Every summer, the town of La Pine, Oregon (18 minutes South of Sunriver) comes alive with the sights and sounds of one of Central Oregon’s most beloved traditions: the La Pine Rodeo. Held annually over the Fourth of July weekend, this family-friendly event celebrates western heritage, thrilling competition, and the strong sense of community that defines our region.
Experience Our Fourth of July Tradition
The La Pine Rodeo is more than just a sporting event—it’s a community celebration. Hosted each year during the Independence Day weekend, the rodeo attracts thousands of spectators from across the Pacific Northwest to enjoy professional rodeo action and festive activities.
In 2026, the rodeo will once again feature three nights of NPRA rodeo performances taking place July 2–4 (Thursday-Saturday), with each evening performance starting at 7 p.m.
Beyond the arena events, rodeo weekend also includes a La Pine Fourth of July parade, live music, and community gatherings that make the celebration a highlight of the summer season.
Rodeo Weekend at a Glance
The La Pine Rodeo delivers a full schedule of activities across three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of 4th of July weekend). Each day, you’ll enjoy a variety of classic rodeo competitions and local traditions that will leave you dazzled! This NPRA-sanctioned rodeo brings top cowboys and cowgirls to Central Oregon for a thrilling display of grit, skill, and Western tradition. Competitions you’ll get to see include:
Bareback Bronc Riding: Riders mount a horse without a saddle, which is then released into the arena and immediately attempts to buck them off. Riders compete to see who can hold on the longest with only one hand while earning the best score.
Steer Wrestling: A pair of competitors on horseback chase a loose steer (castrated bull) into the arena. One rider will drop from their horse onto the running steer and attempt to wrestle it to the ground in the fastest time possible.
Women’s Breakaway Roping: A female competitor on horseback chases a calf that is released into the area after giving it a measured head start. The rider attempts to throw a lasso around the neck of the calf and will then signal their horse to halt when successful. The rope they use is made so that when the calf hits the end of the rope and pulls it tight, it breaks and marks the end of the run. The rope usually has a small white flag at the end that makes the moment the rope breaks more easily seen by the timer and judges. The fastest run wins.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Riders mount a horse with a saddle, which is then released into the arena and immediately attempts to buck them off. Riders compete to see who can hold on the longest with only one hand while earning the best score.
Team Roping: Two horseback riders chase a steer that is released into the arena. One attempts to rope the steer’s head, while the other attempts to rope its hind legs. The pair that ropes both sides of the steer the fastest wins.
Tie-Down Roping: A competitor on horseback chases a loose calf into the arena and attempts to rope it around its neck, and suddenly stops their horse. The rider will then dismount from the horse, run to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together. The competitor who completes this with the fastest time wins.
Ranch Bronc: This style of bronc riding is meant to mimic more day-to-day ranch operations and horse-breaking styles. Riders mount a horse with their working saddle, which is then released into the arena and immediately attempts to buck them off. Riders compete to see who can hold on the longest while earning the best score. Riders are allowed to hold different areas of their saddle with both hands.
Barrel Racing: A competitor on horseback races into the arena to individually circle 3 barrels placed in a triangle pattern and then rockets back towards their starting point as quickly as possible. The rider with the fastest time wins.
Bull Riding: Riders mount a bull without a saddle, which is then released into the arena and immediately attempts to buck them off. Riders compete to see who can hold on the longest with only one hand while earning the best score.
The first two days feature the same competitions but with different competitors. On the final day, the top competitors in each category will face off to see who will be crowned the winner(s)!
At the end of each day, rodeo attendees can enjoy evening concerts and fireworks on the 4th of July.
Food, Vendors, and Entertainment
Rodeo fans can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, and shopping opportunities throughout the event. Vendors set up booths around the rodeo grounds offering merchandise, food, and refreshments during the weekend of performances.
Inside the grounds, guests will also find concessions and a beer garden, with live music concerts and dancing that continue the celebration at the end of each day.
Getting to the Rodeo
The La Pine Rodeo takes place at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds, located at 16262 3rd Street in La Pine, Oregon. Visitors traveling from nearby cities can easily reach the grounds by heading south on U.S. Highway 97 from Bend or Sunriver and turning onto 3rd Street upon entering La Pine. For those driving, free parking is available on-site at the rodeo grounds.
La Pine Rodeo Tickets
You’re highly encouraged to purchase your tickets in advance, as there is a limited number of tickets for each day that could sell out before you arrive.
General Admission Tickets grant entry to the rodeo grounds and arena seating, along with access to vendor areas and the evening concert following the rodeo each day.
General Admission Ticket prices for 2026 are as follows:
- Adults: $25
- Kids and Seniors $20
Upgrade your experience with VIP Tickets, with give you all the rodeo entertainment that general admission provides with the added upgrades of seating in the private VIP section, 3 drink tickets, and unlimited food access. VIP tickets are $150 per person.
You can purchase your tickets online, or you can contact the Village Properties at Sunriver team. We are authorized La Pine Rodeo ticket sellers and can assist you. To purchase your tickets through us, you can call (1-800-786-7483) or email (service@village-properties.com) our service team, or stop by our office during business hours: 56835 Venture Lane, Suite 109, Sunriver, OR.
La Pine Rodeo Gives Back
Organized by the La Pine Rodeo Association, the event is driven by dedicated volunteers and community members who work year-round to make the rodeo a success. The proceeds from rodeo activities help support local charities and organizations such as 4-H, La Pine schools, the Oregon High School Rodeo Foundation, and La Pine Parks and Recreation.
Experience our La Pine Rodeo Tradition
For more than two decades, the La Pine Rodeo has celebrated western culture, professional rodeo competition, and the strong community spirit of Central Oregon. With thrilling performances, patriotic celebrations, and family-friendly entertainment, the 2026 La Pine Rodeo promises another unforgettable Fourth of July weekend.
Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or attending for the first time, the La Pine Rodeo offers a chance to experience authentic western tradition right here in Central Oregon.
Get Your La Pine Rodeo Tickets Included with Your Stay
Village Properties at Sunriver is offering our 4th of July Weekend guests a special opportunity to experience the La Pine Rodeo as a part of your Sunriver getaway! For most bookings, you can choose to have 1 day of General Admission tickets for your entire booking group included with your stay. Learn more about this and the other guest perks that you have access to when you book a VPS vacation rental.
With vacation rentals less than 20 minutes from the rodeo grounds, you can combine comfort with the thrill of a day (or weekend) at the rodeo!
Some images courtesy of La Pine Rodeo Association.
