July 17-26, 2026
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July 17-26, 2026
From sunup to sunset, the 129th edition of Cheyenne Frontier Days was packed with entertainment, memorable moments and a boost to the local economy.
This year’s theme, the “Year of the Bull,” honored legendary bulls, bull riders, bullfighters and stock contractors. Special tributes throughout the event recognized the iconic figures and animals that helped shape the sport of rodeo.
Cheyenne Frontier Days, established in 1897, would not be possible without the dedication of the Cheyenne community, staff, and more than 3,000 volunteers who put in countless hours to bring the celebration to life.
Nearly 1,600 rodeo contestants came to Frontier Park to compete for $1.3 million in prize money. The addition of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Xtreme Bulls added $100,000 of that prize money and is likely to become a fan favorite event.
The rodeo’s qualifying rounds started on July 7 bringing over 1,000 hopeful contestants to Frontier Park. From those, the 72 best in steer wrestling, breakaway, team and tie-down roping advanced to performances. The top 12 steer ropers on two head punched their ticket directly to Championship Sunday.
Across nine rodeo performances, 110,383 fans attended the event, compared to 115,494 in 2024. The Quarter Finals, Semifinals and Finals were broadcast on The Cowboy Channel, while qualifying rounds streamed on The Cowboy Channel+ app. The final Saturday also honored National Day of the Cowboy.
On-site attractions included longtime favorites such as the Indian Village, various musical stages around the park, vendors and carnival. The Behind the Chutes Tours remained a popular free experience, with 4,001 guests getting a behind-the-scenes look at the rodeo arena and livestock.
Cheyenne Frontier Days continued to spotlight suicide prevention and mental health awareness through the Pick-Up Man Initiative. Yellow feathers on cowboy hats across Frontier Park served as visible reminders to “pick up” those who may be struggling.
Military Monday paid tribute to all branches of the armed forces, with free admission for active-duty service members and veterans. Special opening ceremonies included a performance by the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, a display of military vehicles around the track, and a giant American flag carried by volunteers. With a change to performance day, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds screamed across the Wyoming skies on the final Saturday.
Frontier Nights drew 113,144 attendees, compared to 119,793 in 2024. On the final Saturday night, Megan Moroney broke the Cheyenne Frontier Days record for a female artist, with more than 20,400 tickets sold.
The 2025 celebration also introduced the inaugural PRCA Xtreme Bulls at Cheyenne Frontier Days. This standalone, two-night event brought the top 40 bull riders in the world together to compete against some of the toughest bulls in the sport. Held under the lights at Frontier Park, the high-adrenaline event quickly became a fan favorite and served as a fitting highlight of the Year of the Bull. 13,977 fans turned out for high-scoring rides and an electric atmosphere.
In addition to rodeo and concert attendance, 26,060 gate admission tickets were sold, bringing total attendance to 249,587.
Approximately 6,500 head of livestock were on-site for rodeo events, parades and bull riding. Veterinarians conducted multiple daily health inspections on all animals. Ten animals required treatment, and all but three recovered.
Downtown Cheyenne hosted four parades and three pancake breakfasts as part of the festivities. Horse-drawn wagons and other historic entries paraded through the streets, celebrating Western heritage. The Kiwanis Club, CFD volunteers and community members served 17,059 people during the free pancake breakfasts.
The Native American Indian Village offered interactive cultural experiences for all ages, including storytelling, hoop dancing and flute music. Approximately 38,600 people visited the village, closing the chapter on its current location. Mo Brings Plenty, star of Yellowstone, was our guest and Grand Marshal of the Tuesday parade.
“Cheyenne Frontier Days 2025 was remarkable.” said General Chairman John Contos. “Celebrating the Year of the Bull gave us an incredible platform to showcase rodeo’s legacy. At the same time, we could welcome new generations of fans to the sport and traditions that we love. Our volunteers, staff, sponsors and community members once again made it all possible. We can’t thank them enough.”
As the dust settles on another unforgettable celebration, planning is already underway for the 130th anniversary in 2026 — the Year of the American Indian — and the grand opening of the new Morning Star Indian Village, as well as the reconstruction of Chute 9.