Greeley Stampede

Experience the spirit of the true American West in the city of Greeley, where one of the most massive events in the USA unfolds annually — the legendary Greeley Stampede. This is not just a sporting competition, but a colossal celebration of culture, history, and tradition that attracts up to 450,000 visitors from around the world every year. The event is rightfully considered the second largest fair in Colorado and is ranked among the world's elite rodeos.

The festival lasts about 12 days in July and features professional rodeo competitions under the PRCA sanction, vibrant carnival parades, and large-scale concerts. Here, cowboy bravery meets modern art and music, creating a unique atmosphere that was officially recognized and inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2014.

This iconic venue traces its roots to the late 19th century, evolving from a modest celebration of local farmers into an international attraction. Today, the Greeley Stampede is a key symbol of the region, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in a world where cattle traditions and agricultural heritage are carefully preserved and celebrated with incredible scale.

To plan your visit and check the event schedule, you can use the organization's official contact information.

Festival staff can help you with the concert schedule and arena admission rules.

An incredible kaleidoscope of classic cowboy entertainment awaits you at the main arena and surrounding grounds. Be sure to watch the professional rodeo: thrilling bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. For thrill-seekers, the demolition derby is a true highlight — a brutal automotive battle for survival that always draws a packed crowd of enthusiastic spectators.

Family leisure is just as rich here: there is a huge carnival park with various rides, children's mini-rodeos, and traditional parades. Music lovers can enjoy evening performances by famous country and classic rock artists under the open sky. Don't miss the chance to visit the Western art show or participate in fun contests, such as motorcycle races or pie-eating competitions.

Between events, you can stroll through the fairgrounds, sampling local cuisine and picking out authentic cowboy-style souvenirs. The festival atmosphere is steeped in the hospitality and energy of the American frontier, where every guest can feel like part of a large and boisterous Texas-Colorado family for a while.

The arena is located at 600 N 14th Ave in northern Colorado. The city of Greeley is situated approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Denver. The most convenient way to reach it is by car: follow I-25 North to exit 262, then take US-34 directly to the destination. Ample parking areas are available on the festival grounds.

If you are arriving from Denver International Airport (DEN), the trip by car or a specialized shuttle takes about an hour. You can also use Greyhound buses to the city's bus station, from where the arena is easily accessible by taxi or Uber in just 10–15 minutes. During major event days, additional free shuttles are often organized from remote parking lots throughout the city.

The history of this grand celebration dates back to the late 19th century, when the residents of Greeley began organizing festivities to honor local potato farmers. The modern festival officially began in 1922 under the humorous name Greeley Spud Rodeo. At that time, the program included not only horse races but also unusual competitions, such as races in the legendary Model-T Ford and pie-eating contests.

Over its century of existence, the event has transformed significantly, changing names several times—including the Rocky Mountain Stampede—before arriving at its current title. The festival was only interrupted during world wars and global pandemics, returning each time with even greater scale. It has evolved from a local harvest festival into a world-class cultural phenomenon that blends Wild West traditions with modern entertainment.

In 2014, the Greeley Stampede received the highest recognition in the world of cowboy sports when it was inducted into the prestigious ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Today, it is more than just a show; it is a living monument to the agricultural heritage of Weld County, continuing to preserve the atmosphere of the American frontier for new generations of spectators.

To truly experience the scale and energy of the festival, a single short visit will not be enough. It is recommended that the average tourist set aside one to three days for the visit. If your goal is to see a professional rodeo and visit the carnival, one full day might suffice; however, the evening concerts by country and rock stars often last late into the night.

Many guests prefer to visit over several weekends to ensure they don't miss the festive Independence Day parade and the numerous art exhibitions. When planning your time, keep in mind that the complex grounds are quite extensive, and the variety of activities may require significant walking between different venues and arenas.

Please note that the Greeley Stampede is a seasonal festival that comes to life annually in late June and early July. During the 12 days of celebration, the complex operates on a special schedule: the carnival grounds usually open at noon, while the main rodeo shows and musical concerts typically start in the evening.

Since the exact schedule of events changes every year, tourists are strongly encouraged to check the current program on the official website a few weeks before their trip. Outside of the festival dates, the arena may be used for private events, and general access to the grounds may be restricted.

Attending the famous rodeo is a great reason to explore other interesting locations in the city. The area surrounding the arena offers various options for family fun, cultural leisure, and culinary discoveries.

Exploring local parks and cozy cafes will allow you to feel the authentic rhythm of Colorado life and make your trip even more memorable.