From Button Downs to Bucking Broncs - Everything You Need to Know About What Happens at a Rodeo
- Henry @TheVilleTX
- Mar 10
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Have you ever wondered what happens at a rodeo? From the exciting thrill of bull riding to the impressive skills of barrel racers, rodeos offer a one-of-a-kind experience that blends athleticism, tradition, and entertainment. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned fan, attending a rodeo is an adventure full of energy, excitement, and surprises.
The word "rodeo" dates back to 1834 and comes from the Spanish word "rodear," which means "to surround" or "go around." Modern rodeos have grown way beyond their simple beginnings. These events now feature two distinct categories: timed competitions like barrel racing and roping events and rough stock challenges like bull riding and bareback riding.
Modern rodeos pack much more than just arena competitions, from carnival rides and games to parades and performances by famous musicians, there will be something for everyone. First-time visitors might feel overwhelmed when trying to understand what happens at a rodeo, but this detailed guide will help you make the most of your first rodeo experience. You'll learn everything from picking the best seats to understanding how riders can score up to 100 points in roughstock events.
What to wear to a rodeo
Getting ready for your first rodeo means thinking about both comfort and style. A well-fitted pair of denim boot-cut jeans with a breathable cotton or linen button-down will give you that authentic Western look.
Clean and comfortable Western boots with low heels are recommended since rodeo events usually last between two to two and a half hours and can be on uneven ground.
What to bring to a rodeo
You want to get to the venue at least 90 minutes before the event starts to make sure you get a good seat and check out the whole venue. Evening shows typically open their gates between 5:30-6:00 PM, but you’ll want to double check the local listings for a more specific schedule. This early arrival gives you plenty of time to check out the grounds and find your seats before the action begins.
Here are the items you'll need to bring:
A cushion seat or blanket to stay comfortable
Sunscreen and sunglasses if you're in an outdoor arena
A portable water bottle and small snacks
A bandana or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
The venue layout is typically pretty straightforward, and most rodeo facilities have specific parking areas or offer free lots. Many venues also run tram services from parking areas to the main arena. Modern rodeo venues provide wheelchair services and ADA-compliant seating options for accessibility. You should locate the main entrance gates, restrooms, and food vendor areas when you arrive for the most enjoyable experience.
What are the main rodeo events?
Once you're comfortable in your seats, it's time to get a better feel of what happens at a rodeo. Professional rodeo competitions feature two distinct categories of events that test different skills.
Timed rodeo events
Speed and precision are at the heart of the five timed events – barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, and steer roping. Contestants must race against the clock while following specific rules. For example, steer wrestling competitors must let the steer reach a certain distance before leaving their box, or they'll face a 10-second penalty. Barrel racing needs perfect execution, too – just one knocked-over barrel adds 5 seconds to the final time.
Roughstock rodeo events
Roughstock events challenge riders to stay in control while mounted on bucking animals because of this, both the rider AND the animal are judged equally. These competitions include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding. Riders must stay mounted for exactly 8 seconds. The rules are strict – riders can use just one hand to hold on and they face immediate disqualification if they touch themselves or the animal with their free hand.
Rodeo scoring and judging
For roughstock events, two judges award up to 25 points each for the rider's performance and another 25 points for the animal's effort. The combined score can make a perfect score of 100 points (though, these are few and far between). For roughstock riding events like bull riding and saddle bronc, judges assess riders based on their control, spurring technique, and style. The animal's score depends on its bucking strength, kick height, and spin speed.
Success in timed events comes down to quick completion of the task while avoiding penalties. Contestants must find the sweet spot between speed and precision. Breaking the barrier or missing a target adds extra time that can cost them the win.
Making the Most of Your Time
Smart scheduling helps you get the most out of what happens at a rodeo. Weekday performances typically start their main rodeo action at 6:45 PM, and featured entertainers take the stage around 9 PM. Weekend performances start earlier at 2:45 PM, and you can catch concerts around 5 PM. Each different location will have its own schedule you’ll want to check out before your arrival.
Planning your schedule around key events
You should arrive early to learn about the grounds before the main events begin; typically, the stadium usually opens its gates one hour before each show. This gives you enough time to find your seats and get comfortable, as well as grab a snack before the event begins.
