Steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging, is always a crowd favorite at the Marble Falls Rodeo. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
It’s rodeo season in the Highland Lakes. The Western tradition has a tight grip on the Texas Hill Country with its bulls, barrels, bravado, and boss horsemanship. Whether it’s your first rodeo or you’re an old hand, make sure to grab a seat for at least one of the following rodeos in 2024:
BURNET COUNTY RODEO
WHEN: May 10-11 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Burnet County Fairgrounds, 1301 Houston Clinton Drive in Burnet
WHAT: The 58th annual event opens rodeo season in the Highland Lakes. Friday is patriotic night (dress the part); Saturday is Cancer Awareness Night (wear pink). Kids can get into the action with calf and shoe scrambles and mutton busting. Retiring hall-of-fame rodeo clown Leon Coffee will make an appearance.
MUSIC: The Jody Proctor Band performs after the action on Friday night, Alan Whitehead & The Western Playboys on Saturday night.
TICKETS: Admission is $20 for ages 11 and older, $10 for ages 6-10, and free for the youngest kids. Purchase advance tickets at the Burnet Chamber of Commerce, Hill Country Auto Glass, and Blair’s Western Wear (where kids can also sign up for the contests).
LLANO OPEN PRO RODEO
WHEN: June 7-8
WHERE: John L. Kuykendall Arena, 2200 RR 152 West in Llano
WHAT: Opening up the 88th annual rodeo is the 89th annual rodeo parade around the courthouse square in Llano—that’s a lot of history in one weekend.
TICKETS: Check the Llano Open Pro Rodeo’s Facebook page closer to the event for ticket information.
STONEWALL PEACH JAMBOREE RODEO
WHEN: June 21-22
WHERE: Stonewall Chamber Grounds, 250 Peach St. in Stonewall
WHAT: The rodeo is only part of the fun. The Peach JAMboree features food contests, a peach pit-spitting contest, a pageant, and live music. The Great Divide performs on Friday night; the Josh Abbott Band on Saturday night. Find a full schedule here.
TICKETS: A weekend pass is $40; general admission is $25 on Friday or Saturday night. Ages 12 and younger get in free.
MARBLE FALLS RODEO
WHEN: July 19-20
WHERE: Charley Taylor Arena, 3053 U.S. 281 South in Marble Falls
WHAT: The Marble Falls Rodeo has been packing the stands on the third weekend in July for decades. A dance with live music follows the Saturday night events. Youth and slack rodeos are earlier in the week.
TICKETS: Check the Marble Falls Rodeo Association’s Facebook page closer to the event for ticket information.
BLANCO COUNTY RODEO
WHEN: Aug. 16-17
WHERE: Blanco County Fairgrounds, 619 U.S. 281 in Johnson City
WHAT: The 93rd annual fair and rodeo is the granddaddy of them all in the Highland Lakes. Find the full schedule online.
TICKETS: Check the Blanco County Fair and Rodeo website closer to the event for ticket information.
