We are fortunate in Reno that we have a multitude of community events that shape our Biggest Little City. One of our favorite summer events is the Reno Rodeo, the “Wildest Richest Rodeo in the West”.
This event typically moseys on into town for 10 days in mid-June. The festivities kick-off with a parade through downtown on Virginia Street and then onto the Reno Livestock Events Center and Fairgrounds.
The rodeo is back once again and here’s everything you need to know about it!
Table of Contents
Our Reno Rodeo Roots
I have attended the Reno Rodeo with my family since I was a mini cowgirl. I remember my parents would take us to KFC and we would order a meal, stick it in a backpack and sneak it in. This was our tradition.
My brother and I would watch as the cowgirls weaved their horses between barrels, hoping to be tenths of a second faster than those before her. Our gazes would be locked on the bulls, with snot and horns flying about as they bested the cowboys, or as the crowd roared for the contestant making it past the longest 8 seconds ever.
Related Articles You Might Like
- Tips for Taking Kids to The Great Reno Balloon Race
- Mesa Rim Reno A Local Moms Review
- How to Incorporate Toddlers into Daily Activities
We knew the swagger and the jokes of the rodeo clowns, and Lucy the dog who would round up the stray animals that didn’t find their own way through the gates to the back corrals.
We knew the scent that was distinct “rodeo” as animals, weathered wood, summer sun, and sweat filled the air. We celebrated love for family, life, and hard work.
As a child, it was an annual event that I looked forward to every single year, and I proudly introduced my husband to the event when he joined our family.
P.S. I’m No Cowgirl
I should probably mention that my family is not ranchers, farmers, or cowboys/girls by any means.
I have owned boots and a hat for the sole purpose of wearing them to the Reno Rodeo. I’d embraced growing up next door to a cow field with the neighborhood horse and pig wandering into our yard at their convenience. That’s as deep as my “country” goes.
The good news is that you don’t have to own a ranch or a horse or even boots to enjoy the Reno Rodeo. All are welcome.
Everything You Need to Know About the Reno Rodeo
Dates
June 18-27, 2026
Location & Parking
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center
1350 N. Wells Avenue Reno, NV 89512
Parking Off-Site
Free Parking at The Grand Sierra Resort (if you are coming from out of town you can get 15% off your stay. Simply click here to get the Nevada Moms Hotel Special.)
Shuttles run from 2 pm to 12:30 am during the 10 days of rodeo and will be arriving every 10-20 minutes.
Additionally, there is random street parking down neighboring streets that could be a good option, but be prepared to walk.
Parking On-Site
Free parking from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on grounds with validation. $20 parking anytime after 3 p.m.
PRO TIP: We even bring their pajamas and change them in the car before we buckle up and head home. Also, if you want to avoid walking and carrying your kids back to the cars late at night, we recommend parking on-site.
Costs: Tickets, Carnival, Food
Admission Costs
Click here to access Reno Rodeo tickets.
Admission costs vary depending on the day, seating selection, etc. To get into the actual rodeo (not the carnival or watch party), you will need a ticket.
Tickets tend to sell out and sell very quickly. We recommend purchasing tickets at least a month in advance. You can definitely wing it as there may be tickets that do become available as it gets closer, but they have to be purchase in-person on the day of.
The Rodeo Ticket Office is located at Gate 2 off Wells Avenue at the Livestock Pavilion. Open daily for tickets sales at 10am. Ticket sales begin approximately at 10:30am or once all seats have been received for public sale.
Carnival
The carnival opens at 4 pm every day except Saturday and Sunday. It opens at 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Your rodeo ticket grants you admission to the carnival on the fairgrounds. If you are not attending the rodeo, it will be $10 to get onto grounds and attend the carnival.
All of these bright colors and flashing lights will be attractive to even the most focused, but be advised, the carnival games and rides are NOT CHEAP!
- Pre-Sale Wristbands: $33/each
- Day-of Wristbands: $40/each (sales end two hours before closing)
- Individual Tickets: $4-6/ride (depending on day)
- 5 Ride Pass: $25
Shopping
Aside from the carnival, there are also two indoor vendor shopping locations. One is much larger and inside the indoor events center (no rodeo ticket needed), and the other one is between the carnival and the food court.
If you’re in the mood to blow some cash, you’ll find everything from boots to salsa.
Food & Drink
Then you hit the food court. The smells of all of the delicious variations of food cooking can be a little overwhelming at first, but just lean in…because I guarantee it will taste delicious. There are all kinds of foods offered.
You can get all kinds of BBQ, hand-dipped corn dogs, tacos, lemonade, fried onion rings, and stir-fry, just to name a few. Pricing varies from $8-25 per item typically.
As a family, we typically indulge and eat dinner at the food court. My favorite is the Whoop-Ass Fries from BJ’s BBQ: French fries loaded with cheese and BBQ brisket and it makes my mouth water just writing about them now.
Once we finish up and wipe our faces from dinner, we head into the Rodeo. You can stop and grab an adult beverage before heading up to the grandstands, as long as you have had your ID checked and you’ve been given a wristband that says you’re of the legal age.
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring headphones or earplugs as it can get pretty loud for the littles. Here are our faves:
- For Baby (under 2)
- For Toddler
- For School-Aged or these
- Wear sunblock and a hat. It is HOT and there is not a ton of shade. You can see all of our favorite sunscreens here.
- Bring a light jacket as it can get chilly at night.
- If you are planning on checking out the carnival, but your wristbands ahead of time and save money.
- Clear bag policy! Bags that are clear and do not exceed 12″x6″x12″. Clutch bags, purses or wallets that are smaller than 8″x11″. These bags do not need to be clear. Clear fanny packs. Diaper bags or medical bags are allowed (subject to search.)
- Keep a set of jammies in the car for afterwards so the kids are ready for bed.
Stay for the Sunset
When finally make your way to your seats to see the show, I truly believe that it is spectacular. There is such a sense of family that I feel as I enjoy the rodeo with my own, and I love watching my kids marvel at the horses, impossible feats, and fireworks.
I must admit, one of my favorite parts is the sunset. There always seems to be a killer sunset at the rodeo.
Reno Rodeo Foundation
In addition to the festivities of the actual Reno Rodeo itself, there’s also the Reno Rodeo Foundation. The Reno Rodeo Foundation utilizes funds raised through the rodeo to enhance children throughout Northern Nevada during the entire year.
I have been able to see first-hand how much love is poured into the Reno Rodeo Foundation by a lot of soft-hearted cowboys and cowgirls, and I can say that they truly work to make a difference.
Don’t forget to tag us in your rodeo fun @NorthernNevadaMoms.
