July 17-26, 2026
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
July 17-26, 2026
“It seems like so many of us get our start that way, friend: Somebody invites us in, and you poke around a little bit for a year or two, and find that there’s something about it that just brings you back.”
Many a Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) volunteer can relate to this quote from Mike Smith, former Public Relations Chairman, on what it looks like to become part of CFD’s extensive volunteer family.
That certainly includes 2026 CFD Hall of Fame inductee Cindy Braden, whose initial “poking around” in 1982 resulted in a celebrated, barrier-breaking career of service—44 years strong and counting!
In addition to devoting thousands of hours across numerous CFD committees, Cindy proudly carries the distinctions of being the first (and only) woman on the rescue team for our famed chuckwagon races; helping develop the Junior Barrels program; serving as the first female president of the HEELs organization; and extending her legacy of volunteerism through the CFD Youth Volunteer program.
Listen in as host Mike Smith welcomes Cindy to the CFD podcast studio to share:
Memories from her time on the chuckwagon race rescue team
Her favorite moments from Junior Barrel program, and her pride in its participants
What it was like (and the unique hurdles she overcame) to rise through the ranks of the HEELs
Hopes for the future of the Youth Volunteer program
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Cheyenne Frontier Days will join the United States Department of the Interior in celebrating the “Day of the American West” on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Through a formal order issued by the Secretary of the Interior, July 23, 2026, was designated as the Day of the American West in recognition of the region’s role in shaping the nation’s history, culture and identity. The order specifically recognizes Cheyenne Frontier Days for its longstanding role in celebrating and preserving Western heritage and traditions.
“Cheyenne Frontier Days is a celebration of the American West and is rooted in stewardship and community,” said Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days. “We’re honored to be part of America 250 during our 130th celebration and look forward to recognizing the people and traditions that continue to shape the West today by sharing them with future generations.”
Since 1897, Cheyenne Frontier Days has highlighted the traditions and cultural influences that helped define the American West through rodeo, military tributes, Native American cultural presentations, parades and Western artistry. Today, the celebration continues to honor the people, stories and shared history that remain central to Western culture.
The Department of the Interior’s order recognizes Cheyenne Frontier Days’ historic role in preserving and sharing that heritage. Those expected to attend include Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Agriculture Brook L. Rollins, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink and numerous department heads from Interior and Agriculture, among others.
The new Morning Star American Indian Village at Frontier Park will also play an important role in the Day of the American West celebration. The permanent cultural and educational space honors the histories and living cultures of Plains Tribes while reflecting the longstanding connection between Native American heritage and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
The 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days will take place July 17-26, 2026, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. For more information, visit www.cfdrodeo.com.
The excitement, speed, and tradition of Indian relay racing will be front and center this summer as the Indian Relay Tour of Champions makes a highly anticipated stop during Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Top relay teams from across Indian Country will compete in two action-packed weekends of racing, showcasing one of the oldest and most thrilling equestrian sports in North America. Women’s relay races will be held July 17–18, followed by the men’s relay competition on July 23–24 at Frontier Park during the world-famous rodeo.
Known for its fast-paced action and incredible athleticism, Indian relay racing features bareback riders sprinting around the track before exchanging from one horse to another in seconds — no saddles and no margin for error. The sport combines horsemanship, teamwork, courage, and deep cultural tradition passed down through generations.
“This event brings together elite relay athletes and celebrates Native culture in front of one of the largest western audiences in the world,” relay organizers said. “Cheyenne Frontier Days is the perfect stage for these competitors to showcase their talents and continue growing the sport.”
As an HNIRC-accredited race, winning the relay races at Cheyenne Frontier Days offers more than just bragging rights. Men’s and Women’s Indian Relay winners at CFD will earn a coveted berth in the prestigious Indian Relay Championship of Champions — now held each September in Cheyenne.
In 2026, the Championship of Champions will celebrate its 10th anniversary, bringing together top relay teams from across the region for one of the most respected and competitive Indian relay races in North America and a true season-ending showcase of champions.
