What Rodeo Fans Should Know About Colorado Stampede 2026

Memorial Day Weekend means cheering crowds, rodeo announcers, and pounding hooves at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. It’s time for the Colorado Stampede to roll back into Grand Junction from May 22-24, 2026.

The PRCA Rodeo tradition is back for three nights under the lights with bull riding, barrel racing, food vendors, and more. Keep scrolling to learn more about the Stampede schedule and how you can experience the events as a Grand Junction VIP.

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A Quick Look at the Colorado Stampede Schedule (May 22 - 24)

Photo by Melissa Walsh on Unsplash

Gates at the arena open for the Colorado Stampede nightly at 5:30 p.m., with rodeo performances starting around 7 p.m. The fun starts with locals’ night on Friday, the 22^nd, which includes the VIP and Contestant Hospitality Dinner, and a full night of PRCA rodeo fun.
Saturday the 23^rd is First Responder & Healthcare Appreciation Night. The day includes rodeo slack at 9 a.m., the Loma Outlaws 4H Jackpot, the VIP and Contestant Hospitality Dinner, and PRCA rodeo events at 7 p.m.
Sunday the 24^th is Military Appreciation Night. The day starts with the Loma Outlaws 4A Jackpot (swine, lambs, goats) at 10 a.m., the VIP and Contestant Hospitality Dinner, and PRCA rodeo events at 7 p.m. Find the complete schedule here.

Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, and a Full Western Colorado Experience

While bull riding will likely steal the spotlight, the Colorado Stampede features classic PRCA events, including saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, and barrel racing. Beyond the arena, food vendors, Western merchandise booths, family activities, and the familiar smell of barbecue and fairground treats will fill the air. Find out more about this year's PRCA rodeo events here.

Enter To Win VIP Tickets to the Colorado Stampede

Photo by Dulcey Lima on Unsplash

Want to watch this year's Colorado Stampede from the VIP gold box seats? What if your tickets included a place at the VIP and Contestant Hospitality Dinner? Let's do it. Fill out the entry form below before Friday at 5 p.m. for a chance to win VIP night at the rodeo for yourself and a guest. Winners will be notified on May 18. Good luck, and enjoy the 2026 Colorado Stampede.

Colorado’s 150th: Where to Celebrate on the Western Slope In May

You don’t get many chances to celebrate 150 years of state history, and Western Colorado is leaning into it in a big way. Communities from Grand Junction to Montrose are using May 2026 to spotlight what makes the region unique—rivers, rodeos, live music, and deep agricultural roots—with major events leading straight into Memorial Day weekend.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

All the Shows at the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park for 2026, So Far

If you’re trying to keep tabs on what’s coming to the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park in 2026, here’s the lineup you’re looking for. Big shows, random surprises, and at least a few nights where you’ll say, “Wait… they’re coming here?”

Gallery Credit: Tim Gray

MORE: Colorado’s Final Frost Dates Might Surprise You

If you’ve ever compared planting advice across Western Colorado, you’ve probably noticed the dates don’t match—and that’s not a mistake. Elevation changes of just a few thousand feet can shift the final freeze by weeks, meaning what works in Grand Junction could fail in Gunnison.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams