By Natalia Serrano
A “bucking bronco” at the Tucson Rodeo. Photo by Justin Doherty.
La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros, otherwise known as the Tucson Rodeo, turns 101 this year. The rodeo began in 1925 during the prohibition era, and serves as a Tucson timestamp. The rodeo is a celebrated event in town, with Tucson schools having Thursday and Friday off before the finals. The event is considered one of the top 25 rodeo events in the country. The event is so large that it has brought in $17 million to the Tucson economy in recent years.
Now, if you are planning to attend the main rodeo events at the rodeo fairgrounds, it’s important to know a couple of things. For starters, official parking is cash only and is right next to the grounds. There is parking at some surrounding businesses and the park, but these are pretty hit-or-miss. The event has a clear bag policy, allowing one-gallon freezer bags, small clutch bags (about the size of a hand) and diaper bags. Medically necessary items are accepted as well.
The main events run from Saturday, Feb. 21, to Sunday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, Feb. 26, to Sunday, Mar. 1. This includes Mutton Bustin’, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronco riding, tie down roping, bull riding and women’s barrel racing. After the events, the rodeo hosts a Coors Barn Dance for rodeogoers 21 and over. The rodeo is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. is the rodeo parade. The rodeo parade is the oldest running non-motorized parade in the US. The parade starts at S. 12th Ave. and W. Drexel Rd., travels east on Drexel Rd., and ends on S. 6th Ave. and W. Irvington Rd.
The Tucson Rodeo Parade. Photo by Sun Tran.
Parking for this event is usually about $5, but this can vary depending on where you can find parking. This event is super popular, so it is recommended to get there early if you plan to attend. Keep in mind that you may have to bring your own seating accommodations for this. The event is also televised, so if you’d like to enjoy it at home, you can watch it on KOLD 13.
Outside of the main rodeo, there are a good number of events around town that have the same rodeo theme. Restaurants are joining in on the rodeo celebration around town. Typically, Tucson’s own Eegee’s has a rodeo root beer flavor to commemorate the week. This year, we’re seeing a new event for food. The Monica is hosting a rodeo brunch in partnership with the Tucson Rodeo on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, Mar. 1, from 8 to 3 p.m. with a live DJ and a rodeo ticket giveaway.
There are also a helpful number of events for kids. The Children’s Museum is hosting a Rodeo Break Camp on Feb. 26 to 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for grades pre-K to third. This camp costs about $95 for non-members of the Children’s Museum. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is also hosting the Cholla Buddies: A Rodeo Break Day Camp on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for grades one to six. This event is also a paid event at $110 for non-members.
Another fun event for all ages is the Rodeo Round Up at Trail Dust Town! This event is on Friday, Feb. 27, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and offers amusement rides, western shows, animal encounters and horseback riding. Trail Dust Town is also hosting a Rodeo Dance for the 21 and up crowd for $5 beginning at 6 p.m.
The ferris wheel at Trail Dust Town in Tucson. Photo by Visit Tucson.
Tucson’s historic haunted hotel, Hotel Congress, is also joining in on the rodeo fun. On Thursday, Feb. 26, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hotel Congress Plaza, there will be a rodeo weekend kickoff called the Yee-Haw Fest for $12. The event will have live music, a live dancing lesson and a mechanical bull.
For our lovely Tucson teachers, Old Tucson is hosting a Teacher Appreciation Weekend. Starting Thursday, February 26th, to Sunday, March 1st, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Old Tucson invites teachers with a valid ID to enjoy the Wild West Adventure Park as well as their special teachers’ lounge experience. They will also be running all the shows, rides, attractions, and experiences for educators to enjoy. For more information, visit here.
Have a safe and fun rodeo break, y’all!
Bull riding at the Tucson Rodeo. Photo by Bruce Hopkins.