Big Bend Ranch

Cheyenne Norris

Falling for Rodeo Season: West Texas' Biggest Fall Rodeos

“Friday night lights are a big thing in Texas, whether that’s football or rodeo,” Brady Ragland explains.

As the state's official sport, rodeo is a way of life, with events happening practically year-round. And as the county fair season kicks off, so too, comes some of the biggest rodeo events in West Texas, with professional rodeo cowboys getting ready for serious competitions.

“For Professional Rodeo Cowboys, the pressure is on in late September to secure a spot to the National Finals Rodeo that takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada in December,” says Brady Ragland, CEO of Amarillo Tri-State Exposition.

What this means for rodeo fans: fall season is the opportunity “watch the best cowboys and cowgirls across the nation right here,” as Ragland puts it.

Whether you're watching ranchers compete beneath the mountains of Alpine, grabbing a funnel cake between rodeo events in Abilene or cheering on championship ranch teams in Amarillo, it’s time to grab the boots and head over for these big events.

Big Bend Ranch Rodeo | Alpine

Aug. 7-8

First up is the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, which celebrates a different side of cowboy culture, and that’s the working ranch cowboy.

Held annually in Alpine, this ranch rodeo was created to preserve Western heritage and showcase the skills ranch hands use every day while caring for cattle across some of the country's toughest terrain. A bit different from traditional rodeos, these participants are often full-time cowboys representing the ranches where they work.

As organizers put it, there is nothing better than "riding for the brand"—the ranch brand, that is. The event highlights the grit, loyalty and determination that continue to define ranch life throughout the American West.

As for the rodeo, teams of cowboys compete in events that test their horsemanship, cattle-handling abilities and teamwork, offering spectators an authentic look at the skills required to work cattle in remote country.

The setting is part of what makes this event so memorable. Alpine serves as a gateway to the Big Bend region, surrounded by mountain views, desert landscapes and some of the most scenic drives in Texas.

Learn more at bigbendranchrodeo.com.

Plan your trip at visitalpinetx.com.

West Texas Fair & Rodeo | Abilene

Sept. 4-13

If your ideal rodeo trip includes all foods fried, thrilling carnival rides and live music alongside the action in the arena, the West Texas Fair & Rodeo is your kind of event.

For 10 days each September, Abilene embraces its frontier roots with one of the largest annual celebrations in the region. The festivities begin with a parade through downtown Abilene, where floats, horses and community groups fill the streets in a celebration that has become a local tradition. Then, there’s the livestock exhibits and midway attractions, including three buildings full of western goods like handmade leather boots, saddles, turquoise jewelry and more.

It's all just in anticipation of the sun setting, of course. Once the lights kick on, alongside neon carnival lights comes class rodeo fun: bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing and team roping.

As an added bonus, rodeo tickets also provide admission to the fairgrounds. Arrive early and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the rides, exhibits and food before the evening's rodeo action begins.

Learn more at westtexasfairrodeo.com.

Plan your trip at abilenevisitors.com.

Tri-State Fair & Rodeo | Amarillo

Sept. 18-27

In Amarillo, a carnival is again combined with rodeo that’s over 100 years old for one of the Texas Panhandle's largest annual celebrations.

The Tri-State Fair & Rodeo has been a regional tradition for generations, drawing visitors from across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico for nearly two weeks of rodeo competition, concerts, exhibits and classic fair fun. While the event embraces all the excitement of a county fair, the rodeo remains one of its biggest attractions. Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in PRCA-sanctioned events including bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing and roping competitions, bringing high-energy action to the arena each night.

“The Tri-State Fair & Rodeo is truly a memory you can’t miss” says Ragland. “Families within our community gather here to create memories that will last a lifetime. From a giant turkey leg and the Ferris wheel to the petting zoo and pig races, our event is the largest family friendly event in the Texas Panhandle.”

The event also hosts a Rodeo Queen competition, continuing a long-standing tradition that highlights horsemanship, Western knowledge and community involvement. Watch the young aspiring ranchers here too, with events throughout the weekend that includes a junior. ranch rodeo and youth cow horse championship.

Part of what makes the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo special is its balance between old and new. Families come for funnel cakes and rides, sure, but the longtime rodeo fans fill the stands for the evening competitions. For travelers looking for the quintessential Texas-fair experience, this Amarillo tradition delivers a little bit of everything: rodeo, food, music and a healthy dose of Panhandle pride.

“We give guests the opportunity to reacquaint with agriculture and Western heritage, which is a huge part of our area’s roots,” Ragland shares.

Learn more at tristatefair.com.

Plan your trip to Amarillo at visitamarillo.com.

World Championship Ranch Rodeo | Amarillo

Nov. 12-15

Another rodeo in Amarillo, this one’s for the ranch cowboys, and for most, it’s the moment they've been working toward all year.

The World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo is considered the ultimate ranch rodeo event in North America, bringing together top ranch teams from across the United States and Canada. Throughout the year, ranches compete in qualifying events for the opportunity to earn a place in this championship competition.

For travelers hoping to experience the authentic spirit of the American West, there may be no better place. Spectators can watch teams compete in events that mirror daily ranch tasks, including wild-cow milking, stray gathering, team branding and ranch bronc riding. The events are fast-paced, highly competitive and often surprisingly entertaining, even for first-time rodeo attendees.

Beyond the arena, visitors can explore Western trade shows, cowboy gear vendors and exhibits celebrating ranch heritage. The atmosphere feels part sporting event, part cultural gathering, drawing ranch families and Western enthusiasts from across the continent.

Learn more at wrca.org.

Learn more at visitamarillo.com.