Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. – The World’s Oldest Rodeo® Honors the USA’s Milestone Birthday with Stirring, Action-Packed Week this Summer
By Donna Werking
Prescott is gearing up for a milestone celebration as Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. – The World’s Oldest Rodeo® – returns for its 139th year. The 2026 rodeo promises to be an unforgettable Independence Week event, honoring America’s spirit with the theme: “Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom.”
From Monday, June 29 through Sunday, July 5, 2026, the world will once again turn its eyes to Prescott, the birthplace of professional rodeo. Generations of cowboys and cowgirls have tested their grit in the arena, and this year’s event intertwines that tradition with the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. It’s more than a rodeo—it’s a living symbol of our Western heritage and national pride.
The United States marks a historic milestone in 2026—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Just as the nation has persevered and grown, so has the tradition of rodeo. Prescott Frontier Days® embodies the values that helped shape America: courage, resilience, community, and freedom. Visitors can expect stirring patriotic displays, tributes to our history, and the electrifying competition that has made this rodeo world-famous.
The action begins in Prescott with seven thrilling performances of the World’s Oldest Rodeo®, showcasing professional rodeo athletes competing in bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and more. Beyond the arena, the celebration expands into town with beloved community traditions:
- Rodeo Dance: July 2, 3, and 4, 2026 – Dance the night away and celebrate Independence Week, Prescott-style.
- Annual Rodeo Parade: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. – A festive display of floats, horses, marching bands, and community pride, set against the backdrop of America’s birthday.
Since 1888, Prescott’s rodeo has brought people together to honor Western culture and celebrate the skills of working cowboys and ranchers. Today, that legacy continues with a modern event that still feels rooted in history. Families, visitors, and rodeo fans from across the globe will gather once again to experience a celebration like no other—where tradition meets patriotism in the heart of Arizona.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Tickets for the 2026 World’s Oldest Rodeo® are on sale by February 2026 exclusively at www.WorldsOldestRodeo.com. Secure your seats early and join us as we honor 139 years of rodeo excellence and 250 years of American freedom.