Caldwell Night Rodeo returns every August, bringing five nights of professional rodeo to Caldwell, Idaho. Just about 20 minutes from Nampa, it is one of the Treasure Valley’s biggest summer traditions, drawing more than 50,000 fans during rodeo week.
If you’re making the short drive from Nampa, here’s what to know before you go, including this year’s dates, nightly schedule, tickets, parking, bag rules and some of the history behind this longtime Idaho tradition.
The 2026 Caldwell Night Rodeo runs Tuesday, August 18 through Saturday, August 22 at 2301 Blaine Street in Caldwell.
Tuesday through Friday:
Saturday:
General admission seating is first come, first served, so getting there early is a good idea.
There is also free Slack competition on Monday, August 17, with barrel racing beginning at 9 a.m. and team roping, breakaway, steer wrestling and tie-down beginning at 4 p.m. No ticket is required for Slack.
See the Official Caldwell Night Rodeo Schedule
Each night of Caldwell Night Rodeo has its own theme.
The opening night recognizes local first responders.
Fans are encouraged to wear purple to support the fight against domestic violence in the Treasure Valley.
This night recognizes people affected by cancer. Fans are encouraged to wear a color representing the cancer that has affected them or someone they love.
Friday night honors current and former members of the U.S. military.
The final night brings back the top 12 athletes from each qualifying event to compete for the championship.
See the Full Rodeo Week Schedule
Ticket prices depend on the night and where you sit.
For Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, discounted general admission tickets are available for children under 12 and seniors age 60 and older. Children age 2 and younger do not need a ticket if they sit on a lap.
Friday and Saturday are typically the busiest nights, and the rodeo warns that tickets can sell out.
Caldwell Night Rodeo also cautions buyers against purchasing tickets through third-party resale websites. Tickets purchased through the official rodeo website are processed through ETIX, and D&B Supply in Caldwell is the rodeo’s physical ticket outlet.
Because prices and availability can change, check the official ticket page before you go.
Check Current Ticket Prices and Availability
Parking around the Rodeo grounds can fill quickly.
Limited free parking is available near Simplot Stadium, just east of the rodeo grounds off Blaine Street. Another free dirt parking area is located on 22nd Avenue behind Caldwell Bowl.
Free street parking may also be available in the surrounding area. Make sure you’re in a legal parking spot and do not park along the railroad tracks.
ADA parking is available on a first come, first served basis in front of O’Connor Field House at 2207 Blaine Street.
Some nearby businesses also allow local organizations to charge for parking on their property, so bringing some cash may be helpful.
ATN tip: If you have general admission tickets, arriving early helps twice. You’ll have a better chance of finding convenient parking and getting the seats you want.
See Caldwell Night Rodeo Visitor Information
This is one worth checking before you head out the door.
The event uses a clear bag policy.
Each person may bring one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 14 x 14 x 6 inches.
You may also carry a small non-clear clutch, purse or wallet no larger than 4 x 6 x 2 inches.
Larger non-clear bags are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical and diaper bags, which may be searched before entry.
If this is your first Caldwell Night Rodeo, you’ll quickly hear about the Rowdies and Civies.
The two sides of the arena have a long-running rivalry over which group can make the most noise.
The tradition was started by longtime rodeo announcer Randy Corley. He began calling fans on one side of the arena the Rowdies, while fans on the more “civilized” side eventually became the Civies.
What started as some good-natured teasing became part of the Caldwell Night Rodeo experience, with the crowd itself playing a role in the atmosphere each night.
So if someone asks whether you’re a Rowdy or a Civie, they’re not asking whether you behaved yourself at the rodeo.
They’re asking where you sat.
Read the Story Behind the Rowdies and Civies
The Caldwell Night Rodeo didn’t actually begin as a night rodeo.
Its roots go back to 1924, when Caldwell held a gymkhana and bucking contest to raise money for a riding hall and armory for the 116th Idaho National Guard cavalry unit stationed in Caldwell.
In 1935, lights were installed, allowing the competition to take place at night. It became Southwest Idaho’s first night rodeo and helped establish the tradition we know today.
There’s also a story behind the rodeo’s famous motto, “Where the Cowboys Are the Stars.”
In 1965, terrible weather contributed to a disastrous rodeo week and financial trouble for the organization. At the time, rodeos commonly hired entertainment headliners. Caldwell’s featured entertainer that year was singer Patti Page.
After the financial setback, organizers decided that when the rodeo returned, the focus would stay on the competitors rather than celebrity entertainment.
The cowboys and cowgirls would be the stars.
Today, Caldwell Night Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and has grown into one of the country’s leading large outdoor rodeos.
Rodeo week starts early in Caldwell.
The Caldwell Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Buckaroo Breakfast throughout Caldwell Night Rodeo week.
For 2026, breakfast is served:
Adult tickets are $10, while seniors age 65 and older and children under 10 are $8.
The breakfast has become a rodeo week tradition of its own and supports local programs, youth partnerships and small businesses.
Get Buckaroo Breakfast Details
2026 Dates: August 18 through 22
Location: Caldwell Night Rodeo Arena, 2301 Blaine Street, Caldwell
From Nampa: About a 20-minute drive, depending on where you’re starting and traffic
Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Pro Rodeo: 7:45 p.m.
Seating: General admission is first come, first served
Parking: Free and paid options are available around the rodeo grounds
Bag Policy: Clear bags up to 14 x 14 x 6 inches, with a small-clutch exception
Tickets: Buying in advance is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday
Caldwell Night Rodeo is held each August in Caldwell, Idaho. In 2026, the five main rodeo performances run August 18 through August 22.
For 2026, arena gates open at 5:30 p.m. The Junior Rodeo begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and the Pro Rodeo begins at 7:45 p.m. Saturday’s Junior Rodeo begins at 6 p.m.
Caldwell Night Rodeo is held at the Caldwell Night Rodeo Arena at 2301 Blaine Street in Caldwell, Idaho. It is about 20 minutes from Nampa, depending on traffic and where you’re starting.
Ticket prices vary by night, seating area and age. Discounted general admission tickets are available for children under 12 and seniors on Tuesday through Thursday. Because prices and availability can change, check the official Caldwell Night Rodeo ticket page before purchasing.
Limited free parking is available near Simplot Stadium and in a dirt parking lot on 22nd Avenue behind Caldwell Bowl. Street and paid parking may also be available nearby. Parking fills quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, but size restrictions apply. A non-clear clutch, purse or wallet can be no larger than 4 x 6 x 2 inches. Larger permitted bags must be clear and no larger than 14 x 14 x 6 inches.
Yes. Caldwell Night Rodeo is a family-friendly event and includes a Junior Rodeo before the professional competition. Discounted children’s general admission tickets are available on select nights.
The Rowdies and Civies are the two rival sides of the Caldwell Night Rodeo crowd. The friendly competition over which side can be louder has become one of the event’s best-known traditions.
