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The rodeo is coming to California this month with a new festival-style event that fuses bull riding, barrel racing, live music and retail. Taking place April 25 to 27 in Thermal, CA, “Desert Rodeo” will take over the Desert International Horse Park for a weekend of western-themed activations.
Held during the same dates as this year’s Stagecoach Festival, Desert Rodeo isn’t affiliated with the popular country music event, but rather a chance to bring a similar audience together. The International Horse Park, meantime, was home to the late-night Neon Carnival over Coachella weekend, but Desert Rodeo will be a decidedly more daytime affair, with doors opening at 11 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. each day.
Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), performances at Desert Rodeo will include eight official rodeo events — think everything from steer wrestling and team roping, to saddle bronc and bareback riding. The events will be highlighted by appearances from eight-time PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright and four-time women’s World Champion Hailey Kinsel. Cowboy Channel+ will be livestreaming all rodeo events.
Desert Rodeo will also bring a little Americana to the Coachella Valley, with national anthem performances each day from country singer Lanie Gardner (April 25); singer/songwriter Genelle Seldon (April 26); and local singing duo, 12-year-old Audrey Lambert and 13-year-old Clarisse Pascoe (April 27).
Desert Rodeo will also turn the Coachella Valley into a shopping destination, with pop-up retail activations from iconic Western brands like Wrangler, Boot Barn, and Stetson. And reality TV fans can shoot their shot with the contestants from Fox’s Farmer Wants a Wife — though no word on whether they’ll still be looking for love or just a good time at the rodeo. Bud Light, meantime, is the official beer sponsor of Desert Rodeo, and George Strait’s Código 1530 is the official tequila sponsor. Plus, don’t miss brands like Rivian offering cold plunges and mechanical bull rides on-site.
Passes to Desert Rodeo 2025 start at $30 with Midway access (no access to rodeo shows) and $99 for general admission rodeo tickets. Desert Rodeo is also offering premium rodeo boxes, which offer front-row, shaded cabana-style lounge seating complete with bottle service and gourmet food as well as access to the exclusive Rancher’s Reserve, featuring IV therapy from Drip Hydration and an exclusive whiskey tasting of award-winning Smokeye Hill Bourbon. See full packages here.
Organizers say the event will incorporate “community driven fundraising efforts” each day to support the California Fire Foundation, County of Los Angeles Fire Department, and Golden Circle of Champions, which raises awareness and funds for children battling pediatric cancer.
“Americans have always been captivated by the grit, spirit, and adventure of the Wild West and Desert Rodeo is designed to amplify that passion while honoring the sport’s rich legacy,” says co-founder andEntertainment Tonightcorrespondent Cassie DiLaura. “Our team is honored to highlight the best of the West and we are incredibly thankful for the support of the PRCA, whose belief in Desert Rodeo has helped us bring our vision to reality.”
“New ideas and new people are great at helping tell the story of the West,” says Paul Woody, PRCA Chief Marketing Officer. “We know the Desert Rodeo committee will do great things in 2025 and the future.”
