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
Connect with Kebi Smith
Kebi Smith is a fourth-generation Montanan and cattle rancher, raising commercial cattle—from calving through finishing. After graduating from National American University in South Dakota, she returned to Montana, where she spent nearly a decade working for Farm Services Agency on conservation, disaster, and farm programs prior to obtaining her real estate license in 1999. Kebi began her real estate career by specializing in the sale of ranch and recreational properties across Montana. In 2016, she expanded her scope of services, earning her license in Wyoming to allow her to assist both buyers and sellers regionally as well as statewide.
Fay Ranches Sponsors 2023 COPWRA With Beautiful Saddle
October 14, 2023 Fay Ranches was part of a big night for up-and-coming rodeo cowboys and cowgirls on Saturday, October 14th, as the Central Oregon Pee Wee Rodeo Association had its annual awards banquet. Oregon brokers Scott Hawes and Alex Robertson, who have been regular sponsors of the youth organization, were responsible for sponsoring the […]
Joette Schalla Speaks on Solar Leasing on LandGate
Brooke Goodings and Fay Ranches broker Joette Schalla discussed evaluating properties for landowners to help them determine the potential for solar development. They dug into the process of presenting potential development sites to renewable energy developers. They touched on the phases of the solar leasing process and the best practices for negotiating a deal that […]
