“If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in country culture, Desert Rodeo is the place to be this festival season.” – Us Weekly
“…set to take the Southern California rodeo scene by storm this spring.” – Cowgirl Magazine
Saddle up for a buckin’ good time. California’s newest ProRodeo, DESERT RODEO, is riding into festival season later this month during the state’s iconic country music weekend. The three-day, daytime event fusing rodeo, retail and festival, will take place April 25-27 in Thermal, California at the Desert International Horse Park.
Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), DESERT RODEO is bringing the ultimate western experience to the desert with world class cowboys such as 8x PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright and cowgirls like 4x WPRA World Champion Hailey Kinsel. Cowboy Channel + will also be livestreaming the daily performances, which will include 8 rodeo events such as Bull Riding and Barrel Racing.
Beyond the rodeo competition, DESERT RODEO is fusing a mix of iconic Western brands, including Wrangler, Boot Barn, and Stetson, alongside globally recognized names like Coca-Cola, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Código 1530 and Bud Light, the Official Beer Partner of Desert Rodeo. Innovative partners like Rivian also join the lineup, bringing a modern edge to the Western experience.
Open to all ages from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m, each rodeo performance will kick off at 1 p.m with a stirring delivery of the American flag by the Skydance SkyDiving Parachute Team followed by national anthem performances by country singer Lanie Gardner (April 25), singer/songwriter Genelle Seldon (April 26) and local singing duo, 12-year-old Audrey Lambert and 13-year-old Clarisse Pascoe (April 27).
DESERT RODEO will also incorporate community driven fundraising efforts each day to support the following organizations and their missions – Friday, April 25: California Fire Foundation, Saturday, April 26: County of Los Angeles Fire Department and Sunday, April 27: Golden Circle of Champions.
Friday’s festivities will feature a special appearance and meet-and-greet with the four farmers from FOX’s Farmer Wants a Wife, offering fans a chance to connect with the stars of the hit series: Matt Warren, John Sansone, Colton Hendricks and Jay Woods.
WHAT TO DO AT DESERT RODEO:
Catch the PRORODEO action:
Watch as world class cowboys and cowgirls compete in 8 top-tier rodeo events, produced by Flying U Rodeo, including Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc and more. Each rodeo performance will take place daily within the arena from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Attendees can also participate in the rodeo action with Pro Fantasy Rodeo’s Rodeo Picks, selecting the cowboy or cowgirl they think will win each event for their chance to win prizes such as a custom Champion Buckle or a $10,000 jackpot!
Guests will also have a chance to become the most spirited “Fan of the Day,” winning a prize package of Turtlebox Audio speakers.
Visit the OUTLAW OASIS:
Grab a beer, hang out and challenge friends to a game of cornhole in Bud Light‘s Backyard.
Channel your inner cowboy with Rivian and their mechanical bull, cool off in their cold plunge or take a ride on the wild side and get a tattoo on-site!
Stylize denim jackets and jeans with Pendleton Whisky‘s curated selection of adornments such as pins, beads, fringe, feathers and rhinestones.
Snap a pic in front of Wrangler‘s famous “Wrangler Butts Drive Me Nuts” neon sign, taking home free Wrangler swag.
Score a complimentary bandana from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and personalize your cowboy boots at Tito’s Boot Charm station.
Check out a menu of specialty cocktails such as the Pendleton Whisky “Rodeo Rita” or the Código 1530 “Cowboy’s Ranch Water”.
Sip on complimentary samples of The Ryl Co.’s Iced Tea, such as their signature Sweet Tea by Morgan Wallen.
Strike a pose with Coca-Cola’s 360 cam for the ultimate photo-op while enjoying complimentary samples of their brand new Orange Cream flavor.
Explore handcrafted items from local vendors such as artwork, leather goods and more.
Stop by the Kids Corral for some family fun: hair braiding, glitter tattoos, face painting and more!
Shop western in the RETAIL RANCH
Shop a fusion of western and modern brands in our specially curated Retail Ranch, featuring Official Hat Partners Stetson, Resistol, Charlie 1 Horse as well as melin, Rodeo Quincy, The Mercantile and Hat Bar by Kate Kaney, where guests can add a personalized flair to their cowboy hats with their initials or adornments. Attendees can also enjoy a sweet treat with Cowboy Colostrum and indulge in the legendary Cattaneo Bros.’ Beef Jerky, a longtime favorite among cowboys.
Dine and drink at the COOKOUT
Enjoy a variety of good eats in the COOKOUT area — from BBQ to pizza to smashburgers, all at family-friendly prices. Plus, specialties from partners like local hot spot TKB Bakery & Deli and its nationally renowned sandwiches, will also be available.
For guests looking to elevate their rodeo experience, DESERT RODEO also offers Premium Rodeo Boxes: front-row, shaded cabana-style lounge seating complete with bottle service and gourmet food as well as access to the exclusive Rancher’s Reserve, featuring IV therapy from Drip Hydration and an exclusive whiskey tasting of award-winning Smokeye Hill Bourbon.
DESERT RODEO aims to bring together the Greater Palm Springs community and the modern festival goer with their first-of-its-kind event, a supplementary daytime experience ahead of the desert’s musical entertainment a few miles away. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind weekend – secure passes before they sell out at desertrodeo.com.
DESERT RODEO is being brought to life by Zenda Productions, Flying U Rodeo, Best Events and Desert International Horse Park. Additional partners include One Country, City of La Quinta, Big 106, NBC Palm Springs, Desert Wraps, Scott Equipment, Western Rentals, Cactus Ropes and Montana Silversmiths, the Official Buckle of Desert Rodeo.
