Grand National Rodeo | Livestock Exposition, Horse Show and Rodeo

/ Cow Palace/

The Wild West is once again coming to the Bay Area with the annual Grand National Rodeo. Now in its 73rd year, the Grand National Rodeo will celebrate the time-honored tradition of America's West by presenting the best of the best in the competitive sport of rodeo. 

“It’s extremely exciting to see participants and exhibitors from all over the west come together at the Grand National Rodeo to share their passion for agriculture,” said Lori Marshall, Cow Palace CEO. “As the world changes this event remains a pillar of western tradition in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has never been more important for residents of California to know the narrative of agriculture which remains a significant piece of Californian's Story.” 

The two-weekend event is presented by the Cow Palace and produced by Cotton Rosser and the Flying U Rodeo Co., which has produced the event for the past 51 years. The Grand National Rodeo features traditional rodeo events including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, bull riding and barrel racing. 

During the livestock exposition, real farm equipment and animals are on site with interactive displays to learn about how food is grown. Exhibitors will show cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and rabbits, along with photography and fine art.

Other highlights include: 

  • First Responder Fridays (October 11th and 18th): All First Responders with a valid professional badge/ID can receive up to four (4) free tickets to Friday nights only. Redeem at the box office.

  • PRCA Rodeo show (7:30pm – 9:30pm, nightly)

  • Western marketplace (open daily from 2 pm – 11 pm)

  • Classic Western BBQ with down-home comfort food

  • Nightly LIVE music by Chad Bushnell in the South Hall

  • Equestrian competitions

  • “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” day (in support of breast cancer awareness month)

  • Military Day (GNR partners with organizations that provide services for Veterans)

  • Mechanical bull rides and more!

Ticket prices are $25 for adults Dress Circle, $45 for Box Seats and $14 for children and seniors, and can be purchased online at www.grandnationalrodeo.com or in-person at the box office. Although tickets must be purchased for the Grand National Rodeo, the Livestock Exposition, Horse Shows, Interactive Agricultural Area, and Marketplace are FREE and open to the public.