Late July and August are packed with events, but for a real taste of Idaho, nothing beats a rodeo. Here’s your roundup (see what we did there?) of Southern Idaho’s rodeos, from small-town affairs to arena fillers.
July 31-August 5
Minidoka County Fair. Minidoka County Fairgrounds, 85 E. Baseline Road, Rupert. Experience chariot races, many types of rodeos, carnival and horse races, animal shows, antique tractor pulls, and a good, old-fashioned fair atmosphere.
August 12-19
Cassia County Fair and Rodeo. Cassia County Fairgrounds, 1101 Elba Avenue, Burley. One of Cassia County’s most cherished and celebrated events, this fair features rides, livestock exhibits, cotton candy — and a fine rodeo. The rodeo comes complete with a kids’ night, family night, motorcycle and ATV competitions, and Wrangler Night (first 200 attendees will receive hat stickers from Wrangler).
August 17-19
Gooding Pro Rodeo. Gooding County Fairgrounds, 201 Lucy Lane, Gooding. This award-winning rodeo transforms the small city of Gooding into a cowboy mecca thanks to a roster of world-class talent, including more than a 100 competitors who have been national finalists or world champions. Thousands of people turn out not just for the rodeo, but for the fair that accompanies it, along with the 4-H and FFA market animal sale. If you’re looking for a true Western fair and rodeo, Gooding is your place.
August 30-September 4
Twin Falls County Fair and Magic Valley Stampede. Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, 215 Fair Avenue, Filer. Monster trucks, classic country, and a fast-paced rodeo: It’s all at this Magic Valley celebration. Check out traditional fair competitions, test your skills on the fairway, and check out the cowboys and cowgirls risking it all during the PRCA rodeo. Be sure to get your tickets: This rodeo averages 13,000 people.