The Indian Relay Tour of Champions continues to draw growing crowds and national attention as Native relay racing expands across the western United States and Canada. Spectators can expect intense competition, colorful team presentations, and a celebration of Native American heritage and western tradition.
Fans who experience Indian Relay racing at Cheyenne Frontier Days this July are encouraged to come back for even more high-speed action at the Indian Relay Championship of Champions, returning September 25–27 at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After getting a taste of the excitement this summer, fans are sure to be hungry for more. Tickets and event information for Indian Relay Championship of Champions are available at horsenationsindianrelay.com
The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) is proud to announce that the Indian Relay Championship of Champions will be held at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming, September 25–27, 2026. Tickets for the highly anticipated event go on sale April 1, 2026, and fans are encouraged to purchase early as seating will be first come, first served.
Frontier Park, best known as the home of the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days, provides a historic and exciting venue for one of the most thrilling sports in Native American culture. The 2026 event celebrates the 10th Annual Indian Relay Championship of Champions, a major milestone for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. Moving the event to Cheyenne begins an exciting new chapter as Indian Relay racing continues to grow in popularity, drawing competitors and fans from across North America.
“We are excited to bring the Championship of Champions to Cheyenne,” said Calvin Ghost Bear, President of the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council. “Frontier Park is one of the most iconic western venues in the country, and we’re proud to showcase Native horsemanship and culture in a place with such deep rodeo history.”
The three-day event will feature the fastest and most skilled Indian Relay teams in North America competing for the coveted Championship title. Each performance will begin at 2:00 p.m., with races taking place on Friday, September 25, Saturday, September 26, and culminating in an action-packed Championship Sunday on September 27.
Indian Relay racing is widely considered America’s first extreme sport, rooted in tribal traditions and horsemanship that date back generations. Teams race bareback around the track while exchanging horses at full speed between laps, creating one of the most electrifying spectacles in horse racing.
Each team races with three horses, one rider, and a skilled crew of holders and catchers who assist with lightning-fast exchanges between laps. The sport requires exceptional horsemanship, courage, teamwork, and precision timing.
The Championship of Champions brings together over 100 relay teams representing 15 tribal nations, drawing thousands of spectators each year. Fans attending the event in Cheyenne can expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with competitive racing, cultural pride, and the unique traditions that make Indian Relay one of the most exciting spectator sports in North America. Previous host cities have included Billings, Montana; Walla Walla, Washington; Fort Pierre, South Dakota; and Casper, Wyoming.
The event is expected to bring visitors from across the United States, Canada, and Europe to Cheyenne during the fall tourism season.
Tickets for the Championship of Champions go on sale April 1, 2026, and can be purchased at: www.horsenationsindianrelay.com
Due to high demand and first-come, first-served seating, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early.
About Horse Nations Indian Relay Council
The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) was established in 2016 to preserve, promote, and expand the sport of Indian Relay racing. Rooted deeply in Native American culture, Indian Relay showcases the extraordinary horsemanship, speed, and agility of its competitors. HNIRC’s mission is to honor the heritage of Indian Relay racing, support the communities involved, and inspire new generations of fans and competitors. Through its events and partnerships, the organization works to bring greater awareness and appreciation of Native American traditions to audiences across North America.
An expanded rodeo schedule with an updated format will highlight the 130th Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration in 2026.
For the first time in the rodeo’s history, there will be 10 consecutive days of professional rodeo with the addition of the first Friday rodeo, from July 17 – 26. The additional performance allows for more rodeo action while enhancing the overall experience for fans, contestants and volunteers.
In 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days will increase rodeo prize money from $770,000 to $960,000 reflecting a continued investment in maintaining its elite status as one of the richest payouts in professional rodeo. CFD is also introducing revisions to the tournament style format designed to support the rodeo’s long-term sustainability.
Cheyenne Frontier Days faces challenges accommodating the huge number of modern rodeo rigs used by contestants in timed events to house both the contestants and their horses. The new format will allow road-weary contestants and their animals time to rest while on Frontier Park. It will also ease park congestion, while supporting the volunteers who are preparing for the celebration. Current challenges also exist with cattle availability, a major factor for the rodeo industry.
