Tickets for Friday July 3 already sell out for summer classic slated for July, 2-4 at city’s Dan Russell Arena
The bucking chutes will swing open once again this week as the Folsom Pro Rodeo returns to Dan Russell Arena for its 65th anniversary celebration, bringing three nights of rodeo action, fireworks and patriotic tradition to the city’s Independence Day festivities.
The annual event remains one of California’s premier rodeo celebrations and arrives during a historic year that also commemorates America’s 250th anniversary and the City of Folsom’s 80th birthday.
This year’s rodeo marks multiple historic milestones. The Folsom Pro Rodeo is celebrating its 65th anniversary while communities across the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The celebration also coincides with the City of Folsom’s 80th anniversary year.
Since its beginnings in 1960, the Folsom Pro Rodeo has evolved from a hometown rodeo into a nationally recognized event that draws thousands of spectators each year while remaining deeply rooted in the community spirit and Western heritage that helped shape the city.
The significance of the event was recognized Tuesday night when Mayor Justin Raithel officially proclaimed July 2 through July 4 as Western Rodeo Days in the City of Folsom during the Folsom City Council meeting. The proclamation honors the rodeo’s long-standing role in preserving local Western traditions while bringing generations of residents and visitors together each summer.
This year’s celebration carries added significance as communities across the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Folsom Pro Rodeo’s blend of patriotism, Western heritage and family tradition makes it a fitting local tribute to America’s semiquincentennial celebration while also helping celebrate the City of Folsom’s 80th anniversary year.
For many families throughout the Sacramento region, the Folsom Pro Rodeo is more than a sporting event. It is an annual tradition that marks the arrival of Independence Day celebrations, bringing together community members from across California for three nights of patriotic entertainment, Western culture and family fun.
“The Folsom Pro Rodeo is a community event, first and foremost,” said Choose Folsom CEO Joe Gagliardi. “Its storied history goes back over 60 years, bringing patriotic family fun to Greater Sacramento.”
That community connection has helped transform the rodeo into one of the city’s signature annual events, attracting visitors from throughout California while generating economic activity for local businesses, restaurants, hotels and retailers during one of the busiest tourism periods of the year.
While the rodeo’s history remains a major part of its appeal, the event continues to evolve by blending traditional rodeo competition with modern entertainment, family attractions and visitor experiences that appeal to audiences of all ages.
Each evening begins with a dramatic grand entry ceremony before the action turns to a full slate of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned competition featuring many of the sport’s top athletes.
Fans can expect all of the classic rodeo events that have made the sport famous, including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping and other crowd favorites. Competitors will battle for prize money, championship points and bragging rights as they compete before thousands of spectators.
Of course, rodeo action is only part of what makes the Folsom Pro Rodeo one of the region’s most anticipated summer events.
Returning this year are the Flying Cowboys, whose high-flying motocross stunts combine speed, precision and aerial acrobatics as riders soar high above the arena floor. Their performances have become one of the event’s most anticipated attractions and continue to thrill audiences year after year.
Also returning is Bull Jumping, an electrifying spectacle that challenges athletes to dodge, leap over and perform acrobatic maneuvers around charging bulls. The event blends athleticism, courage and timing in a way that routinely leaves crowds on the edge of their seats.
Another fan favorite making its return is the nationally acclaimed Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers. Known throughout the country for their precision riding routines and colorful equestrian performances, the group has earned national recognition, including appearances in the iconic Tournament of Roses Parade.
Young rodeo fans will once again have their chance to shine with the return of mutton bustin’, one of the most popular attractions of the entire event. The competition gives children an opportunity to test their riding skills atop a sheep while thousands of spectators cheer them on in pursuit of eight unforgettable seconds.
As the nation marks America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the patriotic atmosphere surrounding the Folsom Pro Rodeo takes on even greater meaning. For decades, the rodeo has served as one of the region’s signature Independence Day celebrations, honoring the values, traditions and pioneering spirit that helped shape both California and the nation.
Few events in Northern California combine Western heritage and Fourth of July celebration quite like the Folsom Pro Rodeo. From the grand entry and presentation of the colors to nightly tributes to military personnel, first responders and veterans, the event reflects the same spirit of service, sacrifice and community being celebrated nationwide during the America 250 commemoration.
