Crooked River Roundup: Where Western Tradition Meets Small-Town Heart
Under the vast Oregon sky, as summer begins to paint the high desert landscape in golden hues, the town of Prineville prepares for its annual celebration of western heritage and rodeo excellence. The Crooked River Roundup, a cornerstone of Central Oregon's cultural identity, returns to the Susie Yancey Pape Arena from June 26-28, 2025, promising three days of world-class rodeo action, community celebration, and memories that will last a lifetime.
A Legacy Woven Into the Landscape
The Crooked River Roundup isn't just a rodeo—it's a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. For generations, this PRCA-sanctioned event has brought together the finest in rodeo competition while honoring the ranching traditions that built this corner of Oregon. The 2025 edition marks another chapter in this storied legacy, with the rodeo grounds once again transforming into the beating heart of Prineville.
As the sun sets behind the rimrock and the arena lights illuminate the grounds, you can almost feel the hoofbeats of history echoing through the generations. The Roundup has evolved over the decades, growing from humble beginnings into one of the Columbia River Circuit's premier rodeo events, yet it has never lost touch with its roots or its community.
Where Champions Are Made
With a substantial $90,000 purse at stake, the 2025 Crooked River Roundup will attract top-tier talent from across the nation. Cowboys and cowgirls will converge on Prineville to test their mettle in seven classic rodeo disciplines, each a showcase of the remarkable partnership between human athletes and their animal counterparts.
The thundering excitement begins with Bareback Riding, perhaps rodeo's most physically demanding event. Riders must maintain perfect form for eight seconds atop a bucking horse, with only a rigging handle to hold. One hand must remain free—touch the animal with it, and you're disqualified. The combination of raw power below and controlled technique above creates a breathtaking display of athletic prowess.
In Saddle Bronc Riding, often called rodeo's classic event, tradition meets technique as contestants balance themselves atop specially bred bucking horses. With roots tracing back to the practical ranch work of breaking horses for riding, this event showcases the grace and control that defines championship-caliber riding.
The arena will fall silent before erupting in cheers during Bull Riding, as competitors face off against opponents weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Those eight seconds atop a spinning, twisting bull represent rodeo's ultimate challenge—a test of courage, balance, and timing that has made this the most popular rodeo event for many fans.
The timed events showcase a different kind of skill and precision. Steer Wrestling will have spectators on the edge of their seats as cowboys leap from horseback onto running steers, using strength and leverage to bring the animals to a halt. Tie-Down Roping demonstrates the practical ranch skills that have been refined into competition, with riders showcasing horsemanship, roping accuracy, and on-ground technique.
The arena will thunder with hoofbeats during Barrel Racing, as talented cowgirls and their equine partners navigate a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. This event combines speed, agility, and the remarkable communication between horse and rider—often decided by mere hundredths of a second.
Rounding out the competition, Team Roping highlights the collaborative nature of ranch work, with header and heeler working in perfect synchronization to rope a steer's horns and hind legs. It's the only true team event in professional rodeo, and at the Crooked River Roundup, you'll see some of the best in the business.
Beyond the Arena: A Community Celebration
While the rodeo action forms the heart of the Roundup, the celebration extends far beyond the arena's confines. The annual Roundup Parade will wind through downtown Prineville, with decorated floats, marching bands, equestrian units, and community groups creating a moving tableau of small-town pride and western heritage.
Throughout the three-day event, the grounds will buzz with activity. Vendors will offer everything from authentic western wear and handcrafted jewelry to delicious food that ranges from classic fair favorites to regional specialties. Live music will fill the air, with performances scheduled between rodeo events and continuing into the evening.
Families will find plenty to enjoy in the dedicated Kids' Zone, where younger buckaroos can try their hand at rodeo-themed activities, meet friendly animals, and perhaps discover their own passion for western heritage. One perennial favorite, Mutton Bustin', gives children the chance to experience their own rodeo moment, holding tight to wool as sheep dash across the arena—creating moments of joy and sometimes comical tumbles that often steal the show.
The Heart of a Community
What truly sets the Crooked River Roundup apart is its deep connection to the community it serves. This isn't just an event that happens in Prineville—it's an event that happens because of Prineville. Local volunteers dedicate countless hours to ensure its success, local businesses provide crucial support, and the economic impact ripples throughout Central Oregon.
For three days, the Roundup transforms Prineville. Hotels fill with visitors, restaurants buzz with activity, and local shops welcome rodeo enthusiasts from near and far. The event serves as both a celebration of local identity and an invitation to experience the warmth and hospitality that defines this corner of Oregon.
Planning Your Roundup Experience
Securing Your Spot at the Action
The 2025 Crooked River Roundup promises to be a highlight of the summer rodeo calendar, and securing your tickets early is highly recommended. Tickets will go on sale in late April 2025, available for purchase directly through this website.
Several ticket options will be available to suit different preferences and budgets. General Admission provides access to the grandstand seating on a first-come, first-served basis—perfect for those who enjoy the flexibility to move around and experience the rodeo from different vantage points.
For those seeking a guaranteed view of favorite events, Reserved Seating offers assigned seats in prime viewing areas. These tickets allow you to stake your claim to a specific spot for the duration of the performance, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the action.
VIP Packages will elevate the experience with premium seating, exclusive access areas, and additional amenities that make for an unforgettable rodeo experience. Multi-Day Passes offer savings for those planning to attend multiple performances, while special rates for children and seniors make the Roundup accessible for all ages.
When tickets become available, purchasing options will include online sales through the official website, phone orders, and in-person purchases at the ticket office and select local retailers. Group rates will be available for parties of ten or more, making the Roundup an ideal outing for family reunions, corporate gatherings, or social clubs.
As a PRCA-sanctioned event that continues to grow in popularity, certain seating sections may sell out quickly. Early purchase is strongly encouraged, particularly for weekend performances and premium seating areas.
Making the Most of Your Visit
For visitors traveling to Prineville, the area offers a range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. Local hotels and motels provide comfortable lodging within easy reach of the rodeo grounds, while nearby camping facilities allow visitors to embrace the outdoor spirit of the region.
The Susie Yancey Pape Arena offers ample parking, though arriving early is recommended, particularly for evening performances. Comfortable, casual attire is appropriate for the rodeo, with many attendees embracing western wear—from boots and jeans to cowboy hats—as part of the experience. Central Oregon's weather can vary significantly between day and night, so layers are advisable, particularly for evening performances.
A Tradition Worth Experiencing
Whether you're a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or experiencing your first bucking bronc, the Crooked River Roundup offers something special. It's more than competition—it's a living connection to the heritage that shaped the American West and continues to define communities like Prineville.
When the chute gates swing open this June, they'll reveal not just the drama of rodeo competition but the heart of a community that takes pride in its western roots. From the thundering hooves and skilled competitors to the smiling volunteers and cheering crowds, the Roundup embodies the spirit of a tradition that remains vibrant and relevant.
Mark your calendars for June 26-28, 2025, and prepare to experience the unique magic that happens when world-class rodeo action meets small-town heart at the Crooked River Roundup. It's more than just a weekend—it's a memory in the making, a tradition worth passing down, and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the American West.