July 17-26, 2026
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July 17-26, 2026
The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum is proud to announce the opening of Aloha Vaqueros, an international traveling exhibit celebrating the multicultural roots of ranching and rodeo culture. Originating from the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias, the exhibit will be on display at the museum from April 11 through September 13, 2026.
The public is invited to attend a special Opening Reception on Saturday, April 11, from 4-6 p.m. at the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum. Admission to the reception is $15 for the general public and free for Museum members. Appetizers will be provided, and the evening will feature CHISPA dance performers along with remarks from featured speakers representing the three cultural traditions highlighted in the exhibit.
Guest speakers include Dr. Billy Bergin, representing the Hawaiian Paniolos; a representative from the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias, speaking on the Mexican Vaquero tradition; and Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum Curator, Mike Kassel, who will speak on the history and legacy of the American Cowboy.
Aloha Vaqueros explores the shared heritage of Hawaiian Paniolos, Mexican Vaqueros, and the American Cowboy. Through historical photographs, authentic artifacts, and powerful storytelling, the exhibit highlights the cultural exchange that shaped ranching and rodeo traditions across Hawaii, Mexico, and the American West. This exhibit will feature both Spanish and English interpretations.
The exhibit has a special connection to Cheyenne through Ikua Purdy, the Hawaiian cowboy who won the 1908 World Roping Championship at Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and was later inducted into both the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Throughout the duration of the exhibit, the Museum will host a variety of interactive educational programs for both children and adults in collaboration with several community partners, including CHISPA and the Laramie County Library. These programs will include cultural demonstrations, lectures, hands-on activities, and more.
For the latest Aloha Vaqueros updates, follow CFD Old West Museum on Facebook. For more information about Aloha Vaqueros and events, check out www.oldwestmuseum.org/alohavaqueros.
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.”
Episode #12:
He’s a 4X Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) saddle bronc champion, 9X National Finals Rodeo qualifier, and bona fide hometown hero… and still, Cheyenne’s own Brody Cress is as down to Earth as it gets.
Today, Brody—along with his parents, Tommy and Lannette Cress—joins CFD Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig to share what it means to represent your hometown, stay true to your roots, and inspire the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.
Let’s ride.
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Cheyenne Frontier Days has been honored with the 2025 PRCA Remuda Award, recognizing the rodeo committee that provides the best and most consistent pen of bucking horses in professional rodeo.
The Remuda Award, presented annually by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), celebrates a rodeo and stock contractor that offers contestants the highest-quality livestock, giving cowboys the best opportunity to showcase their talent and compete on a level playing field.
“It’s really exciting for us to even be considered for the Remuda Award,” Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig said. “There are so many great rodeos out there and the quality of bucking horses has gone through the roof.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days has worked diligently to develop its tournament-style format, with nine evenly matched performances designed to give each cowboy an equal shot at the title. Working closely with Smith Pro Rodeos, the committee collaborates with multiple subcontractors to assemble nine balanced pens of horses, a process requiring months of planning and deep knowledge of each animal’s style and ability.
Hirsig gave a special thank you to Stace Smith Pro Rodeos, the primary stock contractor for Cheyenne Frontier Days, and acknowledged the other contractors that provide livestock for the eight-day rodeo extravaganza.
“I think we’re just very thankful that we’ve got Stace Smith, who really cares about our rodeo and is trying to make it one of the best ones when it comes to the bucking horses,” Hirsig said. “He’s worked hard to try to get us to this level and it’s great to see that we’re getting acknowledged for it.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days also continues to invest in animal welfare and performance excellence. In collaboration with Smith Pro Rodeos and the Samuelson Family, the organization developed a dedicated resting and grazing area north of Cheyenne to provide bucking stock with a quiet, natural environment during the celebration, ensuring the horses remain in peak condition.
The Samuelson Family has been a tremendous supporter of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and their generosity made this important project possible. Their unwavering commitment to the sport, the animals, and the spirit of the Daddy of ’em All has strengthened CFD’s foundation and helped ensure that both contestants and livestock perform at their best.
The award will be presented at the PRCA Awards Banquet on Dec. 3 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, ahead of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.