the Bobcats (Aug. 28). Food trucks and full bar on-site. 7pm performances. Get tickets here.
Livingston Classic PBR
Park County Fairgrounds • Livingston
July 11 • 7pm
Professional Bull Riders Challenger Series event in Livingston, following the 4th of July Roundup Rodeo. Elite bull-riding competition with top-ranked PBR competitors and the PRCA's best bucking bulls. Tickets online at www.livingstonclassicpbr.com.
Three Forks Rodeo
Three Forks Rodeo Arena • Three Forks
July 17–18 • Gates 6pm • Rodeo 7pm
A very popular NRA-sanctioned event near Bozeman. Friday is Family Night — kids get in free with food bank donation. More info at Threeforksrodeo.com and get tickets here.
Bozeman Ranch Rodeo Roundup
Gallatin County Fairgrounds • Bozeman
July 18 • 6-9pm
Over 100 years of tradition — a true rancher's rodeo with team competition in wild cow milking, sorting, branding, and doctoring. Up to 7 teams compete for $5,000 jackpot. Sponsored by Boot Barn. Unlike pro rodeo, this is a working ranchers' event.
Ennis NRA Rodeo
Ennis County Fairgrounds • Ennis
July 3 & 4 • 7pm (night show 8pm)
NRA-sanctioned 4th of July rodeo in the heart of the Madison Valley. Top cowboys and cowgirls from the Northwest in both rough stock and timed events. General admission, first-come seating. Adults $15, kids $10, under 5 free.
