Summer 2023 Western Events

By Kebi Smith, Ranch Sales, Licensed in MT, WY

Love the show Yellowstone with Kevin Costner? Want to get a live look into the Western lifestyle? The agents at Fay Ranches live and breathe the Western lifestyle in the Western half of the United States. This means bringing their knowledge and skillset to the table with clients. If you are in Montana or Wyoming this summer, you, too, can experience the thrill of the Western lifestyle and rodeos.

Here is a short list of some must-see rodeos and Western events to attend this summer!

MAY

MILES CITY BUCKING HORSE SALE

Location: Miles City, Montana

Dates: May 18-20, 2023

Often referred to as the “Cowboy Mardi Gras,” this world-famous four-day event features a concert, street dances, parade, horse racing, food and retail vendors, and the largest Bucking Horse Sale in the world. During the Bucking Horse Sale, hundreds of horses are auctioned off to buyers from all over the world. The final day of the Bucking Horse sale is highlighted by a match bronc ride with top PRCA cowboys from across the country, where spectators can be a part of the event by participating in a Calcutta auction of the cowboys. A tradition in Miles City since 1950, this is considered one of the largest and most famous horse sales in the world.

A bucking bronc rider competing in the rodeo at the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in Miles City, Montana. Photo Credit: Todd Klassy Photography

JUNE

JORDAN XTREME MATCH BRONC RIDE

Location: Jordan, Montana

Dates: June 18, 2023

Top PRCA bronc riders meet up for this one-day challenge for a purse that pays out $25,000. If you want the authentic feel of the west, Jordan, Montana, offers the true picture of eastern Montana and is a community solely supported by the agricultural sector.

Ranch for Sale near Jordan, MT: Little Rosie Ranch

CODY STAMPEDE XTREME BULLS AND RODEO

Location: Cody, Wyoming

Dates: June 30-July 4, 2023

The Cody Stampede and Bulls was named the “Best Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year” in 1998 and 1999. During the Cody Stampede, the town offers some of the best food, parades, and art shows in the region. Part of the Cowboy Christmas rodeo run, the top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls participate in the 3-day rodeo within the state.

The Fay Ranches flag waved at the 2022 Cody Stampede.

JULY

HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS RODEO

Location: Red Lodge, Montana

Dates: July 1-4, 2023

The town of Red Lodge, Montana, rolls out the red carpet for cowboys, cowgirls, and spectators for four days of spectacular bull riding and rodeo. On July 1, the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour hosts the top bull riders in the world standings for a 2 round competition. The next 3 days feature top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls competing for part of one of Montana’s largest rodeo payouts. The Home of the Champions Rodeo is one of Montana’s oldest rodeos, with roots going back to the 1890s.  This rodeo is a must-see!

BIG SKY PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS

Location: Big Sky, Montana

Dates: July 20-22, 2023

40 of the PBR’s top bull riders compete under the Big Sky against some of the biggest and meanest bulls. Attend the after-parties included in the ticket purchase and listen in on the Jamie McLean Band and Lukas Nelson.

Rosebud County Fair 2022. Photo Credit: Marni Gaskill, Horizon Marketing Agency

ROSEBUD COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

Location: Forsyth, Montana

Dates: July 19-22, 2023

The fair includes traditional rodeo events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping, as well as livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, and carnival rides. There are also food vendors, live music performances, monster trucks, and other entertainment options throughout the fair. This year’s entertainers include Casey Donahue and Mark Wills. The Rosebud County Fair and Rodeo has been a longstanding tradition in the area, dating back over 100 years. It is a popular event for residents of Forsyth and surrounding communities, as well as for visitors from other parts of Montana and beyond.

Ranch for Sale in Forsyth, MT: Golder Ranch on Rosebud Creek

Rosebud County Fair 2022. Photo Credit: Marni Gaskill, Horizon Marketing Agency

CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS

Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Dates: July 22-30, 2023

Known as the “Grand Daddy of ‘em all”, Cheyenne Frontier Days brings thousands of spectators every year to watch headliner country music and rock artists and top cowboys and cowgirls. This year’s concert-goers can listen to Cody Johnson, Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, and Zach Bryan. The Frontier Days also feature one of Wyoming’s largest carnivals with rides, food, and fun as part of the event, and visitors can also experience Western culture and history through exhibits, demonstrations, and educational activities. Cheyenne Frontier Days is not only a celebration of the cowboy way of life but also a tribute to the pioneering spirit and resilience of the American West.

AUGUST

BOZEMAN STAMPEDE RODEO

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Dates: August 10-12, 2023

The Bozeman Stampede is a PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) rodeo that takes place annually in Bozeman, Montana and features a variety of traditional rodeo events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. The Bozeman Stampede is a popular event for locals and visitors and typically attracts top riders and contestants from around the country.

A SaddleBronc rider is lit up by a spotlight as he hangs tough during an outdoor night rodeo performance.

SEPTEMBER

DILLON JAYCEES RODEO

Location: Dillon, Montana

Dates: September 2-3, 2023

The Dillon Jaycees Rodeo is an annual event that takes place over Labor Day weekend in Dillon, Montana. The rodeo is organized by the Dillon Jaycees, and it has been a tradition in Dillon for over 50 years. The rodeo features various events, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. There are also activities for children, such as a stick horse race and a calf scramble. The Dillon Jaycees Rodeo attracts both professional and amateur rodeo competitors from all over the United States and Canada. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and community involvement, with many local businesses and organizations sponsoring the event.

Ranch for Sale in Dillon, MT: Beaverhead Valley’s 2W Ranch

‘Well, she rode in them wagons, when the Wild West was won, took the canyons and badlands, and made ’em her home. She’s boots on, Chris Ledoux songs, and snaps on her pearls. She’s been there and she’ll be here, ‘Til the end of the world. Long live cowgirls.‘ – Ian Munsick