What happens at a rodeo beyond the main arena
Most rodeo grounds have many attractions you'll want to check out other than just the rodeo:
Livestock shows
Art and home-eco exhibits featuring art by students and local artists
Carnival
Wine and beer shows
Cook offs
Food and entertainment options at a rodeo
Rodeos are known for their unique food options, and while each rodeo will be different, almost every one will have some sort of deep-fried creation for you to indulge in. Some of the latest favorites are fried ice cream, fried pickles, fried cheesecake, and if you’re adventurous, maybe a rattlesnake corn dog is the way to go for you. Rodeo grounds will also have your favorite fair foods like turkey legs and funnel cakes. The go-to at The Ville is always twisted taters if we can find them – a deep-fried spiral potato.
Lots of rodeos will also have specialty bars or adult-only hideaways with signature cocktails and live music. There will also usually be a wine or beer garden to get away from some of the hustle and bustle of the rodeo.
First-Timer Tips and Rodeo Etiquette
No matter what happens at a rodeo, one key thing to remember is respect. It's the lifeblood of rodeo culture and shapes every part of these traditional events.
Simple rodeo etiquette guidelines
To follow rodeo etiquette, you will need to stand and remove your hat during the National Anthem and prayer. Rodeos aren't just another sporting event – they celebrate Western heritage. You should stay seated during competitions so everyone can see the action.
Show respect during events: Stay quiet during crucial moments, like a tense roping run
Follow venue protocols: Stick to arena rules about smoking and alcohol
Support all competitors: Cheer for everyone, whatever their performance
Mind the arena: Don't go near chutes unless authorized
Practice courtesy: Stop conversations during prayers
Common mistakes to avoid
We noticed first-timers often move around too much while events are going on or expect special treatment as they experience what happens at a rodeo. The excitement is real, but it’s better to hold back cheers until it’s appropriate, especially during rough stock events that need focus.
Photography and social media dos and don'ts
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has strict rules about capturing and sharing rodeo moments. You can use cell phones and small cameras without extended lenses, but professional photography equipment needs proper credentials.
The PRCA lets you post up to 90 seconds of video content from a single performance, and this limit applies to single clips or multiple shorter ones. You can't livestream through Facebook Live or Instagram.
Professional photographers must wear proper Western attire – long-sleeved shirts with collars, and they aren’t allowed to wear ball caps. They must shoot from designated areas and need specific authorization to photograph behind the bucking chutes.
Final thoughts on what happens at a rodeo
Your first rodeo doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right knowledge, you’ll fit right in with other rodeo fans. This piece walks you through everything you need for a unique experience, from western wear to must brings.
You'll get more out of the sport when you know how scoring works and what each event means. Instead of just watching, you'll spot the expertise in an 8-second bull ride and appreciate the accuracy needed for barrel racing.
Rodeos celebrate a way of life that has shaped American culture for generations, and they're more than just competitions. That's why showing respect for rodeo traditions and following proper etiquette matters so much.
Reminder that every die-hard rodeo fan started exactly where you are, so put on your cowboy boots and hat and get ready for the thrill, tradition, and excitement that only a rodeo can deliver.
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FAQs
Q1. What should I wear to my first rodeo? For an authentic western look, wear well-fitted jeans, a breathable button-down shirt, and comfortable western boots with low heels. Don't forget to bring a hat for sun protection and to participate in rodeo traditions. You can also add western accessories like a belt buckle or turquoise jewelry to complete your rodeo attire.
Q2. How long does a typical rodeo last? A typical rodeo event lasts between two to two and a half hours. However, it's recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before the event starts to explore the grounds and find your seats.
Q3. What are the main types of rodeo events? Rodeos feature two main categories of events: timed events (like barrel racing) that focus on speed and precision, and rough stock events (like bull riding) that test a rider's ability to stay mounted on bucking animals for 8 seconds.
Q4. What happens at a rodeo beyond the main area? Are there other activities? Yes, modern rodeos offer a variety of attractions beyond the main arena. These can include livestock exhibits, carnival rides, games, educational programs about conservation, food vendors, and even concerts by famous musicians.
Q5. What are some important etiquette rules for first-time rodeo attendees? Key etiquette rules include standing and removing your hat during the National Anthem and prayer, remaining seated during competitions, and refraining from excessive movement or noise during events that require focus, such as bull riding. It's also important to follow venue-specific rules about smoking and alcohol.
Interested in going to your first rodeo? Check out our article on the Houston Rodeo.
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