Skip to main content
Rodeo De Santa Fe point of interest in Santa Fe, NM
Photo: Justin Meadows
View of Rodeo De Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM
Photo: Fabio F
View of Rodeo De Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM
Photo: chantal basque

Rodeo De Santa Fe

4.6(187 reviews)$$Entertainment
🕑 3-4 hours for a complete rodeo experience including pre-show activities👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Younger children (5-8) will be mesmerized by the horses, parades, and colorful cowboy culture, while older kids and teens appreciate the athletic skill of the riders and the excitement of competitive rodeo events. Toddlers may find the loud noises and long event duration challenging.

About

Experience authentic Western culture at Rodeo De Santa Fe, Santa Fe's premier summer rodeo featuring thrilling bull riding, fast-paced barrel racing, colorful parades, and family-friendly live entertainment. This annual event offers kids a genuine taste of cowboy life with exciting rodeo action, beautiful horses, and festive atmosphere that celebrates New Mexico's rich ranching heritage.

Highlights

  • Thrilling bull riding and bronc riding that keeps kids on the edge of their seats
  • Fast-paced barrel racing with skilled cowgirls and beautiful horses
  • Colorful opening parades featuring riders in Western attire
  • Live musical entertainment celebrating Western and country culture
  • Opportunities to see real cowboys and cowgirls up close

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early to find parking and let kids explore the vendor areas before the main events begin,they'll love seeing cowboys warming up and horses being prepared
  2. 2.Bring ear protection for younger children as the announcements, music, and crowd noise can be quite loud
  3. 3.Pack sunscreen, hats, and extra water as seating is often in direct sun during summer afternoons
  4. 4.Consider attending the parade events which are typically more accessible and less crowded than the main rodeo competitions
  5. 5.Wear closed-toe shoes as the grounds can be dusty and crowded,save the cowboy boots for photos unless they're well broken-in

Best Time to Visit

Mid-summer (typically June-July) during the annual event dates. Evening performances are often more comfortable temperature-wise than afternoon shows, and the lighting creates a magical atmosphere. Weeknight events tend to be less crowded than weekend performances.

What to Know

Check the official schedule for specific event dates, times, and ticket prices as the rodeo runs for limited dates each summer. Parking is available on-site, and concession stands offer typical fair food including burgers, nachos, and snacks that kids enjoy.

Seasonal Notes

This is a summer-only annual event, typically running for several weeks in June and July. Check the official schedule well in advance as dates vary year to year. The rodeo does not operate outside of these designated summer dates.

Nearby Eats

Head to Bobcat Bite (now relocated as Santa Fe Bite downtown) for incredible burgers that kids and adults rave about, or try Jambo Cafe for family-friendly African-Caribbean fusion cuisine with mild options for picky eaters.

More Activities Near Santa Fe

Entertainment

Paseo Pottery

5.0$

Paseo Pottery offers a hands-on creative experience where kids can select, paint, and personalize their own ceramic pieces, from mugs and plates to figurines and decorative items. With a perfect 5-star rating from over 60 reviews, this welcoming studio provides all the materials and guidance families need to create lasting keepsakes while exploring their artistic side together in Santa Fe's vibrant art scene.

Entertainment

Sky Cinemas Railyard

4.6$

Sky Cinemas Railyard offers a refreshing alternative to big-chain theaters, with comfortable seating and a carefully curated selection of family-friendly films in the heart of Santa Fe's vibrant Railyard District. This independent cinema stands out for its community-focused programming, special screenings, and welcoming atmosphere that makes movie-going feel like a special outing rather than just another trip to the multiplex.

Theater

Paolo Soleri Amphitheater

4.9$

The Paolo Soleri Amphitheater offers families a magical outdoor venue to experience live music, theater, and cultural performances under the New Mexico sky. With its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, this highly-rated amphitheater provides an accessible introduction to the performing arts for children while parents enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and quality productions.

Adventure

Bandelier National Monument

4.8$

Bandelier National Monument offers families an unforgettable journey into ancient Ancestral Pueblo culture, where kids can climb wooden ladders into 800-year-old cliff dwellings and walk through rooms carved directly into volcanic rock. The Main Loop Trail is stroller-friendly for the first section, while adventurous kids will love exploring actual cave rooms and standing where Native Americans lived centuries ago.