Experience the Thrill of Oregon’s Legendary Pendleton Round Up This September

Tyler James

Written by

If there’s one Oregon event that embodies the Wild West spirit, it’s the Pendleton Round-Up. Since 1910, this legendary rodeo has drawn cowboys, cowgirls, and spectators from across the globe to Eastern Oregon. Every September, the quiet town of Pendleton comes alive with bucking broncs, daring bull riders, colorful parades, and the roar of the crowd shouting the event’s famous slogan “Let ’er Buck!”

The Pendleton Round-Up isn’t just a rodeo, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Taking place September 10–13, 2025, the main rodeo performances light up the historic Round-Up Grounds. From saddle bronc riding and barrel racing to steer wrestling and bull riding, you’ll witness the grit and determination that earned this rodeo a place in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame.

Trick rider Jillie Baldwin performing at the Pendleton Round Up in 1912, captured by photographer W.S. Bowman. Courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, photo file 855.

But the Round-Up is more than just eight-second rides. The parades, pageantry, and community spirit stretch all week long. The Westward Ho! Parade features no motorized vehicles, only horses, wagons, and marchers, transporting you back to the Old West. The Happy Canyon Night Show, Oregon’s official state play, tells the story of tribal life and pioneer history under the stars.

Walking through Pendleton during Round-Up week feels like stepping into a Western movie set. Streets are lined with vendors serving cowboy-approved food, families dressed in denim and boots, and live music echoing from saloons and beer gardens. You’ll also find the Indian Village, where members of regional tribes share authentic dances, crafts, and traditions — a reminder that the Round-Up honors both Native heritage and cowboy culture.

Whether you’re a die-hard rodeo fan or a first-timer looking for an unforgettable Oregon bucket-list experience, the Pendleton Round-Up delivers pure adrenaline and nostalgia. The energy in the grandstands is electric as thousands cheer in unison for fearless athletes testing their skills against powerful animals.

Pendleton itself is worth exploring, home to the iconic Pendleton Woolen Mills, underground tours of historic speakeasies, and plenty of small-town charm. Pair that with the excitement of the Round-Up, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind September adventure.

So grab your cowboy hat, book your tickets early, and get ready to join the chorus echoing through the arena this fall: Let ’er Buck!

Contact, Website, and Ticket Information

Contact Info

  • Ticket Office Phone: 1‑541‑612‑3421 (for general ticket inquiries)
  • Office Phone: (541) 276‑2553 or Toll‑Free 1‑800‑45‑RODEO (800‑457‑6336)

Website
Visit the official website: Pendleton Round‑Up Official Site

Ticket Prices
Tickets for the 2025 Pendleton Round‑Up were available starting June 5, with prices ranging from $39 to $100 per performance. There is an 8‑ticket limit per person per performance.

Written By Tyler James

Tyler James was born in Oregon and founded That Oregon Life in 2013 after finding peace and a renewed sense of purpose in the state’s forests, mountains, and coastline. What started as a personal connection to the outdoors became a way to help others discover new places, support local businesses, and appreciate Oregon’s quirks. He writes about local history, outdoor adventures, good food, and the occasional bit of satire, or whatever catches his attention before the coffee wears off.

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