Cattlemen’s Days
2027 PRCA RODEO
July 15th, 16th, 17th, 2027
127 Years Strong!
Cattlemen’s Days is the longest running rodeo in Colorado and the 4th longest in the country.
Each year Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days celebrates the rich history and traditions of the ranching culture. In July, this tradition puts on the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos”, an event staged by our committee, volunteers, and the community for Professional Rodeo Cowboys and Cowgirls and the people who love to watch them.
PRCA Evening Rodeo: Golden Circle of Champions
Thursday, July 15th, 2027
7:00 PM
Golden Circle of Champions! Everybody wear BLACK & GOLD!
PRCA Evening Rodeo: Patriot Night
Friday, July 16th, 2027
7:00 PM
Everybody wear RED, WHITE, & BLUE on Patriot Night!
PRCA Evening Rodeo: Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy Night
Saturday, July 17th, 2027
7:00 PM
Bring the whole family!
Sign Ups
Join the action! Be part of the tradition.
2026 signups below are now closed.
Keeping Tradition Alive
Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo
127 Years Strong
Welcome to the 2027 Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo, the longest continuous rodeo in Colorado and the fourth longest in the nation. From rodeo in the streets in 1900 to the present fairgrounds, we are proud to put on the best showcase of the rich Western history and traditions that made the Gunnison Valley what it is today. From our dynamic 4H programs, horse shows, entertainment, and parade all the way through the best PRCA rodeo around, Gunnison is the place to be in July! Nationally recognized as a Top 5 Medium-sized rodeo, Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo brings in the very best cowboys and cowgirls each and every year. Our award-winning announcer, stock contractor, comedy acts, and others, work together to bring a show you do not want to miss. We are proud to present 3 nights of rodeo celebrating The Golden Circle of Champions on Thursday, our Patriot Night Rodeo on Friday, and the Ranchland Conservation Legacy Rodeo on Saturday. We couldn’t do this without our amazing rodeo committee, countless volunteers, and a very supportive community. These volunteers work tirelessly to provide the best experience for all.
I encourage you to make plans to be in Gunnison in July to be a part of our 127th Cattlemen’s Days Celebration!
Tyler Hanson
President
Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo
PARADE ENTRIES
Join the Fanfare!
Click here for the parade entry form, times, and regulations.
HORSE SHOW
84 Years of Horsemanship
Put your skills to the test in the Open Horse Show. Click here for an entry form, fee information, classes, and deadline dates.
Cattlemen’s Days, a Rich Gunnison Valley Tradition
The rodeo started out in the 1800’s between spring calving and summer haying, a time when area ranchers took a break to test their skills with riding and roping contests on Main Street. In the early years, the event added horse races and tried out various names such as Pioneer Days and the Helldorado Stampede. By 1901, the celebration came under the sponsorship of the Gunnison Valley Stockgrowers Association and the rodeo officially adopted the name “Cattlemen’s Days.”
Between 1913 and 1928, the rodeo and race events moved to the campus of Colorado Normal School, now Western State Colorado University, using the school’s track and stands. The celebration moved back downtown from 1929 to 1936. When the Cattlemen’s Days Association was created, it built facilities at the current site.
Check out the Gunnison County Library’s archive of Cattlemen’s Days memorabilia.
Cattlemen’s Days
The Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos
By Doug and Mary Lou Nemanic
What’s Your Cattlemen’s Days Story?
Cattlemen’s Days has been a big part of Gunnison heritage for 126 years. We are looking for historical photos, videos, and personal recollections of past Cattlemen’s Days events to feature on this website and social media. There is so much to share! Were you in the parade? Did you or your kids participate in 4-H events? Did you watch friends compete? We want to hear about it! Use our contact form to share your story.
2026 Cattlemen’s Days Schedule
Note: the 2027 schedule will be posted in the spring.
Fri, June 12
9:00 AM: Golden Circle of Champions Golf Tournament
Thu , July 2
Evening: Carnival
Fri, July 3
9:00 AM: 4-H Horse Show
Evening: Carnival
Sat, July 4
1:00 PM: Ranch Rodeo
Evening: Carnival
Sun, July 5
8:00 AM: Open Horse Show
Evening: Carnival
Mon, July 6
9:00 AM: 4-H Dog Show
5:00 PM: Trudy Vader’s Working Ranch Competition
6:00 PM: Cowboy Poetry, Pioneer Museum. Doors Open at 5:30 PM.
6:30 PM: General Projects Review & Awards, Concrete Room
Tues, July 7
6:00 PM: Mini Broncs & Mini Bulls. Women’s Bronc Riding Follows.
Doors open at 4:30 PM
Wed, July 8
8:30 AM: 4-H Rabbit Show
10:30 AM: 4-H Poultry Show, Rubber Room
5:00 PM: Barrel Racing
6:00 PM: Watershed Team Roping
Thu, July 9
9:00 AM: Slack
10:00 AM: 4-H & FFA Swine Show, Rubber Room
2:30 PM: 4-H & FFA Sheep Show, Rubber Room
7:00 PM PRCA Rodeo | Golden Circle of Champions Rodeo
9:30 PM: Concert at 5B’s BBQ, Live Music
Fri, July 10
8:30 AM: 4-H & FFA Goat Show, Rubber Room
10:30 AM: 4-H & FFA Cattle Show, Rubber Room
1:30 PM: 4-H & FFA Round Robin Showmanship
7:00 PM: PRCA Rodeo | Patriot Night Rodeo
8:30 PM: Drone Show & Arena After Party, FREE Admission
Sat, July 11
10:00 AM: Cattlemen’s Days Parade, Downtown Gunnison
12:30 PM: 4-H Junior Livestock Buyer’s BBQ, $20/person at the door
1:30 PM: 4-H Junior Livestock Auction, Rubber Room
5:30 PM: Queen’s Informational Meeting
7:00 PM: PRCA Rodeo | Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Rodeo
9:00 PM: Rodeo Round-Up Block Party at Sage Grouse Lounge
Sun, July 12
9:00 AM: Cowboy Church, Paragon Schoolhouse at the Pioneer Museum – showing “The American Cowboy”








