Rodeo has a rich history in Nevada. The sport dates back to the 1800s when these cattle ranchers gathered to show off their roping and riding skills. The first official rodeos in Nevada took place over 100 years ago, and the state’s rodeo culture has continued to grow and evolve ever since.

The spirit of the Old West is also alive and well in Lincoln County. Local wranglers start participating in rodeo as young as three years old through the Nevada Wrangler Junior Rodeo Association, which hosts 12 rodeos a year across three age groups: PeeWee (ages 3-7), Juniors (ages 8-12), and Seniors (ages 13-18). High School and Junior High School students also have the opportunity to compete on the state and national levels through the Nevada High School Rodeo Association.

Locals and visitors alike can also enjoy rodeo culture at the annual Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo, a five-day event honoring the county’s western roots. The fair offers activities for everyone, including gymkhana, cowdog trials, jackpot barrel racing, mutton busting, a pet show, queen contest, running and biking relay races, live music, dances, food, games, art and more.

But the main event is the nightly rodeo. Sanctioned by the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association, this rodeo not only draws cowboys and cowgirls from Lincoln County, but also from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Riders compete in events ranging from bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding to calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing. For anyone who loves horsemanship and a little bit of rowdiness, the Lincoln County Rodeo is not one to miss.

View the Lincoln County events calendar to see upcoming rodeo events.