That patriotic spirit culminates each night with one of the event’s most recognizable traditions—a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the skies above Dan Russell Arena. The nightly fireworks shows have become a signature element of the rodeo experience and provide a memorable finale to each evening’s activities.
Beyond the arena itself, the Folsom Pro Rodeo delivers a festival atmosphere that extends throughout the grounds. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors, merchandise booths and family-friendly attractions before and during the performances. Organizers report that vendor spaces have once again sold out, reflecting the continued popularity of the event and the exposure it provides participating businesses.
One of the most popular gathering spots during rodeo week remains the Saloon Under the Stars. The venue offers a lively atmosphere where guests can enjoy refreshments, country music and socializing before and after the main rodeo performances and also serves as the site of the annual Choose Folsom business mixer.
“The Saloon Under the Stars is a spacious venue with room for chatting and dancing as the live music heats up,” said Gagliardi. “Whether you’re attending the kickoff party or connecting with local entrepreneurs, the rodeo is a fun backdrop for both serious—and not-so-serious—conversations.”
The rodeo’s impact extends well beyond Dan Russell Arena. Each year the event generates significant visitor traffic for local hotels, restaurants and retailers while showcasing Folsom as a destination for family entertainment and tourism.
To help visitors enjoy the event, Choose Folsom has once again partnered with Sacramento Regional Transit to provide complimentary light rail transportation for rodeo attendees with a valid admission ticket. Guests can ride light rail to Historic Folsom Station and utilize the dedicated trolley shuttle service to reach the arena.
Visitors looking to make a full holiday weekend out of the experience can also take advantage of special Rodeo Hotel Packages. Guests who book qualifying two-night stays at participating hotels between July 2 and July 4 can receive complimentary general admission rodeo tickets and paddleboard passes as part of the promotion.
“Western heritage is in Folsom’s DNA,” said Gagliardi. “We’re proud of our roots, but we’re also a city that innovates—and the rodeo reflects that. From the high-flying motocross antics of the Flying Cowboys to the skilled horses of the Painted Ladies, the Folsom Pro Rodeo features inspiring acts that may even spark a little creativity of your own.”
Tickets for the 2026 Folsom Pro Rodeo are available in several options designed to accommodate every type of rodeo fan. General admission tickets are priced at $30 and provide access to the arena’s festive bleacher seating. Reserved seating is available for $45 and guarantees guests a designated seat location, while Premier Reserved Seating is offered for $65 and features premium views of the arena with convenient access to food vendors and beverage areas.
For guests seeking the ultimate rodeo experience, the Corral Club returns this year at $85 per ticket. The premium package includes some of the closest seats to the action along with access to a new luxury air-conditioned hospitality tent featuring private bars, large-screen televisions and two complimentary drink tokens. Organizers note that Corral Club tickets are extremely limited and are expected to sell out quickly.
Families can take advantage of a Family Pack option that includes four general admission tickets for $110, offering one of the best values available during the three-night event. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free when seated on a parent or guardian’s lap.
Guests requiring accessible seating are encouraged to purchase general admission tickets, with designated wheelchair and companion seating available at the top of Section G. Family members wishing to sit nearby are encouraged to purchase reserved seating in Section G. Arena officials also remind guests that strollers are not permitted inside the venue due to space and fire regulations, although a designated Stroller Corral sponsored by Bayside Church will once again be available outside the arena.
In addition to standard ticket options, the Folsom Pro Rodeo and The Law Office of Tiffany Andrews are once again partnering to offer complimentary admission to veterans, active-duty military personnel and first responders through a special Military and First Responder Ticket Program. Eligible guests may also receive one complimentary guest ticket as part of the program. Organizers note that only 200 tickets are available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Reservations can be made by calling 707-592-9603.
The 2026 Folsom Pro Rodeo takes place July 2, 3 and 4 at Dan Russell Arena. Gates open nightly at 5 p.m., preshow activities begin at 6 p.m., and the rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to celebrating its own milestone 65th anniversary, this year’s rodeo arrives during a historic year for the nation as America commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The convergence of those milestones gives this year’s event an added sense of significance, blending local history with a national celebration of freedom, perseverance and community.
Sixty-five years after the first competitors entered the arena in Folsom, the rodeo remains a powerful reminder of the city’s Western roots and the traditions that continue to bring generations together. As Independence Day approaches and America marks its 250th birthday, organizers are preparing for another unforgettable year of rodeo action, patriotic celebration and hometown pride under the summer skies of Folsom.
