
One of the things I love most about living and working in Prescott is how deeply our community values tradition. Every summer, our historic town comes alive for Prescott Frontier Days, when thousands of visitors gather to experience authentic Western heritage. And while many towns celebrate rodeos, Prescott holds a special title. The World’s Oldest Rodeo has been held here since 1888, making it one of the longest-running rodeo traditions anywhere in the world.
As a local Realtor, I often hear people ask what makes Prescott such a special place to live. Events like this are a big part of the answer.
A Week That Brings the Whole Town Together
The rodeo takes place during the week of the Fourth of July, and in 2026, it will run June 29 through July 5 at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds.
For locals, this week is more than just an event—it’s a tradition that families look forward to year after year. Kids wear their cowboy boots, local businesses decorate their storefronts, and the entire community gets swept up in the excitement.
Each performance features classic rodeo events like:
- Bull riding
- Saddle bronc riding
- Bareback riding
- Steer wrestling
- Team roping
- Women’s barrel racing
There’s also plenty of entertainment between events, with rodeo clowns, specialty acts, and family-friendly fun that keeps the crowd cheering all evening.
More Than a Rodeo—It’s Prescott’s Culture
What makes this rodeo so unique isn’t just its history—it’s the way it reflects the culture of Prescott itself.
Our town has always had strong ties to ranching, horsemanship, and Western values. Even today, you’ll see that heritage everywhere—from the historic downtown streets to the surrounding ranch land and open spaces.
During rodeo week, the spirit of Prescott is on full display. Restaurants and shops stay busy, live music fills the air, and visitors from all over the country experience the charm of our mountain town for the first time.
For many people, their first trip to Prescott is during rodeo week—and a lot of them end up coming back again and again.
Tickets on Sale
If you’ve never experienced the rodeo for yourself, this is the perfect year to check it out. Tickets for the upcoming rodeo are available starting March 16 (only purchase tickets directly from World’s Oldest Rodeo).
Whether you’re a longtime local or someone thinking about moving to the Prescott area, the rodeo is one of those events that truly captures what life here is all about: community, history, and a love for the Western lifestyle.
Why It Makes Prescott Such a Great Place to Live
One of the biggest reasons people choose to move to Prescott isn’t just the beautiful scenery or mild climate—it’s the community.
Events like the World’s Oldest Rodeo remind us that Prescott isn’t just a place on the map. It’s a town with a story, traditions that span generations, and a culture that continues to thrive.
So if you’re looking for a place with character, history, and a strong sense of community, Prescott might just be the perfect place to call home.