Celebrate Tradition at the 110th Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo!

I still remember attending my first rodeo at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. The smell of dust rising from the warm earth. The sound of cicadas harmonizing with the buzz of the crowd, cresting and falling like waves as cowboys cling to that 8-second ride. The salty-oily taste of deep-fried, spiral-cut fries and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

It always begins the same way. The crowd rises to its feet, hats to hearts, as the announcer asks for blessings to cover the safety of riders and animals alike.

Then a callout to our military, asking for protection and expressing gratitude. Girls on horseback make a loop in the arena with flag colors waving. Welcome to the annual Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo!

Here's another great rodeo in Arizona: The Last Rodeo on a Military Installation is in Arizona

The 110th Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo

I'm not sure of the exact year I went to my first rodeo, but the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo is my favorite end-of-summer event. The self-described Best Little Rodeo in Arizona is always held for three days on Labor Day weekend.

This year, the rodeo marks its 110th year, making it one of the longest-running rodeos in the state. The rodeo began in 1915, and since then, this beloved event has been a tradition that helps preserve Arizona’s ranching heritage.

When is the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo this Year?

This year, the rodeo will be August 30–September 1, 2025. You can come as a spectator or sign up to be part of the events. There are activities planned for participants of all ages, from the novice to the seasoned contestant.

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Rodeo Events for Kids and Adults

The events kick off every day at 10 am, beginning with Junior Rodeo at noon and the main performances starting at 2 pm.

Don't miss the skill and fun of barrel racing and team roping, and of course, the main event: the edge-of-your-seat thrill of Bull Riding.

Rodeo is really a family event, and as in years past, they have events for the young ones.

Sign up early if your kids plan to register or plan to watch the fun from the sidelines. This year's events include Mutton Bustin’, Barrel Racing, and Steer Riding, and a few more. Be sure to check the Sonoita Rodeo website for days, times, and registration information.

Read More about the first time I went to the Sonoita Rodeo: That WAS My First Rodeo

Rodeo: Ranching Traditions and Skill

Rodeos aren’t just about adrenaline, although you'll get a healthy dose of that! They’re also about tradition, skill, and respect—for riders and animals.

The cowboys and cowgirls train hard and treat their animals with care, and they're guided by strict rules that prioritize animal welfare. Rodeo teaches grit, teamwork, and sportsmanship, wrapped in a celebration of Western culture.

Each day has a special theme: Saturday honors First Responders, Sunday is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” for breast cancer awareness, and Monday salutes our military with discounted admission.

Don’t miss the steak fry and dance with live music on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Adult beverages are available for purchase.

Tickets are $17, and kids five and under are free. Get them online or at the event. For full details, visit sonoitafairgrounds.com/labor-day.

If you're looking for a way to create some core memories with your family, don't miss the “Best Little Rodeo in Arizona!”