Western Aesthetics Blog

Dubbed the “Wildest and Richest Rodeo in the West”, The Reno Rodeo is an experience that many claim it as a tradition. Starting Mid-June and running for 10 consecutive days, this rodeo has many different aspects to it. I got to experience this rodeo and I felt I needed to share with you some helpful advice if you are planning to go to the Reno Rodeo. These are my 5 Key Takeaways from the Reno Rodeo.

1. Expect to do a lot of walking

The grounds may be small, but there is so much to see and do at this rodeo. You have to experience the carnival and the shopping. There are 2 areas for shopping. You have the indoor shops in the indoor arena and the shopping tent located in the carnival area. The main areas of foot traffic are the carnival and shopping areas. You will see people walking and moving all night long going to and from these areas. You will also see the main foot traffic when the shops are closed is the beer tents. I got my steps in at this rodeo. It was a lot but, it was worth the experience. Make sure you wear comfy shoes. If you prefer cowboy boots, put some comfy soles in them like I do.

2. Bring a Jacket-just in case

This rodeo may be in June, but the weather in Nevada is unpredictable. It can be 80 degrees during the day, but once the sun sets behind the mountains, it gets a tad chilly. When I was there the high was in the 70’s but once the rodeo started in the evening, the temperature fell to 50 degrees. I had my blazer with me thankfully therefore I was shielded from the slight chill. Next year who knows what the weather will be like, but it always helps to be prepared for the unexpected. The best kind of jacket for this situation is a light denim one or even a light sweater. Either will do when the weather decides to be tricky.

3. Bring some cash with you

If you plan on buying drinks from the beer tents or the bars situated around the grounds, bring some cash as they have been known to be “cash only”. The food tents will take card, however if you want to have an ice cold brew while listening to the rough stock bang in the chutes, then you may need a few bills to satisfy that. You will be carded at the entrance of the carnival to get your wristband so you can drink, so be prepared to get that. No wristband, no alcohol.  The other places you can expect to pay cash for is if you want to play any games or ride any rides. The ticket booths are cash only as well.

4.Experience the Rodeo itself

You may be the type to want to just walk around and see the sights this Wild West rodeo has to offer, but you need to experience the rodeo performance itself. Yes the stands may be tight fitting right now but the experience is worth it. The events you don’t want to miss is of course the Grand Entry, where all the contestants ride out  and the National Anthem plays. You also don’t want to miss the rough stock events in the beginning as well as the team roping, calf roping, and steer wrestling. If you love bull riding, that is always at the end of the rodeo. If you are a barrel racing fan, you can see that before the bull riding. All of the events are amazing, if you have a preference, then plan your walking time around that. The entire rodeo is a main performance in itself. When you see how well organized and put together this rodeo is, it will help you appreciate this wonderful sport more. There are so many volunteers that devote their time to make this rodeo happen. They start planning the next year rodeo the day after it ends. They make sure that everything is perfect like a well oiled machine. Which hasn’t failed them yet because this rodeo is over 100 years old and is still the most entertaining rodeo in the biggest little city in the world. 

5. Most Importantly-Have Fun

You obviously love rodeo right if you are in Reno in June. The experience may be overwhelming for some, but the main thing you need to do is have fun. Enjoy the rodeo and the night life. Go to the Coors tent for some line dancing fun or play those carnival games. Walking around the shops and seeing all of the hand made treasures is a treat. Ride the mechanical bull and see if you can hang on for 8 seconds. Take carnival style photos if that’s your thing. Most importantly, enjoy the carnival food and the atmosphere itself. This rodeo is so unique in its own way, experiencing it is a bucket list item for some. I know it was for me and I am so glad I got to experience the way I did. Now I am hooked and want to go every year. You may say the same if you go too. 

Well there you have it! My 5 Key Takeaways from the Reno Rodeo. I experienced it for you and now you have a guide as to what to expect. I urge you to experience this rodeo for yourself. It is truly a remarkable performance.  There are also a lot of other things to do in Reno, but that’s a different article for a different day.