Tickets and complete event information are available at folsomprorodeo.com.
Hometown Parade, Cattle Drive Kick Off Rodeo Week
One-Night-Only Cattle Drive to Honor America 250, Folsom’s 80th Anniversary and the 65th Folsom Pro Rodeo
FOLSOM – For one evening this summer, Historic Folsom will step back into its western roots as cattle once again make their way down Sutter Street in a rare spectacle that organizers say may never be repeated.
The Folsom Historic District Association is inviting residents and visitors to gather in Historic Folsom on Wednesday, July 1, for the annual Historic Folsom Hometown Parade and the special return of the community’s beloved cattle drive, an event being brought back for one night only to commemorate three major milestones in 2026.
The celebration will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, the 80th anniversary of the City of Folsom and the 65th anniversary of the Folsom Pro Rodeo, creating what organizers describe as a uniquely Folsom evening that blends hometown traditions, western heritage and community pride.
The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with the Historic Folsom Hometown Parade, presented by Shriners Children’s. The parade will travel along Sutter Street from Coloma Street to Reading Street, bringing together local organizations, community groups, colorful floats, marching bands and residents from across the region.
Then, as the sun begins to set over Historic Folsom, approximately 50 head of cattle, including Texas Longhorns, will make their way down Sutter Street in a carefully managed cattle drive guided by experienced riders.
Unlike the high-speed cattle runs often portrayed in movies, organizers emphasize that the animals will be calmly driven through the district, creating a safe and family-friendly experience while offering a rare glimpse into the western traditions that helped shape the region’s history.
For many residents, the return of the cattle drive is expected to be one of the most memorable moments of the summer.
The event serves as a symbolic bridge between Folsom’s past and present, celebrating the ranching heritage that once defined much of the area while marking the city’s continued growth into one of Northern California’s most vibrant communities.
The cattle drive also serves as an unofficial kickoff to the 65th annual Folsom Pro Rodeo, which begins the following day and continues through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Throughout the evening, spectators can expect plenty of opportunities to interact with parade participants while enjoying the festive atmosphere that has made the Historic Folsom Hometown Parade one of the city’s most enduring traditions.
This year’s parade will also introduce an expanded announcing experience designed to give spectators a closer connection to the participants traveling the route.
For the first time, announcers will be stationed throughout Sutter Street, sharing information about parade entries and helping keep the crowd engaged from beginning to end.
Former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness and longtime resident John Felts will serve as announcers on the 700 block of Sutter Street. Returning crowd favorites Ian Cornell and Bryan Greenwalt will once again provide commentary from the 600 and 800 blocks, while Alicia Wilson joins the announcing team this year on the 900 block.
Organizers say the enhanced announcing locations will help visitors better understand the parade entries while adding another layer of excitement to the celebration.
To make attendance easier and reduce traffic congestion, Sacramento Regional Transit is partnering with event organizers to offer free Gold Line light rail rides between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 1 for those attending the parade and cattle drive.
Passengers can receive complimentary rides by showing a photo of the event poster or postcard along with the event QR code when boarding.
The Gold Line provides direct access to Historic Folsom Station, placing riders just steps away from the festivities. Trains are scheduled to arrive approximately every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the evening.
Additional incentives are being offered to encourage the use of public transit.
Riders boarding at Iron Point Station between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. will receive a complimentary gift from Folsom Premium Outlets, while those arriving at Historic Folsom Station will receive free flags and bracelets while supplies last.
For those choosing to drive, organizers caution that parking will become increasingly limited after 3 p.m. due to road closures and event operations. Available parking options include the 905 Leidesdorff Garage, where a $5 donation is requested between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., as well as public lots on Sutter Street, Traders Lane, Reading Street and Folsom Boulevard. Additional parking will be available near Karen’s Bakery and at the Rodeo Grounds with access to the Johnny Cash Trail.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, carpool, use ride-sharing services or take advantage of the free light rail transportation whenever possible.
As Folsom continues celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout 2026, the July 1 festivities are expected to serve as one of the year’s signature community gatherings.
With a hometown parade, a rare cattle drive, the opening of rodeo week and a community-wide celebration of American and local history, Historic Folsom is preparing for an evening that promises to bring generations together while creating memories that will last long after the cattle leave Sutter Street. For more information on the parade and cattle drive visit historicfolsom.org.
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