About Us

VISION STATEMENT

The Pendleton Round-Up stands as a remarkable non-profit community organization dedicated to the preservation and celebration of our rich western heritage, diverse cultures, and vibrant community spirit. With the invaluable support of over 1,500 devoted volunteers, we diligently curate an array of year-round events, programs, and initiatives that not only nurture the younger generation but also foster the growth of agricultural programs, exalt the beauty of western culture, and leave a profound and enduring economic impact on our county.

About Round-Up Week

Rodeo Clown does backflip off of a black Pendleton Round-Up Barrel as the crowd cheers in the background

The first Pendleton Round-Up, held September 29, 1910 was to be "a frontier exhibition of picturesque pastimes, Indian and military spectacles, cowboy racing and bronco busting for the championship of the Northwest." It lived up to expectations, and more. Throughout its 100-year history, the Native American participation, strong volunteerism, and community support have made this one of the largest and most beloved rodeos on the continent.

It has grown into a week-long celebration of western heritage that includes parades, concerts, a night pageant, and more, thrilling tens of thousands of cowboys and cowgirls (and those who want to be!) every year. Everyone is welcome in Pendleton!

Dress Up Parade

The whole week begins with the Dress-Up Parade held on the Saturday before Round-Up week put on by the Main Street Cowboys. Anyone may enter the parade and dress up or enter a float or car. For a parade application click here. The parade goes through downtown Pendleton Saturday morning at 10:00 am and ends at the Round-Up grounds.

Kick-Off Concert

On Saturday evening after the Dress Up Parade, an Outdoor Kick-off Concert is held in the Happy Canyon Arena. In the past, acts have included Reba McEntire, Brooks and Dunn, George Strait, Chris LeDoux, Rascal Flatts, Big & Rich, Scotty McCreery, Lee Brice, and Old Dominion! This arena is legendary and will give you that intimate yet modern ambiance. Inside tip: There's not a bad seat in the house!

Happy Canyon

For over a century, the Happy Canyon show has brought together families, friends and strangers to witness a joyous celebration of local history. Originally staged in 1914 by Roy Raley, the all-volunteer show presents a live retelling of Pendleton's founding that honors both the beauty of tribal life and the spirit of the Old West. Today, the show is truly a family affair, and many performers and organizers are descendants of those early actors and crew. 2024 marks the 108th year!

For the 21 and over crowd, check out "Goldie's Bar" after the pageant!

Tipi Village

Since 1910, Indians have been as much a part of the Pendleton Round-Up scene as the cowboys and the rough stock. The Indian village to the north of the stadium is perhaps the most beautiful spot on the Round-Up grounds. For more than a century, it has been the center of activity for the Native American community during Round-Up Week. The teepees are set up mainly by members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians, though members of other Northwest tribes also come and set up camp. Teepee sites are handed down through generations, and many families occupy the same space in the village their ancestors did.

Today's village is composed of 300 hundred teepees. It's also the largest annual Indian encampment in North America!

XTREME BULLS TOUR FINALE

On Monday and Tuesday night Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale is held in the Happy Canyon arena and begins at 8:00 pm. Presented by Coors and sponsored by Pendleton Whisky.

Professional Bull Riding is a fast-paced event full of pulsating music, explosive pyrotechnics and provides lots of fun for a person of any age!

The concept is simple enough: match the world’s best bull riding athletes against the toughest animal athletes on the planet in an 8-second man versus beast duel. All this packed into 2 nights under the bright Happy Canyon Arena lights!

The event that crowns the Xtreme Bulls Tour champion takes place in our scenic Happy Canyon Arena! Xtreme Bulls will be the final event of the ProRodeo season and will payout $110,000, making it a key step on the road to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.

The Xtreme Bulls Finale is a two-day event, with two rounds the first day and a third long-go, and a progressive round on the second day. The finale, which is slated for Sept. 9-10 2024 this season and will consist of 24 contestants who qualify through a semifinals event before the finale!

The Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale will air exclusively on The Cowboy Channel and will stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App.

Round-Up

The Pendleton Round-Up runs Wednesday through Saturday and begins at 1:15 pm each day. Next years rodeo starts on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 and goes through Saturday, September 14, 2024.

The main events in the Round-Up are: Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Roping, Steer Wrestling,Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping. The All-Around Cowboy award goes to the competitor who earns the most prize money in more than one event. Other events include Women’s Barrel Racing, Women's Breakaway Roping, Indian Relay Racing, Wild Cow Milking and Indian dancing!

Westward Ho! Parade

Friday morning September 13th, 2024 at 10:00 am, the Westward Ho! Parade marches through Pendleton. The Parade is unique in that no motorized vehicles are allowed and features covered wagons, Indians in full regalia and marching bands.

For more information or to apply to be in the parade click here!