The Pendleton Round-Up is a nine-day rodeo held every September in Pendleton, Oregon, drawing competitors and spectators from across North America

The Pendleton Round-Up takes place in mid-September each year in Pendleton, a town in northeastern Oregon. The event runs for nine consecutive days and includes bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and roping events. The rodeo also features a parade, Native American activities, and live music throughout the week.

The rodeo began in 1910 and is one of the longest-running rodeos in the United States. It draws professional rodeo competitors sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), as well as local and regional riders. Attendance typically exceeds 40,000 people across the nine days, though exact numbers vary year to year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pendleton Round-Up occurs every September and lasts nine days, with events running both daytime and evening.
  • The rodeo features standard PRCA-sanctioned events including saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping.
  • Tickets are sold by day and by event type, with prices varying depending on seating location and which days you attend.
  • The rodeo grounds are located at the Pendleton Round-Up Arena, which also hosts the associated parade and Native American village during the event.
  • Camping and lodging fill up quickly during Round-Up week, so planning ahead is necessary if you want to stay in the area.

When the Pendleton Round-Up Takes Place

The Pendleton Round-Up runs for nine days in mid-September. The exact dates shift slightly each year because the rodeo always begins on a Wednesday. In 2024, for example, the event ran from September 11 through September 19. You can find the specific dates for upcoming years on the official Pendleton Round-Up website.

Events run both during the day and in the evening. Daytime events typically start in the early afternoon, while evening performances begin in the early evening. The schedule includes multiple rounds of each event type across the nine days, so competitors have more than one chance to ride or rope.

Events and Competition Format

The Pendleton Round-Up features the standard PRCA rodeo events. Saddle bronc riding and bareback riding are judged on how well the rider stays on the horse and how hard the horse bucks. Bull riding follows the same format but with bulls instead of horses. Riders must stay on for eight seconds to record a score.

Barrel racing is a timed event where riders on horseback race around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern; the fastest time without knocking over a barrel wins. Steer wrestling (also called bulldogging) involves a rider jumping from a horse onto a steer and wrestling it to the ground. Tie-down roping (calf roping) requires a rider to rope a calf, dismount, and tie three of the calf's legs together as quickly as possible.

The rodeo also includes team roping, where two riders work together to rope a steer. There is also a wild horse race unique to some rodeos, where teams of three riders attempt to saddle and ride a wild horse across the arena.

Tickets, Seating, and Admission Costs

Tickets to the Pendleton Round-Up are sold by individual day and by seating section. General admission seating is less expensive than reserved seats closer to the arena. Box seats and premium locations cost more. Prices vary depending on which day you attend — weekend days typically cost more than weekday performances.

Children under a certain age (usually under 12, though this varies) may have reduced ticket prices or free admission depending on the seating section. Parking is typically included with admission or charged as a separate fee. You can purchase tickets through the official Pendleton Round-Up website or at the gate on event days, though advance purchase is recommended because popular days sell out.

The Pendleton Round-Up Parade and Native American Village

The rodeo includes a large parade that runs through downtown Pendleton, typically held on the opening day or one of the early days of the event. The parade features floats, marching bands, horses, and vintage vehicles. Parade viewing is free and takes place on public streets in Pendleton.

The Round-Up also operates a Native American village on the rodeo grounds. The village includes traditional structures, artisans demonstrating crafts, and educational displays about the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Nez Perce tribes whose lands are in the region. This area is included with rodeo admission.

Camping and Lodging During Round-Up Week

Pendleton has limited hotel rooms, and they fill quickly during Round-Up week. Booking lodging months in advance is common for people who want to stay in town. Hotels in nearby towns like Hermiston and La Grande may have availability when Pendleton is full, though these are 30 to 45 minutes away.

The Pendleton Round-Up operates an official campground on the rodeo grounds that offers RV hookups and tent camping. This campground also fills quickly and requires advance reservation. Private RV parks and campgrounds in the surrounding area offer additional options, though availability varies.

How to Get There and Where to Park

Pendleton is located in northeastern Oregon, approximately 210 miles east of Portland. The town sits along Interstate 84. The Pendleton Round-Up Arena is on the south side of town, accessible from Highway 30 and local roads. GPS coordinates and detailed directions are available on the official website.

Parking at the rodeo grounds is available on a first-come, first-served basis for most days, though premium parking closer to the arena may require advance purchase. Overflow parking is available in surrounding areas. Parking fees are charged separately from admission in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can purchase tickets at the gate on event days, but popular days and premium seating often sell out before the event. Buying in advance through the official website reduces the risk of missing out on your preferred seating or day.

What should I bring to the rodeo?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, as the September sun in Oregon can be intense and seating is often in open-air stands. Blankets or jackets are useful for evening events when temperatures drop. Outside food and beverages are typically not permitted, but the rodeo grounds have concession stands.

Can I bring children to the Pendleton Round-Up?

Yes, children are welcome. Many families attend, and the Native American village and parade are particularly popular with younger visitors. Reduced ticket prices are often available for children, and some seating areas are designated as family sections.

Is there a specific dress code for attending?

There is no official dress code, but many attendees wear Western wear, cowboy hats, and boots as part of the rodeo tradition. Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable, and comfort is more important than style given the outdoor setting and length of events.

How long do individual rodeo events last?

Each event typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on how many competitors are riding or roping that day. A full day of rodeo events usually runs three to four hours. Evening performances follow a similar schedule.