The updated rodeo format eliminates qualifying slack rounds for timed events the week before the official start of Cheyenne Frontier Days. Instead, CFD worked with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) to select qualifying rodeos across the country for contestants to be among the elite that compete at the Daddy of ‘em All.
“Our goal is to have long-term sustainability for all of our events, especially the rodeo that is the cornerstone of our celebration,” said Tom Hirsig CFD Chief Executive Officer. “There are a lot of factors to consider when planning, from our relationships with our sanctioning bodies (PRCA and WPRA) to the contestants and the thousands of volunteers who put in countless hours to make it all possible.”
In the timed events of tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping and barrel racing, contestants will qualify through a combination of selected qualifying rodeos, world standings and circuit qualifications. Advancement to the semifinals will be determined by performance during the first six preliminary rounds, with top competitors moving on to one of three semifinal rounds. From there, finalists will advance to championship competition, where champions will ultimately be crowned during the finals on July 26, ensuring a competitive field and strong nationwide representation inside the Frontier Park arena.
“We are excited for the rodeos selected to serve as qualifiers,” Hirsig said. “This is a groundbreaking opportunity to work with other professional rodeos that are spread out geographically across the United States. We are confident that contestants will utilize them as a chance to punch their ticket to the Daddy of ’em All.”
Daily rodeo tickets range from $26 to $53, with a $3 discount available on tickets purchased before July 1. Fans are welcome to come out on Monday and Thursday mornings for the Wild Card Rounds for a $5 gate admission. CFDrodeo.com is the only official source for tickets to the Daddy of ‘em All, and tickets for the new Chute 9 are now available for purchase.
Celebrating its 130th year in 2026, Cheyenne Frontier Days continues its legacy of showcasing elite rodeo competition, honoring tradition and delivering an unforgettable Western experience to fans from the seasoned veteran to those that travel to Cheyenne from around the world.
Episode #15:
You’ve heard about the changes coming to our arena this year; you’ve gotten a preview of who’s joining us at Frontier Nights; and now, we’re switching the focus to a different part of Frontier Park… the Morning Star American Indian Village.
Foundation Board Member Affie Ellis joins us in the studio to share what makes this new addition so special, and why you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore this one-of-a-kind space.
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Episode #13:
2026: The Year of the American Indian, the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and the biggest, most exciting Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration yet… capped off with some extra-bright stars to light up Frontier Nights!
Listen in as Tara Vreeland, former Miss Frontier 2004, catches up with Carly Dibble—Talent Buyer, for Romeo Entertainment Group—about this year’s lineup, and what it takes to bring these world-class performers to our stage.
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Episode #14:
The countdown to Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) 2026 is on, and there’s more to look forward to this year than ever… starting with the rodeo!
Hang on to your cowboy hats, because CFD Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig and Foundation Board Member / Former Public Relations Chairman Bob Budd are about to let you in on all the exciting upgrades coming your way.
(Here’s one big hint… it all kicks off on Friday, July 17.)
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD), the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, today announced the complete Frontier Nights® entertainment series for 2026.
July 17: Treaty Oak Revival with Jessie Murph
July 18: Alex Warren
July 19: The Red Clay Strays with Wyatt Flores
July 20-21: PRCA Xtreme Bulls
July 22: Riley Green with Trace Adkins
July 23: Blake Shelton
July 24: Hardy with Cameron Whitcomb
July 25: Zach Top with Jo Dee Messina
July 17-26: PRCA Rodeo
Night show prices range from $72 – $110, rooftop starts at $200, and Tunes on the Terrace range from $225 – $275. Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone. Xtreme Bulls tickets range from $25 – $95. A $5 discount is offered on night show tickets purchased before July 1.
Frontier Nights® tickets will go on sale Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. MST at www.cfdrodeo.com. To streamline fan access, tickets will be sold online only that day to accommodate purchase volume. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Ticket Office, the only authorized source of tickets for the event, will open for in-person and phone sales on Friday, December 12 at 9 a.m. MST.
