Plan · Watch · Enjoy

Your guide to the rodeo

Whether it’s your first rodeo or a yearly tradition, here’s how the day works, what you’re watching, and how to get the most out of the Gold Country Pro Rodeo.

Get Tickets Rodeo events explained

№ 01Your rodeo day

From the gates to the last ride

Each performance follows the same rhythm. Here’s what to expect at McCann Stadium, Gold Country Fairgrounds. Times below are from the 2026 rodeo; 2027 times will be posted soon.

01
Before you go
Buy tickets online, since the rodeo sells out every year. Check the clear bag policy and pack sunscreen, a hat and a blanket.
02
Gates open
Gates open 2.5 hours before the rodeo. Parking starts at $10 at 209 Fairgate Road.
03
Pre-rodeo
Eat some grub, shop the mercantile, find your seats and catch the pre-rodeo activities and grand entry.
04
The rodeo
Bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, mutton busters and Flying U entertainment, all in front of the grandstands.
05
After dark
On Friday and Saturday nights the official 21+ after parties bring live music to the Golden State Cider Stage.

2026 performance times (for reference)
Performance	Gates	Rodeo
Friday Rodeo	4:30 PM	7:00 PM
Saturday Rodeo	1:30 PM	4:00 PM
Sunday Rodeo	11:30 AM	2:00 PM

№ 02Rodeo 101

What you’re watching

A quick primer on the action in the arena. These are the general rules of professional rodeo; the exact lineup can vary by performance.

Bull rider holding on through a spinning buck in the Auburn rodeo arena

Rough stock

Bull Riding

The most dangerous eight seconds in sports, and the event most fans come to see.

The rider holds a flat braided rope wrapped around the bull, with one hand only.
The ride must last eight seconds. Touching the bull or himself with the free hand is a no-score.
Two judges score the rider and the bull, so a wilder bull can mean a bigger score.

Watch for: The bullfighters. They step in the moment a rider hits the dirt to draw the bull away.

Cowboy spurring a bucking palomino bronc in front of the chutes

Rough stock

Bronc Riding

Rodeo's classic event, rooted in breaking horses on the ranch, judged on rhythm and control.

Bareback riders hold a leather rigging with one hand; saddle bronc riders use a specialized saddle and a rein.
Like bull riding, it's an eight-second ride with one hand free.
Riders earn points for spurring in time with the horse's bucking motion.

Watch for: The pickup men on horseback who ride alongside to help the cowboy off safely after the whistle.

Timed event

Barrel Racing

Horse and rider race a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. Fastest clean run wins.

Each run is timed electronically, often to the hundredth of a second.
Riders may touch a barrel, but knocking one over adds a time penalty.
Tight turns and a flat-out sprint home decide the standings.

Watch for: How close the horse turns each barrel. The best runs barely leave room for daylight.

Young mutton buster in a helmet hugging a running sheep in the arena

Family favorite

Mutton Bustin'

Young riders hang on to a woolly sheep for as long as they can: pure fun, and a crowd favorite.

At the Gold Country Pro Rodeo it's open to kids ages 4–7, weighing 55 lbs or less.
It's non-competitive. Every rider gets a goodie bag.
Helmets are required. Spots sold out in 2026, so sign up early.

Watch for: The grand finish: most rides end with a tumble, a grin and a standing ovation.

Flying U Rodeo comedy act with a vintage roadster, trick horse and dogs before a full grandstand

Entertainment

Flying U Entertainment

Between events, the Flying U crew keeps the action going with comedy acts, specialty performers and more.

Rodeo entertainers fill the breaks while the arena is reset.
Expect pre-rodeo activities before every performance.
Themed days bring the crowd into the show. See the schedule for details.

Watch for: The rodeo clowns and entertainers. They're part of the show from the opening to the final ride.

№ 03Rodeo lingo

Talk like a regular

Hear the announcer call it, and know exactly what happened.

Chute: The narrow pen where a rider mounts the bull or bronc before the gate swings open.
Eight seconds: How long a rough-stock ride must last to earn a score. The horn or whistle marks the end.
Free hand: The hand a rider keeps in the air. Touching the animal with it means no score.
Bullfighters: Athletes who protect fallen riders by drawing the bull's attention.
Pickup men: Riders on horseback who help bronc riders dismount safely and guide the horse out.
Rank: A tough, hard-bucking animal. The rider who draws one has a shot at a big score.
Re-ride: A second chance the judges can award when the animal doesn't perform fairly.
Grand entry: The opening parade of riders and flags that kicks off each performance.

№ 04Seating guide

Pick your view

Best seats
Covered Seating
A guaranteed seat under the grandstand roof, shaded from sun and sheltered from rain.
2026: from $51
General admission
Uncovered Seating
Open seating in the uncovered grandstands. Come early to pick your spot.
2026: from $46
The ultimate VIP experience
Platinum Pro Rodeo Pass
The most elite spots in the arena, right at the chutes and behind the gates, where you feel every stomp, snort and surge of adrenaline.
2026: $300

2027 tickets About the Platinum Pass

№ 05First-timer tips

Rodeo like a local

01
Buy online, early
The rodeo sells out online every year. Kids 3 and under are free.
02
Arrive when gates open
Gates open 2.5 hours before the rodeo. You'll want time for parking, grub, the mercantile and pre-rodeo activities.
03
Pack light and clear
Clear bag (up to 12″ × 6″ × 12″) or a small clutch, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. One unopened water bottle per person.
04
Bring a blanket
The grandstand bleachers can be hot or cold. Chairs and umbrellas aren't allowed.
05
Plan to stay in
There are no ins and outs, so grab everything you need before you enter.
06
Dress for the day
Themed days invite the crowd to join in. In 2026: red, white & blue Friday, black Saturday and pink Sunday.