The Pendleton Roundup Guarantees Fun for the Whole Family

The Pendleton Roundup has been a huge draw for visitors and locals alike since 1910. Spurred on by the dedicated assistance of hundreds of volunteers, the Roundup brings thousands of people to the area every year in September. With an unbeatable line up of parades, pageantry, and heart-pounding rodeo action, this is one party no one should miss.

The action kicks off with The Dress-Up Parade. You never know what you’ll see at this one of a kind event. Rodeo courts, civic groups and marching bands make their way through town in a festival that helps everyone find their Roundup mood. Thousands also flock to see the Happy Canyon Night Show as the sun begins to set in the West. This is an opportunity to see how the Indians lived before their first encounters with settlers from other lands. In the pageant the audience sees the two cultures spark before seeking an amicable resolution. Customers hang out at Goldie’s Bar at the conclusion of the festivities to dance, drink, and gamble the rest of the evening away.

Other events like the Westward Ho parade, the Native American Arts and Crafts show, and the Main Street Cowboys Free Show are also huge crowd pleasers, but it is perhaps the Children’s Rodeo that is the most fun. Dozens of special needs children from the local school districts gather together to experience the cowboy way for themselves in this good time, good feeling rodeo. It’s a crowd favorite and the kids who participate find it to be an unforgettable experience.

But that’s not the end of the rodeo action. In fact, for most people it is the rodeo events that are the biggest attraction to the Round-Up every year. In Pendleton you’ll find all of the traditional rodeo events plus a few that you might not see anywhere else. Watch as cowboys and cowgirls take on some of the toughest broncs and bulls in the business in an unparalleled display of athleticism and courage. Various races, rides, and roping events make this one of the most exciting and varied rodeo displays in the nation.

You can cheer on your favorite cowgirl in the barrel races or watch as man pits himself against horse in the Bareback Riding event. Wild Cow Milking is an old-time event that is both funny and exciting – it’s a sure bet for the whole family. It’s all an impressive spectacle, but the most popular event by far is the bull riding. Spectators watch in breathless excitement as the cowboy holds on to the bucking bull for an eternal eight seconds. It's a hard fought war, but no cowboy can resist this challenge!

The Pendleton Roundup is a fun-filled family event that combines fascinating history with astounding displays of strength and athleticism. It's a jewel of a rodeo, still going strong after 100 years. Get in on the action yourself by making plans to attend the Roundup with the whole family. You'll be glad you did!

Also checkout Pendleton PBR (Professional Bull Riders) September 12th and 13th

Happy Canyon Indian Pageant Night Show each night of the roundup

Main Street Cowboys Free Show boasting the greatest free show in the west.

Dress Up Parade Saturday morning before roundup

Westward Ho! Parade Friday morning of roundup