First Time at the WYO Rodeo? Here's What to Know.
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of the oldest and most storied PRCA rodeos in the American West. If this is your first time, here's everything you need.
Dalton Goodyear · Feb 10, 2026 · 5 min read
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is one of the oldest and most storied PRCA rodeos in the American West. Every July, the fairgrounds outside Sheridan fill with 10,000+ fans, world-ranked cowboys, and a week of events that most people don't even know exists. If this is your first time, here's everything you need to know.
The Indian Relay Races are reason alone to be in Sheridan in July. One of the most thrilling traditional horse racing events in the country — and it's free to watch.
Book Lodging 90+ Days Out
WYO Rodeo week (mid-July) is the single most-booked week of the year for Sheridan vacation rentals. 90 days out is not too early. 60 days out you may be looking at limited options. Friday and Saturday night reserved seats sell out weeks in advance.
What Is the WYO Rodeo?
The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event — the cowboys competing here are doing it for real world standings and prize money. It's not a tourist show. First held in 1931, the WYO Rodeo has grown into a full week of events surrounding the four main performances.
WYO Rodeo Week 2026 Schedule
| Day | Event | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday Jul 6 | Boot Kick-Off — Main Street party | 5:00 PM | Free |
| Wed Jul 8 | PRCA Rodeo Performance #1 | 7:00 PM | $20–$35 |
| Wed Jul 8 | Indian Relay Races | Afternoon | Free |
| Thu Jul 9 | PRCA Rodeo Performance #2 | 7:00 PM | $20–$35 |
| Thu Jul 9 | Indian Relay Races | Afternoon | Free |
| Fri Jul 10 | PRCA Rodeo Performance #3 | 7:00 PM | $20–$35 |
| Sat Jul 11 | WYO Rodeo Parade — Main St | 10:00 AM | Free |
| Sat Jul 11 | Sneakers & Spurs 5K | 8:00 AM | Registration |
| Sat Jul 11 | PRCA Rodeo Performance #4 | 7:00 PM | $20–$35 |
Wednesday and Thursday nights are best for first-timers — slightly smaller crowds and more room to move.
Tickets: What to Know
- Reserved seats: $20–$35 depending on section and night. Buy online at wyorodeo.com — don't wait.
- General admission (bleachers): $15–$20, first come first served
- VIP suites: Available for groups, sold separately through the fairgrounds
- Kids under 5: Free on laps
Getting There: Take the Shuttle
The fairgrounds parking situation is, to put it charitably, a mess. Don't drive. The free downtown shuttle runs from multiple pickup points on Main Street to the fairgrounds starting two hours before each performance and returning until 11:30 PM. It's free, it's frequent, and it drops you right at the gate.
This is the single best reason to stay downtown in Sheridan rather than out by the highway. Walk to the shuttle stop, watch the rodeo, walk back to your rental. No Uber surge pricing, no parking stress.
Stay downtown. Walk to the shuttle. Walk home after. No driving, no parking, no Uber. That's how locals do Rodeo Week.
It's a Full Week — Not Just Four Nights
Most visitors don't realize the rodeo is the centerpiece of a week-long celebration:
- Boot Kick-Off — Monday night street party on Main Street, free live music, line dancing
- Indian Relay Races — Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, one of the most thrilling traditional horse racing events in the country (free)
- WYO Rodeo Parade — Saturday morning down Main Street
- Sneakers & Spurs 5K — Saturday morning fun run through downtown
- Nightly entertainment — Live bands at the fairgrounds after each performance
What to Wear, What to Bring
- Boots and jeans: Not required, but you'll fit right in. This is the real deal — people dress up.
- Hat: Cowboy hat or wide brim — the July sun is intense before 7 PM
- Layers: Evenings cool fast in Wyoming. Bring a light jacket even in July.
- Cash: Some concessions and vendors are cash-only
Before and After: Eating & Drinking on Main Street
Sheridan's Main Street is one of the best small-city main streets in the West. Blacktooth Brewing Co. — get there by 5 PM before the rodeo crowd arrives. Frackelton's — rodeo-week dinner reservation essential. The Mint Bar — opened in 1907 and hasn't changed.
Stay Downtown — Walk to the Shuttle
The best WYO Rodeo experience starts with a downtown Sheridan rental. Walk to the free shuttle, walk home after.
Downtown Sheridan Apartment
Sheridan, Wyoming · ★ 4.9
Sheridan Loft — Walk to Everything
Sheridan, Wyoming · ★ 5
Sheridan Home Near Main St.
Sheridan, Wyoming · ★ 4.8
Frequently Asked Questions
The main WYO Rodeo performances run July 8–11, 2026 (Wednesday through Saturday) at 7:00 PM nightly at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Rodeo Week events begin Monday with the Boot Kick-Off street party and continue through Saturday's parade. Indian Relay Races run Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and are free to attend.
Tickets go on sale at wyorodeo.com, typically in April. Reserved seats are $20–$35 depending on section and night. General admission bleachers are $15–$20, first come first served. Friday and Saturday night reserved seats sell out weeks in advance — buy as soon as tickets go on sale. Kids under 5 are free on laps.
Yes. A free downtown shuttle runs from multiple pickup points on Main Street to the Sheridan County Fairgrounds starting two hours before each performance and returning until 11:30 PM. The shuttle is free, frequent, and drops you right at the gate. This is the single best reason to stay downtown rather than out by the highway — walk to the shuttle, walk home after.
Downtown Sheridan is the ideal base for Rodeo Week. The free shuttle picks up on Main Street, all the restaurants and bars are walkable, and the Saturday morning parade runs right through downtown. Wyo Stays manages 65+ properties in Sheridan — book direct at wyostays.com and save 16–20% versus Airbnb or VRBO. Book 90+ days in advance — Rodeo Week is the most-booked week of the year.