A Local Guide: Experience Summer Rodeo Fun in Cheyenne, WY

Every summer, the city of Cheyenne turns into a top destination for modern cowboys and those wanting to get a glimpse at the rodeo action. Home to some of the largest rodeo events in the world, Cheyenne remains a constant in Old West history and modern-day cowboy culture.

There is so much to experience in Cheyenne beyond summer rodeos, so we teamed up with our Wyoming Ariat retail partners to bring you a local guide with best spots to explore.

For your morning caffeine…

Get your day started on the right foot with a cup of joe from one of Cheyenne’s many popular coffee shops. Locally owned and operated Paramount Cafe is situated within the historic Paramount building in downtown Cheyenne and is known for a custom espresso gold roast and other smooth coffee blends. Enjoy your morning coffee in the secret garden and soak up the vintage charm of the restored Paramount Theater building before heading out for the day.

For your rodeo fix…

Summer is rodeo season in Wyoming. With so many rodeo events taking place during the month of July, Cheyenne becomes a hotspot for modern cowboys and those looking to experience real Western sports and culture.

One of the most popular Western events in July is Cheyenne Frontier Days, an annual celebration that takes place over the course of ten days. What started in 1897 has evolved into the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and features events including PRCA rodeo, concerts, professional bull riders, USAF Thunderbirds, parades, pancake breakfasts, a Western art show, carnival, Old West Museum, and more. You can catch several Ariat Athletes competing this year at Cheyenne Frontier Days from July 22-31, 2022.

Nearby Gillette hosts the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) finals every July, which brings the top four competitors in each rodeo event from a state or province to the finals.

The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) is the largest youth organization in the Western industry with an annual membership of 12,000 students from 44 states, 5 Canadian provinces, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the course of seven days, more than 1,650 high school contestants compete for college scholarships and the Championship Title. Ariat has been a proud sponsor of NHSFR for over 15 years. This year’s National High School Finals Rodeo events take place at the Cam-Plex Event Center from July 17-22, 2022 and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the promising young cowboys and cowgirls competing this year.

There's even more action in Cheyenne this July that you won't want to miss. The PBR Team Series kicks off in Cheyenne on July 25-26. The Ariat Texas Rattlers will be competing along with two other teams we sponsor: the Nashville Stampede & Missouri Thunder.

Look the part…

Whether you’re searching for something new to wear to Cheyenne Frontier Days or wanting a souvenir to remember your stay, our retail partners in Wyoming have all your Ariat needs covered. Head to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply for ranch supplies, tools, and your favorite Ariat gear. There are two Boot Barn locations in Cheyenne where you can find a wide selection of Western wear and accessories, including Ariat footwear and apparel. Sportsman Warehouse is another local retailer with a wide selection of Ariat footwear and apparel as well as anything you might need for your next adventure. Finally, JAX Outdoor Gear, Farm & Ranch offers Ariat footwear and apparel and other gear to get you outdoors. JAX also participates in our denim recycling program, where you can bring in an old pair of Ariat denim and get $10 towards your next pair.

For family fun…

Here at Ariat, we’re all in favor of family fun. There are several kid-friendly events that take place during Cheyenne Frontier Days, but perhaps the most popular is the Grand Parade. Starting at 9 a.m. on July 23, 26, 28 and 30, you can catch some of the best marching bands and horse-drawn carriages in the country parade from the Wyoming Capitol through downtown Cheyenne. Be sure to get there early to secure a good spot on the sidewalk.

If you’re searching for another activity suitable for any age, take a ride on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. The 90-minute trolley ride will take you through historic sites and buildings in downtown Cheyenne while giving you a lively history of the Wild West (and a few cowboy jokes) along the way.

For good eats and drinks…

Begin your Cheyenne adventures with a big breakfast at one of the best spots in town. Luxury Diner, just outside of downtown has been serving up delicious diner favorites 1926, although having officially been the Luxury Diner since 1964. Legend has it that the restaurant’s dining car was an actual operating trolley car on the streets of Cheyenne between 1894 to 1912. Here, you’ll find dishes still prepared from scratch and decades-old favorites like the green chili and sausage gravy.

Another staple loved among the Cheyenne locals is Wyoming’s Rib and Chop House situated in downtown. Enjoy premium steaks, seafood and bison or help yourself to the award-winning baby back ribs or one of the 30 beers on tap.

For some honky-tonk music and perhaps a little dancing, head to Bunkhouse Bar and Grill about 20 minutes west of downtown. This authentic Wyoming roadhouse offers everything from steaks and sandwiches to slow-cooked prime rib. Live music from the house band plays every Friday and Saturday evening from 7 to 11 p.m.

Saddle up for a fun-filled trip to Wyoming, and don’t forget to tag us in your adventures with #myAriat.