Media Contact:

Claire Molle

claire@visitestespark.com

Heidi Barfels

Heidi@vistestespark.com

 

Riding High Again: The Rooftop Rodeo Returns to Estes Park— Bigger & Better than ever in 2023

This year brings back the Rooftop Rodeo Parade for the first time since 2019

 

ESTES PARK, Colo., May 22, 2023 – For more than a century, the Rooftop Rodeo has been a thrilling highlight of Estes Park’s summer season. Each year, the event, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, draws professional cowboys and cowgirls from around the world to compete in the Rocky Mountains, providing a spectacular natural backdrop for riders and audience. Taking place July 5-10, 2023, it’s packed with all-ages fun for rodeo aficionados and newcomers to the sport.

 

This year’s event will see the long-awaited return of the Rooftop Rodeo Parade at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, after a three year hiatus. The parade’s theme in 2023 is “A Cowboy Salute to Our Armed Forces,” with an array of horses, hitches, floats and marching bands drifting through downtown Estes Park, led by Miss Rodeo America 2023 Kennedee Riggs. The United States Marine Mounted Color Guard — the last remaining Mounted Color Guard within the Marine Corps — will also be joining the parade and rodeo and will help kick off the rodeo each night by presenting the colors. 

 

Each night of the Rodeo features unique themes and/or promotions:

  • Opening Night (Wednesday, July 5): The rodeo kicks off with a festive first night, featuring music, entertainment and the antics of Pro Rodeo Clown of the Year Justin Rumford.

  • Family Night (Thursday, July 6): Bring the kids! Tickets for children (ages 3-12) on Thursday are just $5 each. This is also a great time to experience the time-honored tradition of Mutton Bustin’ — find out how your kid can get involved!

  • Fiesta at the Rodeo (Friday, July 7): ¡Viva el rodeo! Enjoy classic mariachi music before the rodeo and during pre-show.

  • Paint Estes Park Pink (Saturday, July 8): Proudly wear pink on Saturday night to show your support for breast cancer awareness and research.

  • Military Night (Sunday, July 9): Military personnel and their families pay just $12 per person for general admission (I.D. required).

  • First Responders and Locals Night (Monday, July 10): First Responders and their families pay just $12 per person for general admission. Locals receive a discount on general admission when ordering tickets online or purchasing in advance at the Event Center office.

 

Gates open each night at 5 p.m. The pre-show begins at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m.

Behind The Chutes Tour

Want a VIP Rooftop Rodeo experience? Try the Behind The Chutes Tour, your chance to venture out to where all the rodeo action happens. You'll meet the stock contractor, contestants, and arena crew who will spotlight the fine art of rodeo. Tickets

 

Giving Back

The Estes Park Western Heritage Foundation is the Rooftop Rodeo’s Saloon partner in 2023, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the foundation’s scholarships. Further, a designated local charity will be highlighted each night during the rodeo performance, offering attendees the chance to donate and get involved.   

 

Rooftop Rodeo Ticket Info

Standard ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $35 for box seats, and $17 for senior citizens, military personnel (IDs required), and children (ages 3-12). Admission is free for children aged 2 and under. General admission discounts of 25 percent are available for groups of 15 or more and will apply automatically at checkout.

 

For more information about the Rooftop Rodeo, visit www.RooftopRodeo.com.

 

The Rooftop Rodeo is just one of several fantastic events to enjoy this summer in Estes Park. Recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 7 scenic courses in the USA, the Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon (June 17-18) offers a full weekend of running and play in the spectacular mountains. The eighth annual SnowyGrass Music Festival (July 14-16) at Stanley Park is a kid- and dog-friendly celebration of live music featuring dozens of performers in the great outdoors. The Estes Park Wine Festival (Aug. 12-13) takes over Bond Park in downtown Estes for a weekend packed with wine tastings, entertainment and more. And the destination says so long to summer with the Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival (Sept. 2-4), with over 100 booths featuring a variety of hand-crafted goods for sale. For more summer events in Estes Park, go to visitestespark.com/events-calendar. 

 

About Visit Estes Park

Visit Estes Park is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Estes Park, Colorado. A Destinations International (DI) accredited DMO, Visit Estes Park's mission is to drive sustainable year-round economic growth by encouraging visitor demand. Estes Park, just 90 minutes from Denver, is the basecamp for Rocky Mountain National Park offering outdoor experiences, activities, dining, shopping and an environment that is welcoming and approachable. Known for world-class adventure, resident wildlife and scenic beauty, Estes Park is Colorado’s quintessential mountain town. To learn more, go to visitestespark.com.