Idaho Saddles Up for Caldwell Night Rodeo & 18 More

Rodeo: an Idaho Tradition

Howdy, partner! Rodeos have been a pillar of Gem State culture for well over 100 years.

Idaho is rodeo country from head to toe, and wherever you may be in the state this summer, odds are you'll find ridin' and ropin' not far away.
-Idaho Magazine

Idaho's oldest western sporting event, the Grangeville Border Days Rodeo, premiered in 1912. Fast forward to 2023, and Sun Valley Magazine reports our beautiful, rugged state hosts more than 100 rodeos annually.

Caldwell Night Rodeo

Idaho's largest outdoor rodeo and one of the top five professional outdoor rodeos in America, Caldwell Night Rodeo began as a gymkhana and bucking contest in 1924.

What started as an initiative to raise funds for a riding hall and armory for the 116th Idaho National Guard quickly evolved into one of Idaho's favorite celebrations. To make matters even more fun and special, CNR has a different theme every night to combat domestic violence: Power of Pink Night, Patriot Night, Family Night, and Purple Family Night. The rodeo ends with the Championship Finale on Saturday, Aug. 19th.

At 98-years-old, CNR boasts an annual average attendance of up 45,000 fans over a five-night event. In August 2022, Steve Dent of Idaho News 6 crunched the numbers on the nonprofit rodeo's "economic impact." Dent determined CNR "has an estimated economic impact between $10-to-$12 million." Not bad for an event that started out as a simple bucking contest.

To help you make the most of what remains of Idaho rodeo season 2023, we found 18 spectacular western sporting events perfect for you and your squad of cowgirls and cowboys!