96 Years of Tradition: Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Red Lodge Rodeo This Week

When the chutes open tomorrow, Thursday, and 4th of July Friday in Red Lodge, it won’t just be about the dust and the adrenaline, it will be a celebration of nearly a century of cowboy grit and community pride.

The Red Lodge Rodeo is marking its 96th year, and if opening night was any indication, this is a tradition that just keeps getting better.

Red Lodge Rodeo History

The rodeo’s roots go all the way back to the late 1890s, when local cowboys would gather at the railroad stockyards on Sunday afternoons for informal bronc rides. By 1929, things had taken a more organized turn. An arena was built, wild horses were rounded up, and admission was charged.

The next year, the Red Lodge Rodeo Association was officially formed, and by 1932, the event had moved to its current home thanks to the hardworking locals who built the grandstands and arena we still enjoy today. In 1954, after Bill Linderman, a local cowboy, earned his third World All-Around Champion title, Red Lodge proudly became known as the Home of Champions.

Opening Night Magic

I had the joy of kicking off rodeo week on Tuesday, July 1, with my husband, our son, and our good friends and their kids.

Everywhere the eye could see, kids were wide-eyed, parents beaming, and spectators settling into the stands with cowboy hats and concession snacks in hand. There was laughter, chatter, and a contagious feeling of shared joy that only happens when a town comes together for something they love.

Pride in Every Detail

Before the first gate ever opened, the crowd fell into a hushed reverence during the opening prayer and National Anthem. It was powerful, the kind of moment that reminds a person that the Red Lodge Rodeo is more than just entertainment, it’s a celebration of country, community, and courage. It was in the faces all around me: respect, gratitude, and pride.

And then came the riders, incredible athletes who put it all on the line for a few seconds of glory. The bull riders left us speechless. Their skill, bravery, and connection with the animals were something to behold. You could feel the whole crowd willing them to hang on just a little longer.

Passing Down a Legacy

One of the most heartwarming parts of the night was seeing the next generation taking it all in. Our kids were enthralled. They were cheering, clapping, asking a million questions. You could see the spark in their eyes. This wasn’t just a fun night out; this was memory-making. This was tradition taking root in little hearts.

There’s Still Time to Catch the Ride

If you haven’t made your way to the Red Lodge Rodeo yet, the celebration continues Wednesday, Thursday, and 4th of July Friday and tickets are still available.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-timer, there’s something truly special waiting for you. This isn’t just a rodeo. It’s history in motion. It’s a small town with a big heart. It’s the West as it was and as it still proudly is.

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So, come be part of something unforgettable. Red Lodge and the rodeo are ready to welcome you.