About Round-Up Week

Another year has come and gone but 2019 felt like a dream year for us as an Organization. We had one of our biggest years as far as attendance goes. We secured the title of Large Outdoor Rodeo of the year for the 7th time!

We built long lasting bonds with not only contestants but fans who visited us for their very first time! We appreciate all the love and constant support from our community and volunteers.

Let'er Buck & On With The Show!

About Round-Up Week

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. 2020 marks the 104th 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!

Round-Up

The Pendleton Round-Up runs Wednesday through Saturday and begins at 1:15 pm each day. This years rodeo starts on Wednesday September 16, 2020 and goes through Saturday September 19, 2020.

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, Indian Relay Racing, Wild Cow Milking and Indian dancing!

Westward Ho! Parade

Friday morning 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!