Lucchese offers a go-to guide to the wildest rodeos and the best boots to take you there.
Nothing celebrates the spirit and culture of the American West like the rodeo. Whether you’re a true grit cowboy who rides bucking broncos, an enthusiastic spectator, or a fan of toe-tapping tunes and tasty chow, there’s plenty to corral your interest. Luckily for fans all over the globe, rodeo competitions offer entertainment throughout the year. Check out some of the biggest, wildest, and best below.
But before you hit the dirt, you’ll want to step out in the perfect pair of cowboy boots. At Lucchese, every season is rodeo season and dressing the part is second only to what we do best — craft the finest, best-fitting handmade boots. Ready to rodeo? Our experts have rounded up a range of choices that move from rodeo season to year-round wear.
For the Cowgirls:
Morgan redefines cowgirl style with a tall, asymmetrical top and Lucchese’s signature burnishing technique, which creates a modern, distressed look.
A short take on the cowgirl boot, Ava stuns with distressed leather and unexpected toe hardware.
Shown in rich chocolate, Romia features sleek Western style constructed entirely in Lucchese’s own Giant Gator.
For the Cowboys:
Step up in exotic style with Bryan’s classic cowboy silhouette constructed with full-quill ostrich.
Available in double- or single-welt construction, Ferris provides traditional Western grit with subtle pops of color.
A refined game-changer, Derek’s classic horseman silhouette goes upscale in Lucchese’s own Giant Gator. This wild leather provides a variety of tile sizes, making each boot unique.
Lucchese's Guide to the Rodeo:
Now that you’ve got your boots on, it’s time to hit the rodeo! No matter which event you visit, you’ll find great food, rocking music, spectacular athletes, handsome livestock and loads of friendly folks to boot. Check out Lucchese’s favorites:
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Fort Worth, Texas
Now through February 6
Celebrating its 120th year in 2016, this legendary Cowtown event attracts thousands of competitors from 44 states who vie for more than $700,000 in purse money. After watching world-class competitions and roaming acres and acres of shopping exhibits, be sure to check out the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Children’s Barnyard (free with rodeo admission) where baby pigs, lambs, chicks and calves abound.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio, Texas
February 11–28
Kicking off this event is the Western Heritage Parade & Cattle Drive, which features mounted cavalry participants and a herd of Texas Longhorns. Another unique attraction that stacks up fun is Brick Fest Live, the LEGO fan experience inside a 15,000-square-foot tent celebrating all things LEGO: exhibits, building activities and merchandise.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Houston, Texas
March 1–20
Beyond the amazing athletes and plentiful livestock, Rodeo Houston offers stellar music acts, delicious food and the Champion Wine Garden where you can sample winning elixirs from “Rodeo Uncorked!” International Wine Competition. Don’t miss the Mutton Bustin’ competitions where kindergartners and first graders in oversized cowboy hats try to hang on to runaway sheep in front of cheering crowds.
Red Bluff Round-Up
Red Bluff, California
April 15–16
Nestled in Red Bluff, a Victorian town in North California, this two-day event packs in a variety of daring competitions for rodeo fans and attracts others with bowling tournaments and antique shows.
Calgary Stampede
Calgary, Canada
July 8–17
Known as one of the friendliest rodeos around, this annual festival attracts millions of visitors with concerts, competitions and a world-famous pancake breakfast. The incredible GMC Rangeland Derby is one of the most competitive chuck wagon races in the world, where racers fight to the finish for $1.15 million.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Cheyenne, Wyoming
July 22–31
A must-see since 1897, Frontier Days is the largest outdoor rodeo and one of the four biggest in the United States. Western history buffs will enjoy the Old West Museum and gunfight reenactments by the Cheyenne Gunslingers, while music fans will tap to some of country’s biggest names during Frontier Nights. During the 10-day festival, don’t miss great food, arts and crafts and free nighttime entertainment at the Indian Village courtesy of Little Sun Drum and Dance Group from the Wind River Reservation in central Wyoming.
Pendleton Round-Up
Pendleton, Oregon
September 14–17
Since it began in 1910, the Pendleton Round-Up has grown to become one of the largest rodeos in the country and boasts the only grass arena. Beyond the amazing array of competitive events, visitors have their pick of music and food as they watch the historical Happy Canyon Wild West Show reenact early frontier life of the American West with Oregon Trail pioneers, Native American culture and the arrival of Lewis and Clark.
Wrangler National Rodeo Finals
Las Vegas, Nevada
December 1–10
Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of rodeos," this annual event attracts rodeo cowboys across the globe to compete with the best in the world. But this rodeo isn't just about the competition; visitors can discover delicious culinary delights, witness the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and shop for everything Western from boots and belts to cowboy-inspired furniture.
Don’t see a rodeo near you on this list? This extensive calendar will keep you kicking up the dust all year round, and check out C&I's rodeo faves.