Cheyenne Frontier Days is a ten-day rodeo and Western celebration held every July in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne Frontier Days runs for ten consecutive days in mid-July each year at Frontier Park in Cheyenne. The event includes a professional rodeo sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), a parade through downtown Cheyenne, concerts, carnival rides, Native American exhibits, and livestock shows. The rodeo itself features standard events: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, with competitors from across North America.

The event draws roughly 500,000 visitors annually and operates as a nonprofit organization run by a volunteer board. Admission to the grounds costs money, but the parade and many outdoor events are free to watch. The rodeo performances happen in an arena at Frontier Park, and seating is assigned by ticket price — general admission, reserved, and premium options are available.

Key Takeaways

  • Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place for ten days in July at Frontier Park, with rodeo events, a downtown parade, concerts, and carnival activities all part of the same celebration.
  • The rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA and features professional competitors in events like bull riding, roping, and barrel racing, with prize money distributed to winners.
  • The downtown parade is free to watch and happens on opening day; seating along the route fills early, so arriving hours ahead is common.
  • Rodeo ticket prices vary by seating location and day of the week, with evening performances typically more expensive than matinee shows.
  • The event runs on a volunteer model with a nonprofit board, and many of the carnival, exhibit, and concert activities charge separate admission or entry fees.

When Cheyenne Frontier Days Started and How It Grew

Cheyenne Frontier Days began in 1897 as a one-day celebration called "Frontier Days" organized by local businessmen to draw visitors to the city. The first event included a parade, horse races, and bucking horse contests. By the early 1900s it had expanded to multiple days and added roping and steer wrestling events modeled on working ranch practices.

The event grew steadily through the twentieth century, becoming one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the United States. In 1945 it was officially chartered as a nonprofit organization. The ten-day format and the addition of a major parade, carnival, and concert lineup solidified the modern shape of the event by the 1960s. Today it remains one of the few rodeos that combines a PRCA-sanctioned competition with a full festival atmosphere.

Rodeo Events and How They Work

The rodeo portion of Cheyenne Frontier Days features eight main events across two performance days (usually Thursday through Sunday of the ten-day run). The events are saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and wild horse racing. Each event has a time limit or scoring system set by PRCA rules, and judges award points or times that determine placement and prize money.

Competitors enter the rodeo by paying an entry fee and must be PRCA members or have a permit. Prize money is distributed to the top finishers in each event, with the total purse varying by year. The rodeo runs multiple performances — typically a matinee and an evening show — so the same events repeat across different days. This allows the event to accommodate more spectators and gives competitors multiple chances to place.

Unlike some rodeos that feature only one or two performances, Cheyenne Frontier Days runs performances on multiple days, which means the rodeo action spans the entire ten-day period rather than happening all at once. This structure lets the event combine rodeo with other activities like the parade, concerts, and carnival without everything competing for the same time slot.

The Parade and Free Events

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade takes place on the opening day of the celebration and runs through downtown Cheyenne for roughly two miles. The parade includes floats, marching bands, horse-drawn wagons, Native American dancers in traditional dress, and vintage vehicles. Watching the parade is free, though finding a good viewing spot requires arriving early — many people claim spots along the route the night before or several hours in advance.

Beyond the parade, several events and exhibits are free or included with general admission to Frontier Park. These include Native American village exhibits, livestock shows, carnival games and rides (which charge per use), and outdoor performances. The carnival operates on a pay-per-ride model, so you can walk the grounds for free but pay for individual attractions.

Tickets, Seating, and Pricing

Rodeo tickets are sold by seating location and performance. General admission seating is the least expensive option and typically offers an unobstructed view of the arena but without assigned seats — you sit in a general section and choose your spot. Reserved seating costs more and guarantees a specific seat in a better location. Premium seating, often in a club or box area, is the most expensive and may include amenities like food or climate control.

Ticket prices vary by day of the week and time of day. Evening performances are usually more expensive than matinee shows. Prices also change year to year based on the event's operating costs and demand. The official Cheyenne Frontier Days website lists current-year pricing and allows you to purchase tickets online or at the gate, though online purchase is often recommended to avoid sellouts on popular days.

Parking at Frontier Park is typically free or included with admission. The grounds are large enough to accommodate thousands of vehicles, though parking fills during peak times (evenings and weekends). Shuttle services may run from satellite parking areas during the busiest days.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Cheyenne in July is warm and dry, with daytime temperatures typically in the 80s Fahrenheit and cool evenings. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential for outdoor events like the parade and carnival. If you plan to sit in general admission seating for the rodeo, bring a cushion or blanket — the bleachers are metal and can be uncomfortable for long periods.

The grounds are large, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks, though food vendors operate throughout Frontier Park and the downtown parade route. If you are attending evening performances, bring a light jacket because temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer.

Plan to arrive at least an hour before the rodeo performance starts if you have general admission seating, as the best spots fill quickly. For the parade, arriving two to three hours early is common practice to find a viewing spot along the route. Parking and entry to the grounds can take time during peak hours, so budget extra time for these steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the rodeo?

Outside food and beverages are typically not allowed in the rodeo arena seating area, though policies vary by year. Food vendors operate throughout Frontier Park and offer rodeo-style fare like hot dogs, corn, and barbecue. Water bottles are usually permitted if they are empty when you enter and you fill them at water stations inside the grounds.

Is there a best day to attend if I want smaller crowds?

Weekday matinee performances draw smaller crowds than evening shows and weekend performances. Thursday and Friday matinees are typically less busy than Saturday and Sunday events. The opening day parade draws the largest crowds, so if you prefer fewer people, plan to visit later in the ten-day run.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I buy them at the gate?

Tickets are sold both online and at the gate on the day of the event. Popular performances, especially evening shows on weekends, can sell out, so buying in advance reduces the risk of missing the show you want. Gate sales are available if tickets remain, but selection may be limited to less desirable seating locations.

What if it rains during the rodeo or parade?

The rodeo performances proceed rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe for horses or riders. The parade also typically continues in light rain. If severe weather closes the grounds, the event is usually rescheduled for the following day. Check the official website for weather updates and any schedule changes during your visit.

Are there camping or lodging options near Frontier Park?

Cheyenne has hotels throughout the city, and many fill quickly during Frontier Days. Camping is available at private RV parks and campgrounds in the Cheyenne area. Some attendees camp at Frontier Park itself during the event, though this requires advance registration and payment. Book lodging well in advance if you plan to stay overnight, as availability becomes limited as the event dates approach.