Events & Schedule
The 147th Mandan Rodeo Days presented by Dakota Community Bank & Trust returns this summer with three action-packed nights of PRCA/WPRA pro rodeo, theme nights, post-rodeo entertainment, and a FREE Slack performance on July 1st.
July 2 - 4 - Grand Entry & National Anthem at 6:00 PM, Performance at 6:30 PM
Nightly Event Order
Event order is tentative and subject to change.
The cowboy climbs onto a bucking horse and holds on with one hand on a leather rigging. No saddle, no reins, no second hand. Judges score both the rider and the horse on a 100-point scale - you want a wild horse because a tougher ride means a higher score. The cowboy has to stay on for 8 seconds.
Also called "bulldogging." A cowboy on horseback chases a 500-pound steer, slides off his horse at full speed, grabs the steer by the horns, and wrestles it to the ground. The fastest times are under 4 seconds. It's the quickest event in rodeo and one of the most physically demanding.
The only true team event in rodeo. Two cowboys on horseback work together - the "header" ropes the steer's horns while the "heeler" ropes the back legs. The clock stops when both riders face each other with the steer stretched between them. Winning times are under 5 seconds.
The crowd favorite every single night. Kids 6 and under climb onto a sheep and try to hold on as long as they can. It's adorable, it's hilarious, and it's the moment every parent in the stands reaches for their phone. Future bull riders start here.
Often called the "classic" rodeo event. The cowboy rides a bucking horse with a specially designed saddle and holds a thick rein attached to the horse's halter. It's all about fluid, controlled motion - the best rides look almost graceful. Scored on a 100-point scale over 8 seconds.
A cowboy ropes a running calf from horseback, dismounts, sprints to the calf, flanks it to the ground, and ties three legs together with a pigging string. The horse plays a critical role - it keeps the rope tight while the cowboy works. Winning times are around 7-8 seconds.
A halftime-style entertainment break featuring a unique performance act. Past specialty acts have included trick riders, trained animal acts, and daredevil stunts. The 2026 act will be announced closer to the rodeo - stay tuned.
One of the fastest-growing events in pro rodeo, featuring WPRA cowgirls. The rider ropes a calf from horseback and the rope is tied to the saddle horn with a string that breaks when the calf hits the end. The clock stops when the rope breaks free. Winning times can be under 2 seconds.
A cowgirl races her horse in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels set in a triangle. Knocking over a barrel adds a 5-second penalty. The fastest times are around 17 seconds, with races often decided by hundredths of a second. The bond between horse and rider is everything here.
The most dangerous event in rodeo. A cowboy climbs onto a 2,000-pound bull and tries to stay on for 8 seconds using only one hand on a flat braided rope. The bull spins, kicks, and does everything it can to throw the rider. Scored on a 100-point scale - half for the rider, half for the bull. This is the event that closes the show for a reason.
What to Expect at the Arena
The 147th Mandan Rodeo Days presented by Dakota Community Bank & Trust at Dale Pahlke Arena features food, drinks, shopping, kids activities, and more. Gates open at 5:00 PM nightly.
Vendor Row
Browse merchandise, western goods, trade vendors, and more along the concourse behind the west arena seating area.
Food Truck Area
From classic rodeo eats to local favorites, the food truck lineup has something for everyone. Come hungry.
Beer Gardens
Cold drinks and good times. The beer gardens are open from gates to close with a full bar and plenty of room to hang out.
Junior Job Site
Kid-friendly construction-themed fun all three nights. Let the little ones play while you enjoy the rodeo atmosphere.
More Than Just a Rodeo
Mandan Rodeo Days is part of a city-wide Independence Day celebration that brings thousands of visitors to town every July. From parades to fireworks to art festivals, there's something for everyone all weekend long.
Prairie Pyro-Musical
A brand-new choreographed fireworks spectacular produced by Pegasus Illuminations. Synchronized to a soundtrack of pop, country, rock, and Americana, this is expected to be the largest fireworks display ever produced in North Dakota. Ground fountains, fireballs, glittering aerials, and 16-inch rocket shells lighting up the sky.
Learn More →Art in the Park Festival
Celebrating 50 years in 2026, Art in the Park is one of North Dakota's largest outdoor art fairs. 150+ artists, crafters, and food vendors fill Dykshoorn Park in downtown Mandan. Live music and entertainment all weekend.
Learn More →Independence Day Parade
North Dakota's largest and longest-running Independence Day parade fills Main Street with floats, marching bands, equestrians, and community pride. The 2026 theme is "Celebrate 250" - showcasing America's story from 1776 to 2026.
4th of July Road Race
A noncompetitive 5K run and walk down the full length of Mandan's historic Main Street - the only race that uses the entire route. Thousands of parade-goers line the course cheering runners on. $10 from every registration goes to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, with nearly $25,000 raised to date.
Register →Events organized by the Mandan Progress Organization & Visit Mandan
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