Now that it’s June, it’s time to talk Rodeo de Santa Fe! The 69th annual event takes place June 20–23 at 3237 Rodeo Road, just a short drive from downtown.
Rodeos are one of those things where you can’t really say who invented it.
Bull riding may go back to the ancient Greek Olympics, while other rodeo events have their roots in Mexican vaquero tradition and the Spanish bullfighting performed by conquistadors in the 1500s.
We know that Bill Pickett essentially invented modern steer wrestling with his unique wrangling style known as bulldogging. But beyond that, rodeo is a collection of techniques that have developed over thousands of years.
Rodeo de Santa Fe is one of New Mexico’s premiere showcases for these traditions. The rodeo’s livestock has been provided by Harry Void Rodeo Company out of Fowler, Colorado for over 40 years. Since the first Rodeo de Santa Fe in 1949, the event has grown to be one of the top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos in the country.
Looking for homes in the Santa de Rodeo neighborhood? We can help there, too. Located near the Genoveva Chavez Community Center and within easy access to the Santa Fe Community College, this section of town is great for families.
Here’s what you need to know about this quintessential Santa Fe tradition.
What Will Tickets Run Me?
As with any rodeo, the Rodeo de Santa Fe is a laid-back affair. This isn’t a two-hundred-dollar-a-ticket deal. Here’s the pricing breakdown:
- General admission: $10 for children and seniors (under 10 or over 65), $17 for everyone else
- Grandstand or chute area: $22 dollars
- Chair back reserved: $27 dollars
- Box seats: $37 dollars each, or four for $148 if you want to treat your friends to a VIP experience
When And Where Is the Rodeo de Santa Fe
This year, the gates open at 5 PM on June 20 through 23. Showing up early lets you enjoy dinner and shopping with vendors before the show kicks off at 6:30.
You can find the rodeo at 3237 Rodeo Road. There’s one entrance off Richards Avenue and another off Paseo de los Pueblos. The easiest way to get there is to head south from the city along I-25 north to exit 278 onto Cerrillos Road/14N. From there you’ll go north on Cerrillos, and at almost 2.9 miles you’ll turn right onto Rodeo Road. It’s about a mile and a half from there to Richards Avenue.
What Are Some Highlights of the Rodeo?
This year’s Rodeo de Santa Fe will feature some rodeo icons, including:
- PRCA bull fighter Luke Kraut
- PRCA bull fighter Clifford Maxell
- Hollywood Yates the “Barrel Man”
- Tomás Garcilazo, a famous Charro known for La Charrería, the Mexican horsemanship and roping tradition
- Professional rodeo announcer Dan Fowlie
Events include the Exceptional Kids’ Rodeo, barrel racing, bull riding, mutton bustin’ (find out how to enter your kids into this sheep-riding contest here) and everything else you expect from a five-star Southwestern rodeo.
Anything Else to Know?
Just a few tips before you head out:
- Just because it’s an evening event doesn’t mean you won’t need sunscreen! The sun sets late in New Mexico come summertime.
- Bring water.
- If you can only make one day of the show, we recommend Wednesday. This is when the energy is still high and most of the vendors won’t have packed up yet.
- Wear layers. Santa Fe nights are warm in June but you never know when a cold breeze might come along when you’re out all evening.
- Head here to get all the FAQs from the official event website.