“The 2026 Frontier Nights is stacked with superstar power and fresh talent,” said Mike Wilkinson, Contract Acts Chairman. “We’re proud to bring together iconic headliners and rising stars for nights that will stay with our fans long after the lights go down. It’s one of our most dynamic lineups yet.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days partners with AXS, a global leader in ticketing for the entertainment world. For the full schedule, artist profiles, and more event information, please visit www.cfdrodeo.com.
Rodeo, Carnival, Chuckwagon, and More on sale December 4
Rodeo ticket sales were announced in November and will go on sale December 4. Rodeo tickets range from $26–$53, with a $3 discount available before July 1.
The carnival midway, hosted by Carnival Americana and Fun Biz Concessions, along with hundreds of vendors, and Western entertainment will also return to the Daddy of ‘em All.
Carnival Armbands are $45 per session or $155 for all ten days.
VIP Chuckwagon Experience tickets are $35 – $85 and now include an option for breakfast, along with the existing dinner and takeout option on the second Saturday.
With Expanded 10-Day Rodeo, VIP Chute 9 Seating, and PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour Returns
Plus Frontier Nights Concert Lineup Announcement
Tickets On Sale December 4; Frontier Nights Concert Lineup to Be Announced December 2
CHEYENNE, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) is gearing up for the 2026 celebration featuring ten full days of PRCA rodeo action, the return of PRCA Xtreme Bulls, and new VIP seating with the Chute 9 expansion. Fans can also purchase carnival armbands and VIP Chuckwagon Experience tickets.
Ticket sales will begin December 4 at 9 a.m. MST at www.cfdrodeo.com.
In addition, CFD will announce the 2026 Frontier Nights Concert Line-up on December 2 with tickets to go on sale December 11 at 9 a.m. MST.
The 130th Brings Ten Days of Rodeo Action
For the first time, Cheyenne Frontier Days will feature ten consecutive rodeo performances, running July 17-26, extending the historic tournament-style format that crowns champions on Championship Sunday.
“We are proud to extend our rodeo performances to the first Friday of CFD,” said Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO, Tom Hirsig. “This will give rodeo fans one extra day to enjoy the fast-paced action at the Daddy of ‘em All.”
Daily rodeo tickets range from $26–$53, with a $3 discount available before July 1.
Xtreme Bulls Returns
The PRCA Xtreme Bulls returns July 20 and 21 for two nights. The event features the top 40 bull riders in the PRCA taking on the rankest bulls in rodeo. The money won at the CFD PRCA Xtreme Bulls counts toward the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings for bull riding, which determines qualifiers for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Xtreme Bulls tickets range from $25–$95, with a $5 discount available before July 1.
New Chute 9 VIP Experience
Fans can experience the rodeo from the all-new Chute 9 VIP seating area. Chute 9 boxes offer premium views, dedicated service, and enhanced food and beverage options.
The removal of the existing Chute 9 allows CFD an historic opportunity for expansion of the VIP experience. The tables and stadium-style seating that will be available at Chute 9 offer CFD patrons the opportunity to upgrade for rodeo performances. Individual seats are $125 to $150 and will be available for purchase online.
Carnival, Chuckwagon, and More
The carnival midway hosted by Carnival Americana and Fun Biz Concessions, hundreds of vendors, and Western entertainment will also return to the Daddy of ‘em All.
Carnival Armbands are $45 per session or $155 for all ten days.
VIP Chuckwagon Experience tickets are $35 – $85 and now include an option for breakfast, along with the existing dinner and takeout option on the second Saturday.
Frontier Nights Concert Lineup Announcement – December 2
CFD will reveal some of the names in the 2026 Frontier Nights® concert lineup on December 2. Concert tickets will go on sale online only on Thursday, December 11 at 9 a.m. The CFD Ticket Office will reopen for in-person sales on December 12.
“Our fans have asked that we share performer names when we have them confirmed,” said Hirsig. “Since we were able to secure most of the names for the 2026 season at this point, we are now sharing what we have in hand, so that fans can start their summer entertainment plans now.”
